École Polytechnique connects with MBZUAI to advance AI research and education in France and the UAE
École Polytechnique, a leading French institution, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi to collaborate on AI research, education, and innovation.
The agreement establishes a framework for joint research projects, training programs, and strategic initiatives, allowing researchers and students from both institutions to benefit from shared expertise.
The partnership was formalized during the “AI, Science and Society” conference, held on February 6-7, 2025, at École Polytechnique as part of the AI Action Summit in France.
AI research collaboration
Researchers from École Polytechnique and MBZUAI have already been working together on AI development, focusing on methods, tools, and foundational models. Among them, Eric Moulines, professor and researcher at École Polytechnique, is conducting collaborative research with MBZUAI experts on generative AI models and uncertainty quantification. Their work includes advancing conformal error quantification methods, with plans to extend this research to meteorological and climate models, as well as large language models (LLMs).
The MoU aligns with broader efforts by France and the United Arab Emirates to deepen AI cooperation. The two countries have outlined plans to establish a strategic AI partnership, including the creation of a dedicated AI campus in France.
Located in Abu Dhabi, MBZUAI plays a key role in the UAE’s ambition to become a global center for AI research and development. The university specializes in computer science and AI, aiming to strengthen its network by partnering with leading international institutions.
Speaking exclusively to ETIH, Gaëlle Le Goff, Director for International Affairs at École Polytechnique, highlighted the significance of the agreement:
"The signing of this MoU between MBZUAI and École Polytechnique is the result of the strong research ties between our leading AI experts. As we share the same goal to become a hub for the international AI community, this partnership will be an asset for our researchers and will enable them to benefit from the strengths of each partner institution. Together, we will explore how AI can transform various sectors and address global challenges."
