Khalifa University Professor of Practice Marcos López de Prado has been elected an International Member of Spain’s Royal Academy of Engineering, the country’s national academy in the field. He joins a select group of globally distinguished scientists, engineers and technology leaders. The lifetime distinction recognizes his pioneering contributions to computational science and financial machine learning, reflecting the caliber of expertise that contributes to Khalifa University’s growing international research ecosystem. He is the first member of the Academy elected with residence in the United Arab Emirates.
Professor López de Prado’s election adds to Khalifa University’s growing record of international scientific and engineering achievements, reinforcing its standing as a leading research-intensive university. Alongside its recent rise into the world’s top 150 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and its sustained global leadership across engineering disciplines, including Petroleum Engineering, ranked sixth worldwide for four consecutive years, the recognition reflects the University’s strategy of bringing together world-leading researchers to advance knowledge, foster innovation and address challenges of national and global importance.
His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: “Professor López de Prado’s election is a remarkable achievement that reflects the excellence of the scholars who contribute to Khalifa University’s research community. By bringing together world-leading expertise and fostering a culture of innovation, we continue to strengthen the University’s global reputation while advancing scientific discovery that supports the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in science, technology and innovation.”
In addition to his role at Khalifa University’s Department of Mathematics, Professor López de Prado serves as Global Head – Quantitative Research & Development at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). His election reflects Khalifa University’s belief that world-class education is built on strong partnerships between academia and industry. By engaging internationally recognized experts who are actively shaping their professions, the University ensures students benefit from both academic excellence and real-world insight, while strengthening research that delivers tangible impact to society and the economy.
Election to the Royal Academy of Engineering is one of Spain’s highest scientific honors. Membership is for life, limited in number and not open to application. Candidates are nominated by Academy members, evaluated by the Admissions Board, and elected at a plenary session by an absolute majority of all members entitled to vote. Professor López de Prado joins a select group of 71 International Members worldwide, including Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and some 60 members of leading national academies around the world.
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