ASU Hosts Global Decision-Making Science Conference with Participation from 49 Countries

In the presence of H.E. Dr Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahromi, Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council, Applied Science University (ASU) inaugurated the 6th edition of the International Conference on Decision Aid Science and Applications (DASA 2025), held on 1–2 December 2025 with broad international participation from leading scholars and experts worldwide.

This year’s conference achieved remarkable reach, bringing together 1,875 researchers from 49 countries, who submitted 432 peer-reviewed scientific papers presented across a series of parallel sessions. On the sidelines of the conference, ASU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ISC Paris Business School to strengthen academic and research cooperation between the two institutions. In her opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Aljahrami affirmed the significant importance the Higher Education Council places on scientific research, knowledge transfer, and international collaboration between local and international higher education institutions, regarded not merely as desirable pursuits, but as vital strategic imperatives.

The Secretary General added that partnerships with renowned global institutions elevate the standards of our academic programmes, reinforce the Kingdom’s research capacities, broaden the horizons of students and faculty, and complement the national priorities of the Kingdom of Bahrain, guided by the visionary leaderships who consistently champion excellence, openness, and global engagement. Professor Waheeb Al Khaja, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed his pride in the continued success of the conference, emphasising that hosting such a major international event aligns with the University’s vision to position the King of Bahrain as a regional hub for knowledge and innovation.

He added, “DASA is a scientific platform that brings together minds and expertise from across the globe. At ASU, we are committed to supporting research that drives innovation and provides real solutions. The extensive international participation we witnessed this year reflects the growing confidence in ASU’s academic leadership and the advanced research environment we offer.” Professor Hatem Masri, the President of the University, noted that this year’s edition stood out for the diversity of its themes and its expanded academic engagement, reinforcing ASU’s role in supporting applied studies and decision-making sciences.

He stated, “We are delighted to witness such a rich scientific presence, receiving submissions from dozens of countries and uniting academics and decision-makers on one platform. This conference represents an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and build international research partnerships that contribute to the development of economic and technological sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region.” The conference hosted several distinguished keynote speakers from renowned academic institutions, including Professor Colin Turner from the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University (United Kingdom) and Dr Jean-Christophe Hauguel from ISC Paris Business School.

The opening sessions were also attended by diplomats and high-level representatives, including H.E. Éric Giraud-Telme, the Ambassador of France to Bahrain, who highlighted the importance of academic partnerships between Paris and Manama in advancing scientific exchange. This major international event reaffirms the capability of ASU to host world-class research conferences, strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain's presence on the global academic map, and advance innovation and scientific research in decision-making and its advanced applications.