Obaid Younossi leads efforts at KAUST to translate cutting-edge scientific research into actionable policy insights that guide evidence-based decision-making across the Kingdom. Dedicated to building a world-class policy institute, he aims to position KAUST as a trusted advisor to policymakers and a catalyst for innovation-driven solutions to societal challenges. With over 26 years at the RAND Corporation, Younossi held several senior leadership roles, including Vice Dean of the RAND School of Public Policy, Director of the Political Sciences Research Department, and Director of the RAND–Qatar Policy Institute. His extensive research spans emerging technologies, institutional reform, and the optimization of national resources in complex systems. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Public Policy Analysis from George Washington University, an M.A. in International Relations from George Mason University, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.