Dr. Abdu Shaalan is a PhD holder in the fields of Industrial Automation and Advanced Maintenance practices from the University of Sunderland. He is a research enthusiast and has held multiple research projects over the years, including a research fellowship with the nursing school, several KTP projects with local manufacturers, and was recently awarded a Teaching Fellowship in AI in Education. Abdu’s research focus is on Industrial Automation and Advanced Maintenance practices in the advances of Industry 4.0 technologies. Teaching-wise, Abdu held multiple programme lead positions ranging from Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. Abdu values the link between teaching, research, and industry through research-led education that bridges the gap between academia and industry, ensuring graduates are ready for industry upon graduation. Currently a programme leader for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Industrial Automation programmes at ECT, he ensures students are supported and provided with high value education that competes with world class education.