As part of the events accompanying the launch of the Emir Abdelkader Chair at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, the second day of the programme, held on June 13, 2026, featured a scientific symposium dedicated to exploring the intellectual and civilizational dimensions of the legacy of Emir Abdelkader, founder of the modern Algerian state, and to discussing issues related to higher education, scientific research, economy, and development within the framework of Algerian-British relations.
The programme included three main sessions. The first session focused on the legacy of Emir Abdelkader and his historical and intellectual significance, with the participation of academics and researchers from the Great Mosque of Algiers, the University of Oxford, and the University of Westminster.
The second session addressed the current state and future prospects of science, technology, and higher education in Algeria, bringing together the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a number of international experts and academics.
The third session was devoted to issues of economy and development, as well as prospects for Algerian-British cooperation, with the participation of distinguished academic and diplomatic figures from both countries.
Within this framework, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Baddari, delivered a lecture entitled: “How Will Artificial Intelligence Transform the University, and How Can the University Reinvent Itself in the Face of This Driving Force?”
During his presentation, the Minister highlighted the profound transformations taking place in higher education worldwide as a result of the rapid advances in artificial intelligence. He also emphasized the efforts undertaken by Algerian universities to keep pace with these developments by strengthening their role in knowledge creation and dissemination, advancing scientific research, fostering creativity and innovation, and preparing students with the skills and competencies required for the professions of the future.