# Naji Habra > Belgian university teacher **Wikidata**: [Q85854212](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q85854212) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/naji-habra ## Summary Naji Habra is a Belgian university teacher and computer scientist who has served as the rector of the University of Namur since 2017. Born in Damascus, he is a prominent academic figure in Belgium, specializing in artificial intelligence and the study of computation. ## Biography - Born: June 7, 1957, in Damascus - Nationality: Belgian (since 1987); formerly Syrian (until 1987) - Education: Doctorate; educated at Damascus University, UCLouvain, and the University of Namur - Known for: Leadership as the rector of the University of Namur and academic work in computer science - Employer(s): University of Namur, UCLouvain - Field(s): Computer science, artificial intelligence ## Contributions Naji Habra has made significant contributions to the Belgian academic landscape through both leadership and specialized research. His most prominent role is serving as the rector of the University of Namur, a position he assumed in September 2017. In this capacity, he leads an institution with a history dating back to 1831, overseeing its academic and administrative direction. His scholarly work is centered in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence. He focuses on the study of computation and the development of software that enables machines to exhibit intelligent behavior. Beyond his university roles, Habra is a recognized member of the Académie royale de Belgique (ID: naji-habra), reflecting his standing within the national scientific community. His career bridges international academic traditions, having been educated at Damascus University before completing his doctoral studies and professional ascent at UCLouvain and the University of Namur. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Naji Habra's current professional position? A: Naji Habra is currently a university teacher and has served as the rector of the University of Namur since September 2017. ### Q: What are Naji Habra's primary areas of expertise? A: His primary fields of work are computer science and artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on the study of computation and intelligent machine behavior. ### Q: Where did Naji Habra receive his education? A: He holds a doctorate and was educated at Damascus University in Syria, as well as UCLouvain and the University of Namur in Belgium. ## Why They Matter Naji Habra is a significant figure in the Belgian higher education system, particularly for his leadership of the University of Namur. As rector, he manages one of the country's established universities, influencing the educational path of thousands of students and the trajectory of regional research. His transition from a Syrian-born scholar to the head of a major Belgian institution highlights a distinguished path of academic integration and achievement. His expertise in artificial intelligence and computer science places him at the forefront of modern technological study. By holding a position in the Académie royale de Belgique, he contributes to the high-level intellectual discourse that shapes scientific policy and standards in Belgium. His work ensures the continued development of computational sciences within the Walloon academic framework. ## Notable For * **Rector of the University of Namur:** Serving as the head of the university since September 2017. * **Académie royale de Belgique:** Member of this prestigious Belgian national academy. * **Academic Doctorate:** Holder of a doctoral degree in the field of computer science. * **Cross-Institutional Affiliations:** Notable career and educational ties to both UCLouvain and the University of Namur. ## Body ### Academic Background and Education Naji Habra was born on June 7, 1957, in Damascus, Syria. He began his academic journey at Damascus University before moving to Belgium for advanced studies. He attended UCLouvain and the University of Namur, eventually earning a doctorate. His educational background provided the foundation for his specialization in the technical aspects of computation. ### Career and Leadership Roles Habra's professional life is defined by his long-standing association with the University of Namur and UCLouvain. His career reached a peak in September 2017 when he was appointed as the rector of the University of Namur. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the institution. ### Fields of Specialization Habra is a specialist in computer science and artificial intelligence. His work involves: * The study of computation and its theoretical foundations. * The development of software designed to exhibit intelligent behavior. * Academic instruction and research within the Belgian university system. ### Citizenship and Language Originally a citizen of Syria, Habra became a Belgian citizen in 1987. He is a speaker of Arabic and has spent several decades contributing to the Belgian scientific and educational community. His professional identity is firmly rooted in the Belgian academic tradition, as evidenced by his membership in the Académie royale de Belgique.