Prof Issa Khalil
Research Director, Cyber Security
QCRI
Dr. Issa Khalil earned his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Purdue University in 2007 and is currently the Research Director of Cyber Security at the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI). Dr. Khalil is an expert in areas such as security data analytics, network security, AI/ML security, privacy, cyber threat intelligence, and private data sharing. Dr. Khalil founded the National Cyber Security Research Lab (NCSRL) and led the design and deployment of one of the largest cyber ranges in the region. He has contributed to the Cyber Security Grand Challenge and the development of Qatar’s National Cyber Security Strategies. His work includes over 120 publications in top-tier cybersecurity journals and conferences, alongside more than 12 U.S. patents and disclosures, four of which have been licensed to international security providers. His achievements have been featured in prominent outlets like the BBC and Qatar TV and have earned him prestigious awards, including the "Tech Team Award" from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), the HBKU Research Excellence Award, and UAEU’s Outstanding Professor Award for his contributions to research, teaching, and service.