Abdallah Ougazzaden, president of Georgia Tech-Europe, was recently recognized as one of the 50 leaders shaping higher education in the Grand Est region of France. 

The latest edition of Le Mensuel Grand Est, the premier magazine covering the economy, politics, and culture of the Grand Est region, highlights individuals who play a key role in the growth and economic development of the region. For over 20 years, Ougazzaden has contributed to the international reputation of the Georgia Institute of Technology through his research, publications, and leadership at Georgia Tech-Europe. 

Ougazzaden is a professor in the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and serves as president of Georgia Tech-Europe, the Institute’s off-campus instructional site in Metz, France. He is the co-founder and co-president of the Institut Lafayette, a platform for innovation and technology transfer. He played a leading role in the creation of the Joint International Research Lab between Georgia Tech and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), serving as its director for three terms. 

Ougazzaden was recognized for his prolific academic career in semiconductor materials and device fabrication for optoelectronic applications, having published more than 500 scientific articles and holding 30 patents. His current research focuses on wide-bandgap semiconductors, two-dimensional materials, and related devices for optoelectronic applications. 

In June 2025, the Institut Lafayette was awarded an innovation prize for research collaborations with local industry in intelligent battery-integrated systems. In the same month, Georgia Tech-Europe announced plans to expand its facility to double the number of American students studying in Metz. 

Ougazzaden’s recognition highlights the far-reaching impact of Georgia Tech-Europe and its commitment to advancing education, research, and global collaboration in the region. As the campus continues to expand and foster connections with industry and the broader community, it stands as a testament to the value of international partnerships in shaping the future of higher education.