15/06/2026
We are delighted to announce the prestigious inclusion Dr.Sheily Panwar- Interim Dean/Program Director at CUQ Ulster University among the esteemed Global 200 Women Power Leaders of 2026 in the category of Artificial Intelligence/ Computer Science
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, economies & societies, Dr. Sheily (Verma) Panwar stands at the forefront of a new generation of academic leaders driving innovation with purpose. A distinguished educator, researcher & technology strategist, she has built a career dedicated to advancing responsible artificial intelligence, strengthening higher education & preparing future leaders for an increasingly digital world.
As Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment at CUQ Ulster University, Dr. Sheily provides strategic leadership across academic development, research excellence & industry engagement. She also serves as Program Director for Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science, overseeing the design & delivery of programs that align with the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology landscape. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration & the creation of learning environments that equip students with both technical expertise & ethical awareness.
Dr. Sheily’s research focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital transformation & technology-enabled education, with particular emphasis on the ethical & responsible deployment of emerging technologies. Through scholarly publications, international conference presentations & collaborative research initiatives, she has contributed to advancing the conversation around how AI can be harnessed to address complex societal challenges while maintaining transparency, accountability & inclusivity.
A passionate advocate for educational innovation, Dr. Sheily has played a pivotal role in developing forward-thinking academic programs that bridge traditional disciplines with emerging technologies. Among her most notable achievements is the development of a Bachelor of Education with Artificial Intelligence program, designed to empower future educators with the knowledge & tools needed to integrate AI into modern teaching practices & foster technology-driven learning.
Beyond academia, Dr. Sheily is an accomplished innovator & inventor, holding four patents in emerging technology domains. Her work reflects a rare ability to translate research into practical solutions that create meaningful impact across industries & communities.
Her contributions have earned international recognition, including a nomination for the Education Impact Leadership Award & the Global Excellence in Leadership Award. Through her vision, leadership & commitment to responsible innovation, Dr. Sheily continues to shape the future of education & AI, ensuring that technological advancement remains both human-centered & socially transformative.