Fabio Piano’s connection to NYU Abu Dhabi is best captured not by the accolades on his resume, but by the thoughtful, curated collection of objects in his office. From a sculpture crafted from the sands of all seven emirates to architectural blueprints for the Saadiyat campus, his workspace tells the story of a sixteen-year transformation. Originally a molecular biologist deeply embedded in New York's academic scene, Piano was invited to help steer the nascent university in 2010. What he initially envisioned as a one-year stint turned into a lifelong commitment, as he witnessed the university evolve from a bold concept discussed in a majlis to a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s global academic identity.

Beyond his leadership roles, which culminated in his permanent appointment as Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive in 2024, Piano remains a scientist at heart. He played a pivotal role in establishing the UAE Healthy Future Study, a monumental effort that provided essential data for the Emirati Genome Program. For Piano, the university is far from an "American transplant"; he firmly maintains that it is an "Abu Dhabi product" that has grown through a reciprocal exchange of ideas. Reflecting on his own journey—moving from a scientist who once reached the island by boat to a leader living in the heart of the developed campus—he sees a profound symmetry: a blend of his Italian roots and his adopted home, mirroring the very international and collaborative spirit he helped instill in the institution.