Currently, works as a senior Consultant for STI strategies and policies developing strategies and framworks for the national innovation ecosystem at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). During her time at KACST, Yara also led the technology investment program. During time at KACST, has been a core team member in developing Saudi Arabia’s national research, development and innovation strategy — a key enabler in the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP), one of Vision 2030 vision realization program. Yara has an international experience in information technology, public engagement in science and technology, national STI strategy development and technology investments. Formerly: Consultant for international research collaborations and citizen science, NASA Ames Research Center; was part of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). Before joining NASA Ames, spent time as a researcher at the Science Museum in London. MSc in Science Communication, Imperial College London, focusing research on space and innovation policies; international management courses, Stanford University; leadership development training in science and technology policy, Washington DC, with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Executive Certificate in Innovation and Strategy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.