KAUST set to issue digital blockchain credentials using Blockcerts open standard
KAUST and Learning Machine Technologies recently announced the University will issue Blockcerts, blockchain-anchored credentials. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
KAUST and Learning Machine Technologies announced on November 19 that the University will begin issuing Blockcerts, blockchain-anchored credentials. The move positions KAUST among pioneering institutions around the world like MIT, the University of Melbourne and Stanford University.
Digital diplomas will be issued to all KAUST students graduating in December 2018 using the Learning Machine Issuing System. The diplomas will be anchored to the blockchain using Blockcerts, the global open standard for portable, secure and digital records that can be verified as official for a lifetime without cost. Developed jointly by MIT Media Lab and Learning Machine, Blockcerts are led by a global community of contributors.
"It is imperative that [KAUST], as a world-renowned science and technology university, takes a leadership position not only in the development of new and innovative technologies but also [in] the adoption and deployment of emerging technologies that provide significant value to our students and alumni," stated Jason Roos, KAUST chief information officer. "We are excited to partner with Learning Machine to leverage the unmodifiable properties of blockchain while issuing digital diplomas, which will facilitate more secure and easier means of verification for our future graduates."
Scott Bray, KAUST registrar, noted, "This move towards cutting-edge digital technologies is just one way we are enhancing the experience for our students and graduates, complementing our suite of digital services. The University's Registrar's Office now has the ability to offer both secure and accessible degree verification along with leading institutions such as MIT and Stanford."
Mohammed Halawani, manager of KAUST IT Emerging Technology, Strategy & Performance, stated, "It is an exciting opportunity for KAUST…to adopt the Blockcert technology. This move will set the University at the forefront of the digital transformation happening in the Kingdom and will be a first step towards building a new digital assertion concept. We aim to define a futuristic strategic direction for KAUST using blockchain along other disruptive innovative and emerging technologies that aligns with the KAUST vision and contributes to the realization of Vision 2030."
Kausar Samli, senior vice president of Global Services at Learning Machine, said, "I have been deeply impressed by [KAUST's] commitment to driving technological change."
The advantages of using Blockcerts include offering a faster, simpler and more secure way to issue official records, validate documents and verify identities. This provides issuing institutions and recipients with lifelong ownership of their credentials without relying on a software vendor for ongoing access and verification.
The flexibility of Blockcerts means that documents can be anchored to any blockchain—public, private or permissioned. Recipients receive, store and share their digital diplomas via their Blockcerts Wallet, a free mobile app that acts as a private credentials portfolio accessible exclusively by the recipient. The recipient may choose to share their Blockcerts with any employer, government or educational institution in the world, instantly and without cost for immediate verification.