Jasmeen Merzaban, a KAUST assistant professor of bioscience, received a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Rising Talents award at a ceremony in Paris on March 24. Merzaban's research focuses on immunology and stem cell research. The award recognizes her contributions to science and potential for future impact. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing scientific expertise and recognition of researchers at KAUST and in Saudi Arabia.
Jasmeen Merzaban, Assistant Professor of Bioscience, and Ph.D. student Nouf Alshareef, both from KAUST, have received L'Oréal-UNESCO "For Women in Science" fellowships. Merzaban was recognized for her immunology research, and Alshareef for her work on salinity tolerance in plants. The fellowships were awarded at a ceremony in Dubai, highlighting the contributions of Arab women scientists. Why it matters: The awards spotlight the growing role of women in STEM fields within the GCC and KAUST's commitment to fostering high-quality research in the region.
KAUST Assistant Professor Dana Alsulaiman was named a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talent. Alsulaiman was recognized for her work developing biomarker detection technologies for early and accurate disease detection. KAUST Ph.D. student Lila Aldakheel also received an award for her research on microplastics in mangrove forests. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the rising prominence and impact of female scientists at Saudi institutions in addressing key challenges like healthcare and environmental sustainability.
KAUST Associate Professor Derya Baran was named one of Forbes’ 20 Women Behind Middle Eastern Tech Brands for her work developing iyris SecondSky, a greenhouse roofing product. SecondSky uses nanoparticle additives to block heat while allowing light to pass through, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% and water use by 30%. The technology is already used in farms across 12 countries and is being considered for residential and commercial construction in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing role of women in Middle Eastern tech and the potential for KAUST-developed technologies to address sustainability challenges in the region.
KAUST alumna Wedyan Babatain was named a 2022 MENA Innovator Under 35 by MIT Technology Review Arabia. Babatain was recognized for her research developing a soft multifunctional wearable platform using graphene and liquid metal-based electronics. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at MIT Media Lab, developing soft tangible interfaces and robotics platforms. Why it matters: This award highlights the increasing recognition of young Saudi researchers and KAUST's role in fostering innovative research in advanced materials and wearable technology.