KAUST and Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on February 5 to strengthen national cybersecurity. The collaboration includes developing educational programs, consulting on curricula, and sharing information on the national cybersecurity workforce. The MoU also covers joint research projects, technical meetings, and forums to present research and expertise. Why it matters: This partnership aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity capabilities through education, research, and knowledge exchange, aligning with national strategic goals.
KAUST and King Saud University (KSU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in education, research, training, and professional development. The MoU focuses on launching joint training programs, workshops, and scientific conferences, as well as sharing access to advanced laboratories and research facilities. The partnership aims to strengthen intellectual property management and commercialize research outputs into impactful industrial applications. Why it matters: The agreement signifies a strategic effort to unify research, empower national talent, and translate knowledge into practical applications, supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
KAUST has launched the Early Career Accelerator Program (ECAP) for Women in Cybersecurity to promote gender diversity in Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity workforce. The program provides training to Saudi female graduates in security, governance, risk, and compliance, in collaboration with RSA Security LLC. The inaugural program included four graduates from Prince Mugrin University who received training in integrated risk management and will receive ongoing mentoring from KAUST and RSA. Why it matters: This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Cybersecurity Authority’s efforts to increase female participation in cybersecurity, addressing the global skills gap and strengthening the Kingdom's cyber defenses.
KAUST and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) have signed an MoU to boost collaboration in education, research, and professional development. The partnership will focus on applying AI to medical and clinical fields, leveraging KAU's medical infrastructure and KAUST's AI expertise. The agreement also involves developing academic programs in marine sciences and creating joint training opportunities. Why it matters: This collaboration between two leading Saudi universities aims to strengthen the Kingdom's higher education ecosystem and drive innovation in key fields like AI and healthcare, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
KAUST professors Roberto Di Pietro and Marc Dacier co-authored a paper on cybersecurity strategies for Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, published in Communications of the ACM. The paper outlines a multidisciplinary framework for digitization aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing global best practices, cultural adaptation, and capacity building. KAUST is positioned to advise on national cybersecurity policy in cooperation with the Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority. Why it matters: The framework addresses the critical need for advanced cybersecurity to support Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing digital economy and infrastructure.