Two of the three Saudi Arabian undergraduates selected as 2022 Rhodes Scholars are current or former participants in KAUST programs. Ahmed, a KGSP student, aims to research Red Sea super corals, while Mohammed Alghadeer, a KAUST summer intern, will study condensed matter physics at Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship provides full funding for graduate studies at the University of Oxford. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in cultivating Saudi talent in STEM fields and fostering future leaders committed to global challenges.
Three Saudi Arabian undergraduates, all alumni of KAUST's Young Talent Development programs, have been awarded the Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Trust selects only 100 international recipients annually. The students participated in programs such as the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) and the Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI). Why it matters: This achievement highlights the impact of KAUST's educational initiatives in fostering Saudi talent and leadership in STEM fields.
KAUST master’s student Osama Dabbousi has been awarded the Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in 2026. Dabbousi's research involves high-performance computing, specifically GPU-accelerated, large-scale acoustic simulation, and he is an alumnus of the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP). He credits KAUST's computational science training, GPU resources, and mentorship from Professor Matteo Parsani for his success. Why it matters: Dabbousi's selection highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent and contributing to the Kingdom's research ambitions in fields like high-performance computing.
KAUST doctoral students Xiujuan Zhang and Aftab Hussain, along with Research Scientist Dr. Alberto Casu, will attend the 66th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. The three scientists were selected based on their work at KAUST. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering scientific talent and contributing to global research.
KAUST has launched the Fulbright-KAUST Graduate Award in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Fulbright Program. This initiative marks the first Fulbright award for a degree-seeking program in Saudi Arabia, hosting two American students. The program aims to advance collaboration through research and exchange, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens U.S.-Saudi academic ties and KAUST's role as a hub for talent development and collaborative research in the region.