Salim T. S. Al-Hassani from the University of Manchester presented at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about the contributions of Muslim civilization to science and engineering. The lecture highlighted inventions like early clocks from Muslim heritage, including Al-Jazari's elephant clock. Al-Hassani aims to address the neglect of non-European cultures' impact on humanity. Why it matters: The talk emphasizes the historical significance of Islamic contributions to science and technology, relevant for promoting STEM education and cultural awareness in the region.
Historian Mike Bruton spoke at KAUST about scientific disruptors from the House of Wisdom during the Islamic Golden Age. These scholars made contributions like introducing the concept of zero and debunking the Greek theory of sight. Ibn al-Haytham revolutionized knowledge of optics, demonstrating that light bounces off objects and enters our eyes. Why it matters: The lecture highlights the significant scientific advancements made during the Islamic Golden Age and their lasting impact on modern civilization.
This paper proposes a smart dome model for mosques that uses AI to control dome movements based on weather conditions and overcrowding. The model utilizes Congested Scene Recognition Network (CSRNet) and fuzzy logic techniques in Python to determine when to open and close the domes to maintain fresh air and sunlight. The goal is to automatically manage dome operation based on real-time data, specifying the duration for which the domes should remain open each hour.
Lewis Dartnell, professor of science communication at the University of Westminster, spoke at KAUST about how to rebuild the world after an apocalyptic scenario. Dartnell is the author of "The Knowledge: How to Rebuild our World from Scratch." The Enrichment in the Fall lecture took place on October 17. Why it matters: Public lectures at KAUST contribute to knowledge dissemination and engagement with global challenges.
Dominique Sciamma, Managing Director at Strate School of Design in France, gave a presentation at KAUST during Enrichment in the Fall of 2017. The title of the presentation was "From Descartes to Morin." The event was held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: While the event is dated, KAUST's ongoing enrichment programs contribute to fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange in Saudi Arabia.