KAUST Professor Salim Al-Babili has received a Phase III grant from the Gates Foundation, bringing the Foundation's total investment in his research on the parasitic weed Striga to over $11 million in less than 10 years. The funding will support Al-Babili's efforts to develop sustainable and affordable solutions to combat Striga, a major threat to global food security that causes $7 billion in annual crop losses. Al-Babili's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of Striga germination and developing innovative control strategies such as suicidal germination. Why it matters: This continued support from the Gates Foundation underscores the importance of addressing global food security challenges and contributing to sustainable agriculture in arid regions, including Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Associate Professor Salim Al-Babili and his team have been awarded an approximately $5 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will support the development of strategies to combat the parasitic purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica), which threatens food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Al-Babili's project will focus on protecting pearl millet production through hormone-based soil cleansing, novel chemistries, and identifying genetic factors for resistance. Why it matters: This grant enables KAUST to contribute significantly to addressing food security challenges in Africa and the Middle East by tackling a pervasive parasitic plant, demonstrating the university's commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
KAUST has received a $1.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation to research methods for eradicating the Striga hermonthica weed, also known as "witchweed". This parasitic plant devastates crops in sub-Saharan Africa by depleting water and nutrients, with the project led by Dr. Salim Al-Babili focusing on pearl millet. The research will involve collaboration with universities in Burkina Faso, Japan, and the Netherlands to identify biological compounds and low-cost methods for Striga control. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestations is crucial for enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Africa and the Middle East who rely on crops like pearl millet.
KAUST student Nawaf Alghamdi received a grant from the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for his work on "Upgrading Low-Grade Feedstocks Using Catalytic Pyrolysis". The grant will support Alghamdi's Ph.D. research at KAUST for two years under the supervision of Professor Mani Sarathy. KACST's GPURC program aims to develop scientific skills among graduate students and boost Saudi Arabia's position in science and technology. Why it matters: This grant exemplifies Saudi Arabia's strategic investment in cultivating local talent in STEM fields and fostering research collaboration between KAUST and national institutions.
KAUST Ph.D. candidate Amal Mohammed Alamri received a grant from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for her work on "Fully Inkjet Printing Photodetectors MSM - 2D Materials & Perovskite Based Inks." The grant supports her Ph.D. research at KAUST, focusing on photodetectors using 2-D materials and perovskite-based inks for applications in light communications and biomedical devices. Alamri aims to develop printed image detectors with flexible, thin, and transparent features through improved ink formulas. Why it matters: KACST's strategic investment in graduate students like Alamri helps advance Saudi Arabia's capabilities in science and technology, particularly in emerging areas like printed electronics and advanced materials.