KAUST's Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) Core Lab has been accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ISO/IEC 17025. The accreditation confirms the lab's competence in performing calibrations with global quality standards. KAUST is the first university in the Kingdom and the GCC region to receive such recognition for oceanographic instrument calibration. Why it matters: This certification enhances the reliability of research data and positions KAUST as a leader in marine research infrastructure within the region.
KAUST researchers are using autonomous gliders in the Red Sea to monitor variables such as temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll, providing continuous, detailed measurements of the sea's physical and biogeochemical processes. These gliders can measure a number of variables, including temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, and concentration of dissolved organic matter. One glider was deployed for three months and monitored the formation of mesoscale eddies and anthropogenic inputs from aquaculture. Why it matters: This technology allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the Red Sea ecosystem and its dynamics, benefiting research and applications such as monitoring the impact of aquaculture, with potential implications for environmental management and sustainable resource utilization.
KAUST hosted the International Conference on the Marine Environment of the Red Sea (ICMERS) from November 14-16. The conference brought together oceanography experts from KAUST and other international universities. Discussions focused on the state of Red Sea research, aiming to share knowledge, encourage new thinking, and develop a regional research map. Why it matters: The conference fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance marine research and conservation efforts in the Red Sea region.
A KAUST Global Ocean Genome workshop convened international scientists to discuss and evaluate the global ocean genome's progress. Participants assessed the representation of microbial communities and their gene pools, explored the functional capacities of the global ocean microbiome, and examined the distribution of key functional genes. KAUST aims to become a repository of global metagenome data, using big-data systems to explore ocean metagenome knowledge. Why it matters: This initiative highlights KAUST's commitment to advancing microbiome research and fostering international collaboration in marine genomics, positioning the university as a key player in understanding and utilizing ocean biodiversity.
Princess Hala bint Khalid bin Sultan discussed the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's marine preservation work at KAUST's Enrichment in the Fall program. The foundation focuses on research, education, and communication to preserve marine environments locally, regionally, and globally. Key projects include a five-year research expedition across 15 countries and the Mangroves Program in Jamaican and Bahamian schools. Why it matters: This highlights the ongoing efforts and commitment within Saudi Arabia to address critical environmental challenges in marine ecosystems through research and education.