KAUST alumna Yasmeen Najm, a graduate of the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP), is now a Strategic Partnerships and Engagement innovator at NEOM. She credits her interdisciplinary background and the opportunities provided by KGSP for her success. Najm was also a keynote speaker at the KGSP Pre-Departure Orientation, where she shared her experiences with 107 high-achieving Saudi STEM graduates. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST's KGSP in developing Saudi talent and contributing to the Kingdom's innovation goals, particularly in megaprojects like NEOM.
Nada Aljassim is the first KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) participant to earn a Ph.D. at KAUST, after completing undergraduate studies at University College London. The KGSP, established before KAUST's opening, supports top Saudi students in STEM fields for undergraduate studies abroad followed by graduate studies at KAUST. Aljassim aims to contribute to Saudi Arabia's knowledge economy and give back to her country after its investment in her education. Why it matters: The KGSP program is helping to build a strong pipeline of Saudi talent in STEM fields, contributing to the Kingdom's research and development capabilities.
KAUST held its inaugural KGSP Alumni Summit, celebrating 17 years of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Gifted Student Program. The program has supported 656 Saudi scholars to complete bachelor's degrees abroad and prepares them for graduate research at KAUST. KGSP alumna Mariam Awlia, now with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighted the program's impact on her career and its potential for shaping national progress. Why it matters: The summit underscores KAUST's commitment to developing Saudi talent and fostering a network of innovators contributing to the Kingdom's research and development ecosystem.
KAUST alumna Haleema Alamri is now Director of the Innovation and Technology Observatory at the Saudi Ministry of Energy. Alamri's work supports developing a domestic skilled-leadership pipeline, advancing the Ministry’s energy localization goals. She emphasizes KAUST’s role in preparing talent for the energy sector and its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's strategic importance in supporting Saudi Arabia's energy sector localization and leadership development in line with Vision 2030.
KAUST held its 2025 KGSP Convocation in Chicago under the patronage of Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, gathering 375 participants from 47 US universities. KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC introduced "KGSP 2.0", an enhanced version of the program providing comprehensive support to Saudi scholars. The updated program will operate under the KAUST Academy, offering early-stage training, mentoring, and industry connections. Why it matters: KGSP 2.0 represents a significant investment in Saudi talent development and aims to strengthen KAUST's role in cultivating future leaders in science and technology.