KAUST collaborated with artist Martha Atienza on an exhibition for the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale to highlight the role of mangrove ecosystems. Atienza visited KAUST and Thuwal to explore the local fishing culture and gather materials for her installation. KAUST donated 40 mangrove seedlings to support Atienza's installation, which opened on February 19. Why it matters: This partnership demonstrates KAUST's commitment to sustainability and using art to raise awareness about environmental issues in the region.
KAUST researchers and German collaborators explored the Red Sea's depths using the RV Meteor, employing ROVs and seismic equipment to map geological and biological features. They examined underwater hot springs, microbial mats, and deep-sea brine pools, discovering hydrothermal vent fields with unique ecosystems. The research, involving multidisciplinary teams, provides insights into the Red Sea's geology, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Why it matters: Studying the Red Sea's unique environment can offer valuable knowledge about young ocean development and novel marine ecosystems, relevant for understanding similar geological formations and biodiversity hotspots in the region.
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.
KAUST researchers undertook a week-long expedition in May 2017 from Al-Lith, Saudi Arabia to explore the biodiversity of the Red Sea. The expedition involved 35 participants, including KAUST faculty and 10 international marine scientists, and collected over 3,000 specimens. Over 50 species not previously recorded were found during the expedition. Why it matters: Cataloging the Red Sea's biodiversity is crucial given increasing development and provides insights into how marine organisms adapt to extreme conditions, which can inform climate change predictions.
Artists from Switzerland collaborated with researchers at KAUST's Red Sea Research Center to photograph autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS). ARMS are artificial towers that capture small critters colonizing coral reefs, developed to measure marine biodiversity. KAUST has deployed and retrieved over 180 ARMS units since 2013 to study cryptobenthic biodiversity, which represents up to 70% of a reef's biodiversity. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the innovative approaches being used to study marine ecosystems in the Red Sea and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in advancing scientific understanding.