KAUST Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Husam Alshareef, has been named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Alshareef leads the Functional Nanomaterials & Devices research group at KAUST. The group focuses on developing semiconductor nanomaterials for diverse applications. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to advanced materials science and engineering and elevates the university's reputation in the international scientific community.
KAUST Associate Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain has been elected as a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). Hussain's research focuses on creating paper-based sensors using low-cost materials to mimic human skin sensory functions. He was selected in recognition of his work at KAUST. Why it matters: Recognition of researchers at GCC universities by international professional societies helps to raise the profile of regional research efforts.
KAUST Professor Xixiang Zhang was elected as a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) in September. Zhang is a professor of Material Science and Engineering. The fellowship recognizes his contributions to the field of physics. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the institution's growing prominence in international scientific communities.
KAUST Discovery Professor Pierre Magistretti, Dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, received an honorary membership from the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences (CAPS). CAPS is a part of the China Association for Science and Technology, aiming to advance scientific progress and economic revitalization in China. Magistretti was recognized for his research on brain energy metabolism and the mechanisms regulating energy delivery to active neurons, with implications for functional brain imaging. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing international recognition and its faculty's contributions to fundamental research with potential applications in healthcare and neuroscience.
KAUST and the Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (Apsco) have signed a material transfer agreement for Apsco to supply KAUST with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). KAUST researchers will study the fuel's chemical properties, reaction pathways, and combustion behavior to develop models for future SAF formulations. The research aims to address critical knowledge gaps in SAF adoption, such as emissions behavior and performance across operating environments. Why it matters: The partnership supports Saudi Arabia's aviation sector's move towards lower-carbon solutions and the development of domestic SAF technologies.
Michael Hickner, an Associate Professor from Penn State University, visited KAUST as part of the CRDF-KAUST-OSR Visiting Scholar Fellowship Program. Hickner specializes in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. The visit was documented with photos by Meres J. Weche. Why it matters: Such programs foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in science and engineering between KAUST and other leading institutions.
The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) held its second Board of Advisors meeting on November 23, 2021. Board members from Khalifa University, University of Sheffield, City University Hong Kong, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, and Instituto Superior Técnico provided feedback on AMRC’s strategic plans. The meeting focused on AMRC’s strategic growth and future directions. Why it matters: The meeting indicates continued investment in advanced materials research in the UAE, signaling potential advancements in related technological applications.
Researchers from LENS, CNR-INO, the University of Florence, UNAM, RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, and TII Abu Dhabi have observed Shapiro steps in ultracold atoms for the first time. This allows for real-time observation of quantum mechanics and could lead to advanced quantum sensors and simulation. The experiments involved creating vortex-antivortex pairs, resulting in step-like signals, and the findings were published in Science. Why it matters: This breakthrough provides a new method to observe and control quantum coherence, potentially enabling advancements in quantum technologies and simulations within the region.