Four KAUST scientists received The Supreme Council of Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity at the 19th annual award event held at KACST in Riyadh. Mohamed Eddaoudi and Osman Bakr jointly received the Almarai Distinguished Scientist Award. Another KAUST researcher also received an award at the event. Why it matters: The award recognizes and supports scientific research and innovation within Saudi Arabia, promoting scientific excellence among researchers in Saudi universities.
KAUST alumnus Dr. Hesham Omran won the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for achievements in STEM. Omran was recognized for his Analog Designer’s Toolbox (ADT) and his Mastering Microelectronics YouTube channel, which has over 1.2 million views. Omran aims to boost microelectronics innovation in the Arab world. Why it matters: The award highlights the impact of KAUST graduates on STEM fields in the region and recognizes contributions to education and innovation in microelectronics.
KAUST Ph.D. student Abdulkhaleq Almansaf won 3M's 2017 Invent a New Future Challenge, representing Saudi Arabia among 14 global finalists. Almansaf presented an idea to use metal nanoclusters in solar energy, drawing on KAUST's example of resource utilization and diversity. As part of his win, Almansaf will receive mentorship from a 3M senior leader for six months. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation and its students' ability to contribute solutions on a global scale.
KAUST has announced the winners of the KAUST Alumni Change Makers Awards, recognizing alumni impacts at local, national, and international levels. The awards honor alumni in Leadership and Impact; Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and Social Impact. Ahmad Showail, a KAUST alumnus and assistant professor at Taibah University, received the Leadership and Impact award for his work on IoT security solutions. Why it matters: The awards highlight the impact of KAUST's graduates in advancing technology and contributing to Saudi Arabia's development.
KAUST Associate Professor Raquel Peixoto has been named the 2024 National Champion for Saudi Arabia by the Frontiers Planet Prize. Peixoto won the prize for her research on using probiotics to enhance coral reef resilience against climate change. Her work has led to the establishment of the RSRC Coral Probiotics Village in the Red Sea and collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia's contributions to marine conservation and innovative approaches to addressing climate change impacts on vital ecosystems.
KAUST has launched the KAUST Challenge: Ideas and Solutions for Hajj & Umrah 2020, in partnership with The Makkah Cultural Forum. The challenge aims to catalyze research, innovation, and economic development in Saudi Arabia. The KAUST Challenge will award 1 million SAR in cash and other prizes for ideas to improve the Hajj and Umrah experience and advance efforts to make Makkah a smart city. Why it matters: This initiative connects AI innovation directly to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the specific needs of religious tourism, a unique application area.
KAUST has launched the KAUST Mathematics Competition (KMC), a national mathematics initiative for middle and high school students in Saudi Arabia. The competition aims to identify and nurture young mathematical talent, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Winners will receive prizes and the opportunity to attend a joint summer mathematics camp at KAUST and the University of Cambridge in 2026, with registration open until Nov 9, 2025. Why it matters: This competition can help develop a pipeline of Saudi talent in STEM fields crucial for advancing the Kingdom's AI ambitions.
KAUST Professor Husam Alshareef received the Kuwait Prize in Clean and Sustainable Energy Technologies on December 5. The award recognizes Alshareef's contributions to energy storage materials, including sodium and zinc ion batteries and supercapacitors. Alshareef's research group focuses on developing layered electrode materials through various synthesis techniques. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's growing role in sustainable energy research and the impact of Arab scientists in advancing energy storage technologies.