KAUST startup Uvera, founded by KAUST alumna Asrar Damdam, received a CES 2023 Innovation Award for Aurora, an AIoT device that extends the shelf life of fresh foods by up to 97% without chemicals. Aurora uses an AI-powered app to track food inventory, predict spoilage, and notify users. Uvera's mission is to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with UN goals for human security. Why it matters: This award highlights the potential of AIoT solutions developed in the region to address global challenges like food waste and sustainability.
DERC's Aysha Al Neyadi won the Young Scientists Competition at the 14th International Conference Interaction of Radiation with Solids in Minsk, Belarus. Aysha co-authored a paper with researchers from Belarus State University and TII on the structure and phase composition stability of amorphous zirconium irradiated with helium ions. The paper examined amorphous alloy samples based on zirconium irradiated with Helium ions at 40 keV. Why it matters: This award recognizes contributions to materials science and highlights international research collaborations involving UAE institutions.
KAUST representatives from various research centers will attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition in Denver. The aim is to showcase KAUST's research capabilities and international connections to potential staff, faculty, and students. KAUST seeks to emphasize that it is a globally connected research institution with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class faculty. Why it matters: This participation helps KAUST attract talent and build collaborations by dispelling perceptions of isolation from cutting-edge research in the Middle East.
Communications Physics journal has a focus collection on space quantum communications. The collection covers supporting technologies, new quantum protocols, inter-satellite QKD, constellations of satellites, and quantum inspired technologies and protocols for space based communication. Contributions are welcome from October 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021, and accepted papers are published on a rolling basis. Why it matters: Space-based quantum communication is a critical area for developing secure, global quantum networks, and this collection could highlight relevant research for the GCC region as it invests in advanced technologies.
Former Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) student Abdullatif, now a junior at Berkeley, published a paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). The paper, "Isomerically Pure Tetramethylrhodamine Voltage Reporters," details the design, synthesis, and application of Rhodamine Voltage Reporters (RhoVRs). Abdullatif, who worked at KAUST during her SRSI program on carbon dioxide capture, plans to return for advanced studies. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing young Saudi talent in STEM and contributing to high-impact scientific research.
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.
KAUST and ARMOR, a global technology company, have collaborated to create new solar-powered outdoor seating featuring flexible, lightweight, and semi-transparent solar technologies. The installation of the smart solar street furniture has been completed on KAUST campus in Saudi Arabia. The ASCA film used draws on technology co-developed by researchers at the KAUST Solar Center, using printed semiconducting inks on plastic film. Why it matters: This project demonstrates the potential for integrating KAUST's solar research into commercially viable applications and strengthens ARMOR's presence in the MENA region.