Shorooq Partners, a Middle East investment firm, has $500M in assets under management. Their AI fund is co-led by Dr. Bilal Baloch, who spoke at MBZUAI about venture capital. He advises technical founders to partner with people who complement their skills, especially in policy and commercialization. Why it matters: This highlights the growing sophistication of the venture capital ecosystem in the Middle East for AI startups.
Oscar Becerril Lio, a KAUST alumnus who graduated in 2011 with a master's degree in applied mathematics specializing in operations research, is now an operations manager in Mexico. He leverages his KAUST experience in industrial engineering, construction, operations research, optimization, and logistics. Lio advises current KAUST students to learn from the diverse community and take advantage of travel opportunities. Why it matters: This alumni profile showcases KAUST's role in developing professionals who contribute to diverse industries and geographies, highlighting the university's global impact.
This article is a brief faculty profile of Stefaan De Wolf at KAUST. It appears to be part of a standard template on the KAUST website. Why it matters: Such profiles help showcase the expertise and research areas of faculty at KAUST.
Abhay Dokania, a Ph.D. student at KAUST, is researching the conversion of CO2 to useful chemicals under the supervision of Professor Jorge Gascon at the KAUST Catalysis Center. His work focuses on developing multi-functional heterogeneous catalysts. Dokania's background includes degrees from Birla Institute and TU Delft, as well as research experience in the Netherlands. Why it matters: This research contributes to sustainable chemical engineering and CO2 reduction, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader environmental goals.
Professor Mohammad Younis, a new Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST, focuses his research on micro and nanotechnology, specifically the interface between nonlinear dynamics and micro/nano electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS). He is developing a generic platform for sensing and actuation with potential uses in detecting poisonous gases, biohazards, and earthquake signals. He is also working on actuator systems that can assist elderly people after a fall by automatically calling for help. Why it matters: This research has significant implications for safety, environmental monitoring, and elderly care in the Middle East and beyond.
KAUST Ph.D. student Saeed Amin is the first Saudi to complete KAUST's American Academy of Underwater Sciences-accredited Scientific Research Diver Certification course. The course, introduced in February 2020 by KAUST's Coastal and Marine Resources Core Lab, is the first of its kind conducted in Saudi Arabia. KAUST's CMR collaborates with the Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation to advise on scientific diver regulations. Why it matters: This establishes local capacity for underwater marine research, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030's goals for a highly skilled workforce.
Dr. Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, a research scientist at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center, won the 'Best Oral Presentation' award at the 2nd Global Conference and Expo on Applied Science, Engineering and Technology in Amsterdam. The award recognized Shahzad's research and presentation on the "Fallacy of Energy Efficiency of Desalination processes Comparison." He also delivered the opening ceremony speech during the conference. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to research in water desalination, a critical area for Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.
KAUST Ph.D. student Bogdan Dragos Ilies received two awards from the League of Romanian Students Abroad: a special mention in the category 'Romanian students abroad' and the Public Audience Award. Ilies came to KAUST as an intern, then a master's student, and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in atmospheric chemistry under Associate Professor Mani Sarathy, focusing on how aerosols influence climate change. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's role in attracting and fostering international research talent and contributing to environmental science.