Brandon-Jason Adebayo, the youngest student ever accepted to MBZUAI at age 17, used ChatGPT to find the AI-focused degree program. Adebayo chose MBZUAI over offers from U.S. universities due to its specialized AI curriculum and full scholarship. He aims to contribute to AI superintelligence (ASI) by improving his reasoning abilities and bridging the gap in AI advancements. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's draw for international talent and the UAE's growing focus on cultivating future AI leaders, even at the undergraduate level.
A delegation from the Abu Dhabi Executive Office (ADEO) Education Affairs Department visited MBZUAI on December 15, 2021. Ian Mathews, VP of Corporate Services, presented MBZUAI's progress and 2022 initiatives. Discussions covered the importance of collaboration and recruitment enhancements with ADEO's support. Why it matters: This visit highlights the ongoing relationship between MBZUAI and key Abu Dhabi government entities, signaling continued support for the university's AI initiatives.
Antonio Adamo is an assistant professor of bioscience in the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division at KAUST. He is highlighted in a KAUST faculty focus. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's faculty expertise in bioscience.
KAUST alumnus Fahad Hossain (M.S. 2010, Ph.D. 2014) discusses his journey from KAUST to UC Berkeley, where he co-founded Serinus Labs Inc., a manufacturer of integrated silicon gas sensors. Serinus Labs develops gas-sensing solutions for air-quality monitoring, safety, and preventive healthcare. NASA became Serinus' first customer in 2018, contracting them to develop multi-gas sensors for the next generation of spacesuits. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST graduates in developing advanced sensor technologies and securing partnerships with leading organizations like NASA.
KAUST's Laboratory of Stem Cells and Diseases, led by Assistant Professor Antonio Adamo, uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model diseases like diabetes. The lab employs a reprogramming technique to revert patient fibroblasts into iPSCs, enabling the study of disease progression in vitro. Adamo's research focuses on enzymes and disregulated transcriptional/epigenetic mechanisms to understand disease onset. Why it matters: This research contributes to regenerative medicine and offers insights into metabolic diseases relevant to the GCC region.
KAUST Associate Professor Derya Baran was named one of Forbes’ 20 Women Behind Middle Eastern Tech Brands for her work developing iyris SecondSky, a greenhouse roofing product. SecondSky uses nanoparticle additives to block heat while allowing light to pass through, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% and water use by 30%. The technology is already used in farms across 12 countries and is being considered for residential and commercial construction in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing role of women in Middle Eastern tech and the potential for KAUST-developed technologies to address sustainability challenges in the region.
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.
MBZUAI alumnus Abdulaziz Aleissaee is working as a Senior Specialist in AI at Abu Dhabi Media Company after graduating from MBZUAI's inaugural class. He credits his early interest in video game NPCs with sparking his passion for AI, leading him to implement AI solutions at Abu Dhabi Media. He emphasizes the importance of sharing AI knowledge and combating AI illiteracy. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's role in developing local AI talent and its graduates' contributions to AI adoption in key regional industries like media.