KAUST and Bruker have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding and expanded it into a Strategic Partnership and Collaboration Agreement. The initial MoU launched the KAUST-Bruker Center of Excellence (CoE) for Magnetic Resonance (MR) located in the University's Core Laboratories in 2018. The expanded agreement extends the CoE to include X-ray technologies, enhancing technological interaction between the two organizations. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens KAUST's research capabilities and positions it as a leader in scientific innovation in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
KAUST and Bruker Corporation have launched the KAUST–Bruker Center of Excellence (CoE) in Magnetic Resonance, formalizing a long-standing collaboration. The CoE will provide KAUST users access to cutting-edge magnetic resonance technologies and serve as a training site. Bruker showcased advanced technologies including the world's first 900 MHz wide-bore NMR spectrometer and a 500 MHz super wide-bore MRI spectrometer. Why it matters: This CoE enhances KAUST's position as a leading research institution in the region and fosters innovation in magnetic resonance research and applications.
KAUST Associate Professor Derya Baran has been appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Baran leads the Organic Materials for Energy Applications (OMEGA) research group at KAUST, focusing on soft materials for electronic devices. Her research aims to develop printed, stretchable electronics for applications like solar cells and sensors. Why it matters: This fellowship provides a platform for Professor Baran to elevate her research and connect with global scientific leaders, supporting KAUST's and Saudi Arabia's broader goals in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
Professor Arnab Pain's group at KAUST discovered new insights on how a malaria protein enables parasites to spread malaria in human cells. Professor Haavard Rue's group upgraded the Integrated and Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) for faster real-time modeling of large datasets. A KAUST-led study examined the stability of Y-series nonfullerene acceptors for organic solar cells. Why it matters: KAUST continues producing impactful research across diverse fields from medicine to climate change, advancing scientific knowledge and potential applications.
Baker Hughes has donated JewelSuite™ reservoir modeling software to KAUST to enhance teaching, learning, and research. The software simplifies modeling and streamlines the building of accurate 3-D reservoir models. It will enable students and faculty to gain a clearer picture of the subsurface and predict oil or gas deposits. Why it matters: This donation will help KAUST train future leaders in the petroleum engineering industry and advance research in reservoir modeling.
KAUST's Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory (FuNL), led by Prof. Osman Bakr, focuses on synthesizing nanomaterials with novel optical, electronic, and magnetic properties for solar cells and other devices. The lab's research centers on controlling the size and composition of nanoparticles to optimize light absorption across different wavelengths. Unlike silicon-based solar cells, nanoparticle-based solar cells can be processed at low temperatures and potentially integrated with roll-to-roll printing. Why it matters: This research could lead to more efficient and versatile solar energy solutions, including printable photovoltaic thin films for buildings and flexible electronics.
KAUST and Thermo Fisher Scientific launched an Electron Microscopy Center of Excellence on May 9. The Center expands the existing partnership between KAUST and Thermo Fisher, focusing on instrument performance and R&D collaboration. It features the FEI Titan Themis Z scanning transmission electron microscope, the first installation globally. Why it matters: The center will provide advanced materials science research capabilities to KAUST researchers, industry partners, and Saudi Arabia, enhancing scientific discovery and technological advancement in the region.
KAUST's Imaging and Characterization Core Lab (IAC) co-hosted a materials science optical microscopy workshop with Leica Microsystems. The workshop included hands-on training led by IAC staff scientist Ebtihaj Bukhari and Leica specialist Philippe Vignal. Researchers from KAUST, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), and Obeikan participated in the event. Why it matters: Such workshops contribute to developing local expertise in advanced materials science techniques, crucial for Saudi Arabia's industrial and research sectors.