The Technology Innovation Institute's (TII) Cryptography Research Center (CRC) has launched CLAASP, a cryptographic library for the automated analysis of symmetric primitives. CLAASP, built on SageMath and Python3, automates the design analysis of block ciphers, cryptographic permutations, hash functions, and stream ciphers. Released as an open-source tool with a GPLv3 license, CLAASP aims to ensure design sovereignty for organizations creating symmetric ciphers. Why it matters: This tool provides an important resource for the region to strengthen its cryptographic capabilities and contribute to global efforts in safeguarding digital infrastructure against evolving threats, including quantum computing.
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.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) received a US$1.5 million grant from the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP). The grant was awarded at the UAEREP's 5th Cycle Awarding Ceremony in Abu Dhabi. DERC was recognized for its research on laser-induced rain and the development of a mobile high-power pulsed laser using remote sensing. Why it matters: This funding supports the development of sustainable, chemical-free rain enhancement technologies, addressing critical water security challenges in arid regions.
KAUST will host the Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) Conference in November 2026. The conference will be held at the KAUST Research and Technology Park (KRTP). The event aims to promote scientific and industrial technologies and economic growth across Asia. Why it matters: This event further positions Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation and collaboration between the Middle East and Asia, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for entrepreneurship.
KAUST and Saudi Aramco collaborated to develop a laser-based sensor for detecting trace amounts of gas leaks in petrochemical plants. The sensor uses machine learning to identify specific gases, differentiating it from previous sensors that only detect large leaks. The technology can differentiate between closely related industrial gases like benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX). Why it matters: This innovation enables proactive monitoring and rapid pinpointing of leaks, enhancing safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency in the petrochemical industry.
QRC has developed Qibo, a Python library enabling classical simulation of quantum algorithms with double precision. Qibo leverages hardware accelerators like GPUs and CPUs with multi-threading. It incorporates a multi-GPU distributed approach for circuit simulation. Why it matters: This framework allows researchers and developers in the region to explore and prototype quantum algorithms using existing classical computing infrastructure, fostering innovation in quantum computing research and applications.
KAUST researchers developed a new model integrating SIR compartment modeling in time and a point process modeling approach in space-time, also considering age-specific contact patterns. They used a two-step framework to model infectious locations over time for different age groups. The model demonstrated improved predictive accuracy in simulations and a COVID-19 case study in Cali, Colombia, compared to existing models. Why it matters: This model can assist decision-makers in identifying high-risk locations and vulnerable populations for better disease control strategies in the region and globally.
Qirong Ho, co-founder and CTO of Petuum Inc., will be contributing to the "ML Systems for Many" initiative. Petuum is recognized for creating standardized building blocks for AI assembly. Ho also holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and is part of the CASL open-source consortium. Why it matters: Showcases the ongoing efforts to democratize AI development and deployment, making it more accessible and sustainable, although the specific initiative is not further detailed.