KAUST's Supply Chain Services implemented a Chemical Re-Use Program in February 2016 to encourage researchers to share surplus chemicals. Over 100 researchers have donated more than 3,000 bottles, with over 1,300 bottles reused across multiple divisions and centers. The Enterprise Reagent Manager (ERM) software helps researchers locate available chemicals. Why it matters: This initiative reduces chemical waste, saves costs and time associated with procurement, and promotes environmental sustainability within the university's research ecosystem.
This article discusses KAUST's presence at the 252nd American Chemical Society Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia, PA. A KAUST team consisting of staff, students, and faculty attended the event. The article includes a photo from the event and standard KAUST copyright information. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's efforts to engage with the international scientific community and showcase its research and educational programs.
KAUST researchers presented their work on stabilizing nanoparticle catalysts at the 252nd American Chemical Society Meeting & Exposition. The team devised a "molecular Scotch tape" using a silica gel support coated with a single molecule layer of soft material containing sulfur. This approach allows nanoparticles to stick to one side while leaving the other side free for catalysis, preventing aggregation without killing the catalyst. Why it matters: This innovation in catalyst stabilization could lead to more efficient and sustainable chemical processes, impacting various industries.
KAUST, Saudi Aramco, and the Ministry of Energy convened the Crude Oil to Chemicals Innovative Technologies Conference on October 23-25. The conference focused on catalysts, process optimization, and fundamental approaches for oil-to-chemicals conversion. KAUST also signed an MOU with Saudi Aramco, the Ministry of Energy, and the Oil Sustainability Program to develop relevant technologies. Why it matters: This initiative signals a move towards more sustainable hydrocarbon use and the development of advanced materials in the Kingdom.
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.
A KAUST organic chemistry lab partnered with SABIC to explore using nanomaterials originally designed for biomedical applications as fillers in recyclable plastics. The collaboration allowed the lab to consider scalability and cost-effectiveness in their research. The partnership also helped to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the importance of industry-academia partnerships in translating research into practical applications and advancing sustainable materials.
Uwaidh Al-Harethi, executive VP at SABIC, spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about the importance of innovation, noting that leading tech companies invest heavily to penetrate markets. He highlighted Samsung's patent filings and Amazon's innovation spending. Al-Harethi stated that SABIC makes three dollars for every one dollar spent on innovation, emphasizing its role in the chemical industry's success. Why it matters: The talk underscores the increasing focus on innovation and technology leadership within Saudi Arabia's key industries, particularly in leveraging AI for future technologies.
This article describes KAUST's participation in the American Chemical Society (ACS) event in Washington, D.C. in August. KAUST's team engaged with conference attendees at their booth. The article includes photos from the event. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's efforts to engage with the international scientific community and promote its research and programs.