KAUST Professors William Roberts and Robert Dibble were inducted as Fellows of The Combustion Institute (CI) in February. Roberts was recognized for his work on laminar flames, turbulent combustion, and soot formation at elevated pressures. Dibble was inducted for exceptional contributions to developing and using laser diagnostics for combustion research. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to combustion research and strengthens its position as a leading institution in the field, attracting top students and researchers.
A group of KAUST students and research scientists from the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC) and Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science & Engineering (CEMSE) division attended the 2019 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. This was part of the five-year research and development agreement between KAUST and McLaren Racing Limited. The KAUST group joined members from McLaren at the Bahrain International Circuit to observe the results of their partnership. Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates KAUST's commitment to applying its research expertise in advanced engineering and computing to real-world challenges in motorsports, potentially leading to innovations in vehicle performance and efficiency.
KAUST Professor Hong Im has been elected as a Fellow of the Combustion Institute for his contributions to combustion understanding using theory, numerical methods, and simulations. Im's research focuses on predicting the physics of laminar and turbulent combustion, with applications in laboratory flames and combustion engines. He credits the collaborative environment at KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) for this achievement. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing expertise in clean combustion research, which is crucial for developing sustainable energy solutions relevant to the region and the world.
KAUST student Nawaf Alghamdi won a best poster prize at the XXIII International Conference on Chemical Reactors (CHEMREACTOR-23) in Ghent, Belgium. Alghamdi's poster focused on his research utilizing the stagnation-flow reactor concept to reduce catalytic problems to one dimension. His work is part of his research in the Clean Combustion Research Center, focusing on understanding the kinetics of catalytic processes. Why it matters: This award recognizes promising research at KAUST and highlights the university's contributions to advancements in chemical engineering and catalysis, with potential applications in industrial processes.
Abdulrahman Alkhateeb, a KAUST alumnus with a master's in mechanical engineering, is pursuing his Ph.D. at KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center under William Roberts, focusing on hydrogen-based fuel combustion for gas turbines. He previously worked at Saudi Aramco, which supported his studies at the University of Birmingham and KAUST. Alkhateeb chose KAUST for its shared vision with Aramco and its high academic standards and research facilities. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent in critical energy research areas aligned with national priorities.
Maram Al-Malki, a KAUST alumna (M.S. '17) in chemistry from the Clean Combustion Research Center, is now pursuing a Ph.D. at KAUST's Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center. Her Ph.D. focuses on developing energy consumption strategies for intelligent use of energy sources. Al-Malki advises current students to learn from mistakes and connect with diverse peers. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering local talent and research in sustainable energy solutions, contributing to Saudi Arabia's vision for a diversified and sustainable economy.
KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) has become a global hub for combustion research within four years of its inauguration. The CCRC focuses on developing expertise in efficient, clean, and economical fuel combustion, including a 10-year FUELCOM project with Saudi Aramco. The center utilizes specialized facilities and the KAUST supercomputer Shaheen to test computations and simulations, and also introduced CloudFlame for managing research data. Why it matters: The CCRC's work is crucial for improving the efficiency and sustainability of internal combustion engines, expected to remain relevant for the next 30-40 years.
KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) hosted the Combustion in Extreme Conditions research conference from March 5-8. The conference focused on combustion under extreme conditions in modern engines, covering high-pressure combustion, advanced diagnostics, and high-performance computations. Experts from academia, national labs, and industry discussed global collaborations toward clean combustion systems, alternative fuels, and emission reduction techniques. Why it matters: The conference highlights KAUST's role as a global hub for combustion research and its commitment to advancing technologies for cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.