KAUST's Workshops Core Lab launched the first scientific glassblowing apprenticeship program in Saudi Arabia. The program trains Saudi apprentices in the specialized skills of scientific glassblowing, essential for creating and repairing glassware used in research. Apprentices Faisal Nour and Mohammed Al-Amri began training in 2020 and will undergo 7,000 hours of mentorship. Why it matters: This initiative addresses a critical gap in scientific infrastructure and expertise within Saudi Arabia, fostering self-sufficiency in research support and potentially establishing KAUST as a regional center for glassblowing consultation.
KAUST's Bioscience Core Lab (BCL) supports regional and global health initiatives through industry partnerships, offering expertise and technology access to organizations like SaudiVax. BCL aids SaudiVax in developing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies tailored to the needs of Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, focusing on respiratory diseases like MERS and COVID-19. SaudiVax is also collaborating with KAUST to research a new preventative drug targeting SARS-CoV-2. Why it matters: This strengthens Saudi Arabia's capabilities in vaccine development and biomanufacturing, addressing critical healthcare needs in the region and reducing reliance on external sources.
KAUST has released the sixth edition of its KAUST Impact magazine, highlighting research, education, and innovation achievements. This edition focuses on KAUST’s Core Labs, which consist of 12 facilities supporting research at KAUST and with collaborators throughout Saudi Arabia. The magazine is available in both English and Arabic. Why it matters: This publication showcases KAUST's role in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 and its contributions to research and development in the region.
KAUST's Prototyping Core Lab, inaugurated in November 2018, offers tools from 3D printers to CNC machines, with expert support for users. The lab has registered over 260 users and delivered 300 training sessions since opening. It supports KAUST programs like hackathons and accelerators, aiding startups such as NOMADD and Sadeem. Why it matters: This lab fosters innovation and entrepreneurship within KAUST and across Saudi Arabia by providing essential prototyping resources and expertise.
KAUST's Core Labs provide engineering simulation services and training using state-of-the-art technology. The Supercomputing Core Lab (KSL) at KAUST conducts training workshops in partnership with ANSYS, a market leader in engineering and simulation design software. Since 2017, KSL has conducted five training workshops related to engineering software in partnership with ANSYS, with 230 attendees, including 138 individuals from in-Kingdom institutions outside of KAUST. Why it matters: These workshops strengthen Saudi Arabia's engineering capabilities by providing access to simulation software and training, facilitating collaboration between KAUST, Saudi Aramco, and SABIC.
KAUST's Core Labs has launched a Machinist Apprenticeship Development Program. The program aims to train machinists. No further details about the program are provided in the announcement. Why it matters: This apprenticeship program could help develop skilled technical talent in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's technology and manufacturing sectors.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratories in Abu Dhabi, the first such facility in the Arab world. The facility at TII's Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) includes three labs: an EMC semi-anechoic chamber, a pulsed power laboratory, and a low-noise emanation laboratory. These labs will enable evaluation of technologies against electromagnetic interference and support in-country R&D and local industry in line with UAE's 'Operation 300bn'. Why it matters: This advanced infrastructure signals the UAE's commitment to fostering innovation in electronics and related sectors, reducing reliance on foreign testing and certification.
KAUST's Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) Core Lab has been accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ISO/IEC 17025. The accreditation confirms the lab's competence in performing calibrations with global quality standards. KAUST is the first university in the Kingdom and the GCC region to receive such recognition for oceanographic instrument calibration. Why it matters: This certification enhances the reliability of research data and positions KAUST as a leader in marine research infrastructure within the region.