Lockheed Martin's CTO, Dr. Dana Jackson, spoke at KAUST about the company's collaborative R&D goals. He cited the Apollo 11 moon landing as a major inspiration for his career in science and technology. The lecture took place on the KAUST campus on October 22. Why it matters: Such talks can foster collaboration between industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and academic institutions like KAUST, potentially catalyzing innovation in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Assistant Professor Dana Alsulaiman was named a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talent. Alsulaiman was recognized for her work developing biomarker detection technologies for early and accurate disease detection. KAUST Ph.D. student Lila Aldakheel also received an award for her research on microplastics in mangrove forests. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the rising prominence and impact of female scientists at Saudi institutions in addressing key challenges like healthcare and environmental sustainability.
Deanna Lacoste is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in KAUST's Physical Science and Engineering Division. She is featured in a "Faculty Focus" section. Why it matters: This is a routine faculty highlight from KAUST.
KAUST's Sciencetown podcast episode 23 features researcher Dana Al-Sulaiman discussing portable biosensing technologies for cancer detection. These devices aim to enable liquid biopsies for early screening and personalized treatment. The biosensors gather clinical information from biological samples to inform clinical decisions. Why it matters: This research can advance non-invasive diagnostics and personalized medicine in the region.
KAUST alumna Dina Bashir Abusamra, who received her master's degree in 2010 and Ph.D. in 2016 from KAUST, is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Her early research at KAUST focused on understanding the mechanisms by which transplanted hematopoietic stem cells home back to bone marrow, specifically studying glycan-binding proteins like selectin. She now studies the role of glycan-binding proteins and galectins in microenvironment modulation. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of KAUST in fostering scientific talent and contributing to research in biomedical engineering and bioscience, with alumni now making contributions at leading international research institutions.
KAUST Associate Professor Raquel Peixoto has been named the 2024 National Champion for Saudi Arabia by the Frontiers Planet Prize. Peixoto won the prize for her research on using probiotics to enhance coral reef resilience against climate change. Her work has led to the establishment of the RSRC Coral Probiotics Village in the Red Sea and collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia's contributions to marine conservation and innovative approaches to addressing climate change impacts on vital ecosystems.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Donal Bradley, currently the dean for science and engineering at the University of Oxford, as its new vice president for research. Bradley, a fellow of the Royal Society, has over 630 publications and a Google Scholar h-index of 125. He previously served as VP for research at Imperial College London and brings experience in technology development, including co-founding Cambridge Display Technology Ltd. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to attracting top international talent to drive its research and development efforts in science and engineering.
Michael Holland from NYU's Center for Urban Science & Progress (CUSP) presented a keynote lecture at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2015 on the importance of urban science. CUSP, launched in 2012, aims to make New York City a world capital of science and technology through multi-sector research and education. Holland emphasized how analyzing urban data can improve city government, planning, policy, and citizen engagement. Why it matters: As urbanization increases, the development of urban science and the effective use of urban data become crucial for sustainable and efficient city management in the GCC region and globally.