KAUST ·
Dirk Ahlborn discussed the future of transport in his WEP keynote address at KAUST on January 11. He specifically addressed the Hyperloop concept. Why it matters: Such discussions at leading institutions signal growing interest in innovative transport solutions within the region.
KAUST ·
Dominik Michels is an assistant professor of computer science at KAUST. He is part of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's continued investment in attracting international faculty to strengthen its research programs.
KAUST ·
Paul Thurk from ARCH Venture Partners spoke at KAUST about university spinouts. He advised students on forming startups, emphasizing the importance of credible endorsements, strong teams, and adaptable business plans. Thurk highlighted the need to anticipate market trends and set achievable milestones for fundraising. Why it matters: This talk provides insights into venture capital perspectives on academic entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, potentially guiding future tech transfer efforts at KAUST and similar institutions.
KAUST ·
Kyle Lauersen, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at KAUST, credits his early martial arts training for instilling focus and confidence. He initially pursued education degrees but shifted to molecular biology and genetic engineering after lab experiences. Lauersen's PhD work in Germany involved recoding algal genes for biotechnology. Why it matters: His journey highlights the diverse paths to STEM careers and KAUST's role in attracting international researchers focused on sustainable biotechnology.
KAUST ·
Prof. Karl Leo has been appointed as the Director of KAUST's Solar and Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC). He joins KAUST from Technische Universität in Dresden, bringing expertise in organic semiconductors and photovoltaics. His research aims to improve the efficiency and lifetime of organic solar cells, with a goal of reaching 20% efficiency. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens KAUST's solar energy research program and aligns with Saudi Arabia's focus on renewable energy technologies.
TII ·
Marcus Engsig from DERC will present a paper at the MATLAB User Group Meeting in Abu Dhabi on October 6. The paper, titled ‘Generalization of Higher Order Methods For Fast Iterative Matrix Inversion Compatible With GPU Acceleration’, discusses a novel approach to matrix inversion using GPUs. The method, named Nested Neumann, achieves 4-100x acceleration compared to standard MATLAB methods for large matrices. Why it matters: This research contributes to faster computation in numerical and physical modeling, crucial for processing large datasets in various scientific and engineering applications in the region.
KAUST ·
Dr. David Edwards from Harvard University spoke at KAUST about creativity in innovative communities. He believes that we are at the dawn of a grassroots renaissance in the arts, sciences and engineering. Edwards highlighted the importance of learning, experimentation, and production centers in fostering innovation. Why it matters: This talk suggests KAUST is looking to foster a cross-disciplinary culture of innovation, aligning with broader trends in AI and technology development that require diverse skill sets.
KAUST ·
KAUST alumnus Dimitrios Kleftogiannis (Ph.D. '16) is now a cancer researcher at the University of Bergen, Norway, using bioinformatics to study liquid biopsies for cancer research. He transitioned from computer science to bioinformatics after his Ph.D. and was inspired by Prof. Mel Greaves at the Institute of Cancer Research in London. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of interdisciplinary training at KAUST and its alumni's contributions to applying AI and computational methods to advance healthcare research.