KAUST Vice President for Research Dr. Donal Bradley was inaugurated as a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI) at a ceremony in Florida. Bradley holds 16 granted U.S. patents, including a fundamental patent on conjugated polymer electroluminescence (U.S. 5,247,190) that led to the development of OLED displays. His work led to the founding of Cambridge Display Technology and collaborations with Dow Chemical and Sumitomo Chemical. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's impact on global innovation in materials science and engineering, particularly in the development of advanced display technologies.
The Mexican Embassy in Riyadh announced the creation of the first Saudi Arabian chapter of the Mexican Global Network (RedGlobalMX-Saudi Arabia). The chapter aims to recognize the contributions of the Mexican community in Saudi Arabia and foster collaboration between the two countries. KAUST alumni form a substantial part of the chapter's core membership, including those working at Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical. Why it matters: This initiative strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Mexico, potentially opening doors for further academic and industrial collaborations, especially in fields where KAUST has expertise.
KAUST held an Innovation & Economic Development Open House event on October 4 and 5. The event showcased industry partners in the KAUST Innovation Cluster, including Dow Chemical, SABIC, Saudi Aramco, and startups like FalconViz and NOMADD. Student groups like the Entrepreneurship Business & Innovation Group (eBIG) also participated, highlighting efforts to foster innovation within the KAUST community. Why it matters: This event demonstrates KAUST's ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and translating research into real-world applications, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification goals.
KAUST's 2015 highlights included recognition as a catalyst for innovation, with its Entrepreneurship Center named a High Impact Program. Six KAUST-related companies were listed among the top 100 innovative startups by Forbes Middle East. KAUST also signed an agreement with Dow Chemical Company to expand facilities and collaborated with ICD on a Saudi-focused venture capital fund. Why it matters: This reflects KAUST's ongoing efforts to strengthen its role in Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy through entrepreneurship and industry partnerships.
Dow Chemical Company signed an agreement with KAUST to expand its facilities at the KAUST Research & Technology Park by constructing a new 13,500 sqm Dow Middle East Research and Development (R&D) Center. Construction, led by KAUST and designed to meet LEED silver certification, was set to begin by the end of 2015 and accommodate up to 75 Dow R&D employees. The facility will house advanced labs for water treatment research and expand capabilities in oil and gas, construction, and coatings. Why it matters: This expansion underscores the commitment to regional innovation and developing science-based solutions for challenges related to water, energy, and infrastructure in the Middle East.
The Dow SISCA awards at KAUST recognized two Ph.D. students for their sustainability-focused research. Anas Abu-Taha won first place and $10,000 for his work on nanoscale thermoelectrics for waste heat energy harvesting. David Conchouso Gonzales was the runner-up, receiving $2,500 for his poster on sustainable production of controllable emulsions using microfluidic droplet generators. Why it matters: The awards highlight KAUST's dedication to sustainability research and its ongoing partnership with Dow Chemical in fostering innovative solutions.
KAUST and Dow Chemical Company organized a STEAM innovation challenge for over 150 university students from the Jeddah area. The event took place on the KAUST campus from January 19-21. Participants engaged in activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Why it matters: Such initiatives promote local talent and innovation in STEM fields, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
KAUST held its seventh commencement ceremony. The ceremony included speeches from President Jean-Lou Chameau and Andrew N. Liveris, CEO of The Dow Chemical Company. The event celebrated the graduating class. Why it matters: While a routine event, commencement ceremonies highlight KAUST's ongoing role in developing technical talent for Saudi Arabia.