King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has been ranked No. 1 in Saudi Arabia for materials science, chemistry, natural sciences, and electrical engineering in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. Globally, KAUST ranks within the top 100 across eight different subjects. These rankings are compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, comparing over 1,500 universities worldwide. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's growing academic excellence and its contribution to Saudi Vision 2030 goals of attracting top talent and elevating the global standing of the Kingdom's educational institutions.
Prof. Mérouane Debbah, Chief Researcher at the AI Cross-Center Unit and DSRC, has been ranked No. 1 in France and 180th globally in Electronics and Electrical Engineering by Research.com. He has an H-index of 98 and over 47000 citations. Debbah was also recognized as a 2022 AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar in Internet of Things for contributions between 2012 and 2021. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing AI research talent within the GCC region, particularly in areas related to communication technologies and IoT.
KAUST researchers have developed solar panels with 4D-printed legs that readjust their position to track the sun's movement without consuming electrical energy. The design uses smart materials that contract when exposed to sunlight, tilting the panel towards the sun. A multidisciplinary team of interns collaborated on the project, integrating physics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering expertise. Why it matters: This low-cost, energy-efficient solar-tracking technology could significantly increase the energy output of solar cells, offering a viable renewable energy solution for the region and beyond.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Ahmed Eltawil has been elected a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The NAI Senior Member program recognizes faculty with success in patents, licensing, and commercialization. Eltawil's research focuses on efficient architectures for computing and communications systems, including wireless, mobile, sensor networks, and machine learning. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's innovative ecosystem and Eltawil's contributions to advancing computing and communication technologies in the region.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Boon S. Ooi has been elected as a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This honor recognizes Ooi's contributions to semiconductor photonics, optical sensors, and particularly his work on fiber sensors for oil & gas and agriculture. Ooi's inventions are relevant to communications, health, energy and agriculture. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's and the region's increasing contributions to impactful research and innovation in areas like optical sensing and semiconductor photonics.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Kazuhiro Ohkawa has been elected as a Fellow of the Japan Society of Applied Physics (JSAP). JSAP recognized Ohkawa for his contributions to the development of wide bandgap semiconductor epitaxial growth and optical devices. Ohkawa's research at KAUST focuses on energy-conversion phenomena for sustainability, including doping technologies, MOCVD for nitride semiconductors, and nitride photocatalysts. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty in international societies raises the university's profile and highlights its contributions to applied physics and sustainable energy research.
KAUST alumna Shamael Al-Shuhail won the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) Young Engineer of the Year Award in 2018. Al-Shuhail, who graduated from KAUST with a master's degree in electrical engineering in 2015, was recognized for her potential contributions to the oil and gas industry. She currently works as a technology solutions architect at Saudi Aramco, focusing on compressive sensing for ultrasonic imaging in oil and gas wells. Why it matters: This award highlights the role of Saudi universities like KAUST in fostering talent and innovation for the region's critical energy sector.
Wail Bamhair (M.S. '10, electrical engineering) is the CEO of TAQNIA Energy, the energy arm of Saudi Investment and Development. He joined TAQNIA as its first employee after the CEO, eventually leading the development of Saudi Arabia's first independent solar power station, Layla Power Station (50 MW). Prior to TAQNIA, he worked at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K●A●CARE). Why it matters: This highlights the role of KAUST graduates in driving Saudi Arabia's renewable energy sector and contributing to Vision 2030's sustainability goals.