KAUST ·
KAUST held an Engineering Forum event on January 23. The event recognized members of the Technical Committee for their support in completing KAUST standards. No further details about the content of the forum are provided. Why it matters: Such events likely contribute to the development of engineering expertise and standards within Saudi Arabia.
MBZUAI ·
Brandeis University in Massachusetts is launching a new Engineering program, with student enrollment slated for Fall 2026 while engineering courses are already available to non-majors. The program aims to develop engineers with a liberal arts background, translate basic science research into practical technologies, and foster cross-disciplinary innovation. Engineering faculty will be embedded within existing science departments and will teach in a new ABET-certified undergraduate Engineering Science major. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary approach to engineering education could serve as a model for integrating technical skills with broader societal considerations, though the article does not mention any collaboration or impact in the Middle East.
KAUST ·
Dr. Martin Fischer, head of the design team for Groupama Team France, spoke at KAUST as part of the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). His keynote lecture focused on engineering design principles exemplified by the America's Cup challenge. The event took place on January 17th at KAUST. Why it matters: Such events help promote STEM fields and expose students to real-world engineering challenges.
MBZUAI ·
Michael Yu Wang, Chair Professor and Founding Dean of the School of Engineering at Great Bay University, argues for combining "good old fashioned engineering" (GOFE) with learning-based approaches like LLMs for robot skill acquisition, particularly in manipulation. He suggests a modular framework that integrates engineering principles with learning, drawing inspiration from human hand-eye coordination and tactile perception. Wang emphasizes the need to address engineering features of robot tactile sensors, such as spatial and temporal resolutions, to achieve human-like robot manipulation skills. Why it matters: This perspective highlights the importance of hybrid approaches combining traditional engineering with modern AI for advancing robotics, especially in complex manipulation tasks relevant to industries in the GCC region.
MBZUAI ·
Video motion magnification amplifies subtle movements in video footage, making the imperceptible visible across various fields. In healthcare, it allows non-invasive monitoring of vital signs and micro-expressions. In engineering, it helps detect structural vibrations in infrastructure, while also being used in sports science, security, and robotics. Why it matters: The technology's ability to reveal hidden details has the potential to revolutionize diagnostics, monitoring, and decision-making in diverse sectors across the Middle East.
KAUST ·
KAUST is highlighted as a key institution for training Saudi engineers to meet the Kingdom's industrial ambitions and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s 30% Saudization requirement. KAUST alumni Aishah Alsamdani and Saeed Alyousef are featured, demonstrating their contributions to Saudi Vision 2030 through roles in environmental management and energy sector solutions, respectively. They emphasize KAUST's role in equipping them with the skills, global mindset, and sense of responsibility necessary for national development. Why it matters: This underscores the strategic importance of STEM education and talent development in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification and localization efforts.
KAUST ·
J. Carlos Santamarina, a Professor of Earth Science and Engineering at KAUST, is researching geomaterial behavior and subsurface processes. His work focuses on energy geo-engineering, resource recovery, and geological storage of energy waste. He uses particle-level experiments, numerical methods, and monitoring systems to understand coupled thermo-hydro-bio-chemo-mechanically processes. Why it matters: This research contributes to energy sustainability and addresses global energy challenges through advanced geotechnology.