Istanbul, Turkey, will host GITEX Ai Türkiye in 2026, extending the GITEX brand into Eurasia. The event aims to gather industry leaders, innovators, and government officials to explore AI advancements. It will focus on Turkey's growing digital economy and its strategic position connecting Europe and Asia. Why it matters: The event signals Turkey's growing importance as a regional AI hub and its ambition to attract international investment and collaboration.
Professor Jean-Luc Bredas, Director of KAUST’s Solar Center (SPERC), has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences (EURASC). Bredas is recognized for his theoretical research into organic materials for semiconductor devices like LEDs, transistors, and solar cells. His KAUST group focuses on understanding the electronic and optical properties of these materials. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced materials research and its contributions to global scientific advancements in electronics and photonics.
KAUST Professor Tadeusz Patzek has received the EAGE Desiderius Erasmus Award for his contributions to energy supply research. The award recognizes Patzek's analysis of shale gas and biofuels, as well as his work on climate change and environmental damage. Patzek currently directs the Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center at KAUST, focusing on the impact of fossil fuels and agrofuels on social and ecological systems. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to research on sustainable energy strategies and their impact on global environmental policy.
Core42, a G42 company specializing in AI infrastructure, has established its European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. This expansion aims to better serve European enterprises and governments seeking secure, high-performance infrastructure for scaling AI adoption. Core42 has already partnered with companies in France and Italy to deliver AI infrastructure. Why it matters: The move signifies G42's increasing investment in and focus on the European AI market, positioning the UAE as a key player in the global AI landscape.
KAUST Professor Heribert Hirt has been elected to Academia Europaea for his research on plant-microbe relationships. His work focuses on identifying beneficial microbial genes and finding local microbes to enhance plant resilience, especially in desert environments. Hirt's research has demonstrated the importance of microbes for plant health and the detrimental effects of chemical-reliant agriculture. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to understanding plant resilience in extreme environments and the importance of microbiome research for sustainable agriculture in the region.
KAUST researchers analyzed 17 years of GPS data from 168 stations across the Arabian plate. They found the plate to be remarkably stable despite pressure from continental collision and plate breakup. The plate moves as a single block, and its motion relative to neighboring plates has likely remained unchanged for 13 million years. Why it matters: The study provides crucial insights into earthquake hazards and tectonic activity in the Arabian Peninsula, improving risk assessment and infrastructure planning.
Gilles Lubineau, KAUST's Discovery Associate Dean for Faculty in PSE and PI in the COHMAS lab, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. Lubineau's nomination recognizes his contributions to material engineering, specifically developing approaches for predicting and improving the integrity of materials and structures. He hopes this nomination will build bridges between European and Saudi academic communities. Why it matters: This recognition of a KAUST faculty member elevates the university's international standing and fosters potential collaborations in engineering and materials science.