The European Delegation to Saudi Arabia partnered with KAUST to host "Bridging Horizons," an event for over 200 students, researchers, and postdocs. The EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, gave a keynote on EU mobility and collaboration opportunities in health, climate, energy, and digital fields. KAUST leadership met with the Ambassador to discuss increasing academic partnerships and student exchanges between KAUST and European universities. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to strengthen research and innovation ties between the EU and Saudi Arabia, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering human capital development and knowledge exchange.
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.
This commentary discusses the EU AI Act and its potential impact on AI regulation globally. It highlights the importance of balancing innovation with safety and security, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare. The author, Prof. Mérouane Debbah of TII, welcomes the EU's emphasis on transparency and the role of open-source models. Why it matters: The EU AI Act is likely to influence AI policy in the Middle East, prompting a need for regional alignment and consideration of its implications for research and development.
KAUST alumnus Abhinay Ramaprasad (M.S. '12, Ph.D. '17) has been awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship from the European Commission. He will research malaria at the Francis Crick Institute in the U.K., focusing on the mechanisms of malaria parasite egress from red blood cells. Ramaprasad credits his time at KAUST and his work in Professor Arnab Pain's laboratory for preparing him for this opportunity. Why it matters: This fellowship recognizes the high-quality research training at KAUST and supports important work in combating a disease prevalent in many regions, reflecting KAUST's impact on global health.
KAUST research engineer Samy Ould-Chikh is collaborating with the Néel Institute-CNRS at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France. They are using the ESRF's high-energy synchrotron light source to study the inner structure of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. Ould-Chikh's research focuses on catalysis and functional materials, with an emphasis on renewable energy and photocatalysis. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights KAUST's engagement with leading international research institutions to advance materials science and energy research.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has become a full member of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). ETSI is a non-profit organization that develops ICT standards with over 900 member organizations from 66 countries. This membership allows TII researchers to participate in the development and testing of global ICT standards. Why it matters: This move enables TII to contribute to shaping global ICT standards and enhance its competitiveness through the adoption of the latest technologies.