KAUST will host its first annual Enrichment in the Fall program starting October 17, featuring lectures, films, workshops, concerts, and artworks. The program focuses on the biodiversity and wildlife in the KAUST community, with events aimed at all ages and interests. The enrichment program includes community activities on the weekends of October 17–18 and October 24–25. Why it matters: This program signals KAUST's ongoing commitment to community engagement and education in areas like biodiversity, complementing its established Winter Enrichment Program.
KAUST will host its Fall Discovery Enrichment program from October 14-22, focusing on the theme "Food for All." The program includes discussions on women in biology led by Bettina Berger, Jasmeen Merzaban, Peiying Hong, and Ashwag Albukhari. Other activities feature a workshop on diet improvement by Amna Malik and cooking demonstrations by German chef Bernd Arold, alongside screenings of food-related movies. Why it matters: The event promotes community engagement and education around food-related topics, highlighting the intersection of science, health, and culture within the KAUST community.
The KAUST community held the opening night of its 2016 Enrichment in the Fall program. The event's theme was "Food for All." Photos from the event were taken by Meres Weche. Why it matters: This community event highlights KAUST's engagement with broader social themes, though the AI relevance is low.
KAUST held its first Enrichment in Fall program. The event was attended by program leadership including David Keyes, Craig Kershaw, Jan-Lou Chameau, and Carol Carmichael. The program is part of KAUST's broader discovery enrichment initiatives. Why it matters: Such programs contribute to KAUST's mission of fostering scientific innovation and attracting talent.
Professor Kimberly Smith from the University of Arkansas gave a lecture on ornithology to the KAUST community as part of the Enrichment in Fall Program. The lecture covered bird diversity, unique features such as feathers and bills, and various adaptations. Birds have developed unique features, including feathers, bills (or beaks), a flexible upper jaw and egg laying during reproduction. Why it matters: Such lectures can foster interest in biodiversity and conservation within the KAUST community, potentially leading to increased environmental awareness and research.
KAUST welcomes five new faculty members for the new school year: Andrea Falqui, Daniele Daffonchio, Athanasios Tzavaras, Ying Sun, and Carlo Liberale. The new faculty members come from diverse backgrounds and bring expertise in areas such as bioscience, microbial ecology, and nanostructure imaging. They will contribute to KAUST's vision through research, teaching, and collaboration. Why it matters: The addition of new faculty enhances KAUST's research capabilities and educational offerings, fostering innovation and attracting top talent to the region.
Dr. Samuel West, curator of the Museum of Failure, delivered a keynote lecture at KAUST on learning from innovation failure. He emphasized accepting failure, encouraging innovation, and framing work as learning problems. West used case studies like TwitterPeek and the Vasa warship to illustrate learning from past mistakes. Why it matters: This promotes a culture of experimentation and resilience, crucial for advancing AI and technology innovation in Saudi Arabia.
Fred Davies from Texas A&M University spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding the world's growing population. The keynote address was part of KAUST's Enrichment in the Fall program. Davies discussed the growing needs and problems related to global food production. Why it matters: Such discussions at KAUST can help foster research and innovation in agricultural technologies relevant to Saudi Arabia and the wider region.