KAUST held its Spring 2014 graduation ceremony on June 7, honoring 11 Ph.D. and 20 master's degree candidates from nine countries. KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau congratulated the graduates, noting their contributions to research and KAUST's global influence. Faculty members advised the graduates to aim high and uphold KAUST's values in their future endeavors. Why it matters: While routine, the graduation highlights KAUST's ongoing role in developing scientific talent within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
KAUST is offering a 16-month Master of Science degree in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE). The program includes a six-month internship at a Global Technology Innovation Hub. KAUST provides access to facilities like the Prototyping and Product Development Core Lab, robotics and embedded systems labs. Why it matters: The program aims to prepare students for roles in technology startups and established organizations within the rapidly growing Saudi innovation ecosystem.
Bruno Antonio Pulido Ponce de León, a Mexican Ph.D. student, joined KAUST in August 2014 to study environmental science and engineering. His research focuses on the sustainable design of high-performance polymeric membranes for use in chemical separation processes, under the supervision of Professor Suzana Nunes. He also contributed to campus life through language exchange, the Green Group, residential assistance, and TEDxKAUST. Why it matters: KAUST's ability to attract international talent for advanced research underscores its role as a hub for scientific innovation and sustainable technology development in the region.
Areej Aljarb is a Ph.D. student in material science and engineering at KAUST, researching 2D materials within the KAUST 2D Materials Research Lab under Professors Lain-Jong Li and Xixiang Zhang. Her research focuses on the controlled growth and fundamental phenomena of two-dimensional atomic layer thin materials, specifically controlling the orientation of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Aljarb aims to achieve single-orientation epitaxial monolayer 2D TMDs to fully utilize the potential of these materials. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering local talent and contributing to advanced materials research with potential applications in various technology sectors.
KAUST highlights postdoctoral fellows Yi Jin Liew, Isabelle Schulz, Maren Ziegler and Neus Garcias Bonet outside the University Library. The article mentions King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1924 – 2015). It encourages applications to KAUST's Discovery Postdoctoral program. Why it matters: This brief announcement signals KAUST's ongoing investment in attracting international research talent to Saudi Arabia.
KAUST held its 11th commencement and first virtual graduation ceremony, celebrating the class of 2020. The ceremony honored 149 master's and 95 Ph.D. graduates, with 87 graduates from Saudi Arabia. President Tony Chan acknowledged the graduates' resilience and contributions to KAUST's first decade of research excellence. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's future, especially in light of the Kingdom's focus on technological advancement and human capital development.
MBZUAI has opened graduate admissions for the 2023/2024 academic year, offering master’s and doctoral programs in computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing. The university ranks in the top 25 globally in AI, computer vision, machine learning, and NLP, according to Computer Science Rankings. In Fall 2022, MBZUAI welcomed 125 new students, including 22 doctoral and 105 master’s students, bringing the total student population to over 250. Why it matters: This signals continued growth for MBZUAI as a leading AI research institution in the region, attracting international talent and contributing to the development of AI expertise in the UAE.
KAUST held its ninth academic Convocation ceremony on September 4, welcoming a new cohort of master's and Ph.D. students, half of whom are international and over a third female. President Tony Chan addressed the students, emphasizing the university's vision, while student speaker Kenneth Langley encouraged collaboration. Faculty speaker J. Carlos Santamarina highlighted the importance of connections within the research community. Why it matters: As KAUST grows, these events are vital for shaping a collaborative environment and promoting the university's strategic vision for research and education in Saudi Arabia.