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's Darwin21 research group, led by Maged Saad and Heribert Hirt, has developed biostimulant products using plant endophyte microbes to enhance crop resilience in arid conditions. Estidamah, the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, validated Darwin21's products, demonstrating increased vegetable yield and quality with reduced water consumption. A cucumber harvest required only two-thirds of the water when the microbes were applied. Why it matters: This validation paves the way for commercial application, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030's goals of water conservation and food security through innovative agri-technologies.
KAUST has inaugurated the Center for Desert Agriculture (CDA) to focus on research and real-world solutions for local, regional, and global agriculture. Professor Rod Wing will lead the CDA, focusing on crop plant variation, while Professor Mark Tester will serve as associate director, continuing his work on salt tolerance in crops. Other professors, such as Salim Al-Babili and Heribert Hirt, will continue their research into areas including combating parasitic weeds and global food security. Why it matters: The center's focus on desert agriculture and food security addresses critical regional and global imperatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader goals of sustainable development and innovation in food production.
Four KAUST researchers were named in the "Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researchers 2014." The researchers are Jean M.J. Frechet (Chemistry), Victor M. Calo (Computer Science), Mohamed Eddaoudi (Chemistry), and Heribert Hirt (Plant & Animal Science). The list recognizes researchers who rank in the top 1% most cited for their subject field and year of publication. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to impactful scientific research and its standing within the global research community.
Professor Heribert Hirt has been appointed as the new Director of KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture, succeeding Dr. Nina Fedoroff. Professor Mark Tester will assume the role of Associate Director, concentrating on desert agriculture and translational research. Dr. Salim Al-Babili will chair the newly established Plant Sciences program focusing on arid environments. Why it matters: These leadership changes signal KAUST's continued investment in agricultural research and development tailored to challenging desert conditions.