Iain Young, current Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney, will become the new Dean of the KAUST Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) in mid-2022. Young brings over 30 years of academic experience and expertise in soil biophysics and multidisciplinary research. He aims to support KAUST's vision for a sustainable future by focusing on academic excellence in teaching and research, and building connections between research in food, water, energy, and the environment. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens KAUST's leadership in critical areas like desert agriculture and environmental sustainability, aligning with Saudi Arabia's goals for water efficiency and food security.
KAUST Professor Iain McCulloch has received the 2020 Blaise Pascal Medal for Materials Science from the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc). McCulloch directs KAUST's Solar Center and also holds a professorship at Imperial College London. His research focuses on semiconducting small molecules and polymers for organic electronic devices, leading to advancements in organic solar cells. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to materials science and its focus on advancing solar energy technologies in the region.
Dr. Ian Campbell, formerly Executive Chair of Innovate UK, has joined KAUST as Executive Director – Special Projects. He will work to leverage KAUST's science and innovation to impact opportunities across Saudi Arabia. Campbell's prior role involved supporting UK companies with £1.8 billion annually and securing £750 million for COVID-19 response. Why it matters: The appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on translating research into real-world impact and fostering collaborations to address Kingdom-wide challenges, leveraging expertise from a seasoned innovation leader.
Professor Iain McCulloch from KAUST has won the Royal Society of Chemistry's Interdisciplinary Prize. McCulloch was recognized for his work in designing and applying functional materials in optics, electronics, and energy. His research focuses on creating new organic materials for flexible solar cells and other applications. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's increasing role as a hub for innovative materials science research with global impact.
Iain McCulloch, director of the KAUST Solar Center, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. McCulloch's research focuses on high-performance organic semiconductor materials for applications such as transparent solar cells and sensors. The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is the UK's national science academy and a fellowship of eminent scientists. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to advanced materials research and its role in fostering scientific talent in the region.
MBZUAI Professor Ian Reid discusses his career in embodied AI, from early work on active vision at Oxford to current research. He highlights three key developments: cameras as geometric sensors, visual SLAM, and advancements in robot navigation. Reid distinguishes embodied AI from systems like ChatGPT, emphasizing its need for understanding and interaction with the physical world. Why it matters: The insights from a leading expert underscore the importance of embodied AI as the next frontier in intelligent systems and robotics in the region.
Three KAUST students, Mohammed Zidan, Joanna Nasser, and Stephanie Saade, were selected to attend the 65th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany. The meeting will host 65 Nobel Laureates and 650 young researchers in physiology, medicine, physics, and chemistry. The students look forward to the transfer of knowledge and networking opportunities with leading scientists. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering young scientific talent and providing opportunities for them to engage with the global scientific community.