KAUST Associate Professor Jürgen Kosel has been named a distinguished lecturer of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Sensors Council for 2020-2022. Kosel's research focuses on sensors and transducers with applications in animal monitoring, precision farming, Formula One racing, and biomedical instruments. His group is also developing magnetic devices for high-density data storage and cancer treatment. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to sensor technology and its potential impact on diverse fields, including healthcare in developing regions.
Janet Kelso from the Max Planck Institute and Sudhir Kumar from Temple University discussed evolutionary biology in a KAUST Facebook Live interview. Kelso's research focuses on interactions between modern humans and Neanderthals, finding similarities in DNA and benefits for environmental adaptation. Kumar's work, highly cited, involves big data analyses in evolutionary biology. Why it matters: The interview highlights KAUST's engagement with international experts in bioinformatics and evolutionary biology, promoting interdisciplinary research and knowledge dissemination.
KAUST Professor Yu Han has received the Humboldt Research Award for his work in nanostructured materials and electron microscopy. The award sponsors a research project in Germany in collaboration with experts at a German institution; Han was nominated by Dr. Stefan Kaskel at Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden). Han will visit TU Dresden to explore collaborations in nanoporous materials and electron microscopy, expanding on an existing project imaging flexible metal-organic frameworks. Why it matters: The award recognizes KAUST's contributions to advanced materials research and facilitates international collaboration in a key area for catalysis and separation technologies.
Sergey Kozlov, a research scientist at KAUST's Catalysis Center (KCC), is leaving to take up a tenure-track position as an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS). During his time at KAUST, Kozlov focused on simulating the chemical properties of catalysts using computational chemistry methods and the Shaheen II supercomputer. His research focused on applications in energy and CO2 utilization technologies. Why it matters: Kozlov's move highlights KAUST's role in developing research talent and contributing to advancements in computational chemistry and catalysis within the region.
Altynay Kaidarova, a Ph.D. student in electrical engineering at KAUST, researches magnetic microsystems for biology and medicine under Professor Jürgen Kosel. Her group's work focuses on areas like cancer cell destruction, drug delivery, and smart nanoprobes. Kaidarova chose KAUST for its research activity, global thought leaders, and diversity. Why it matters: Highlighting student research helps promote KAUST's capabilities in advanced biomedical applications of micro and nanotechnology.
Dominik Michels is an assistant professor of computer science at KAUST. He is part of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's continued investment in attracting international faculty to strengthen its research programs.
KAUST's Vice President for Research, Donal Bradley, received the 2019 Jan Czochralski Award from the European Materials Research Society for his work in advanced materials science. He was presented with the award at a ceremony in Warsaw, Poland, and gave a lecture titled "Tuning Conjugated Polymer Electronic and Optical Properties via Physical Structure and Environment." Bradley is the 16th recipient of the award, joining a list including Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's leadership in materials science and its commitment to attracting top researchers in this critical field.
Jürgen Schmidhuber has been appointed as the Director of the KAUST AI Initiative. Schmidhuber is known for his contributions to deep learning and artificial neural networks, and co-founded the company NNAISENSE. At KAUST, he will focus on faculty recruitment, educational programs, and collaboration with public and private sectors. Why it matters: The appointment of a leading AI researcher signals KAUST and Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing AI research and its application to key national projects.