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.
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.
The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a memorandum of understanding. The collaboration focuses on thin-film photovoltaic technology. Why it matters: The partnership between a leading German research institution and KAUST could accelerate advancements in solar energy research and deployment within Saudi Arabia.
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.
KAUST Professor Dr. Bakr was elected as a member of the Arab-German Young Academy (AGYA). AGYA selects Arab and German researchers from universities and research institutions across the Middle East and Germany. The academy promotes cooperation between Arab and German researchers within the first 10 years of their Ph.D. Why it matters: This appointment fosters international research collaboration and provides a platform for interdisciplinary projects between Arab and German researchers.
Jean M. J. Fréchet, retired KAUST senior vice president, has been awarded the King Faisal Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work in dendrimers, photoresists, and organic photovoltaics. His work has contributed to advancements in biotherapeutics, organic electronics, materials, and microfluidics. Fréchet is the 10th most cited chemist globally, with over 900 publications and 200 patents. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's impact on global scientific advancement and underscores the importance of investing in basic research with broad applications.