KAUST and LONGi, a solar energy company, have signed an MoU to collaborate on solar energy innovation. The partnership aims to develop and deploy solar technologies, focusing on improving the efficiency of photovoltaic technologies. Joint projects will include testing PV module concepts, developing new materials, and optimizing performance, alongside talent development programs. Why it matters: This collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, fostering sustainable energy solutions and local expertise in the region.
TII and LightOn have partnered to build the NOOR Platform for exascale computing, aimed at developing foundation models. The collaboration will leverage LightOn's expertise in large language models, with the first output being the largest Arabic language model to date. The platform will provide high-quality data pipelines and facilitate extreme-scale distributed training and serving. Why it matters: This partnership aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a center of AI excellence and boost the UAE's ambitions in high-tech innovation and NLP research.
Dr. Roberto Arrigoni, a research scientist at KAUST's Red Sea Research Center, has been awarded the international "Benazzi Lentati" prize in zoology by L'Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in Rome. The biennial prize is dedicated to young researchers under 35 in organismic evolutionary zoology. Arrigoni's research focuses on the systematics, phylogeny, and biogeography of scleractinian corals from the Indo-Pacific, particularly the Red Sea coral fauna. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to marine biology and highlights the importance of Red Sea research on coral biodiversity.
KAUST scientists developed a new perovskite solar cell design using thin perovskite layers at the top and bottom of the interface. The new design achieves a power conversion efficiency of 25.6%, comparable to silicon solar cells, with only a 5% efficiency loss after 1000 hours of high heat exposure. The key innovation is the use of a specific ligand that interacts effectively with the 3D perovskites for passivation, maintaining purity in the thin layers. Why it matters: This advancement enhances the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, making them a more viable and cost-effective alternative to silicon, especially for countries like Saudi Arabia aiming to increase renewable energy reliance.
KAUST Assistant Professor Xiaohang Li has won the 2018 Harold M. Manasevit Young Investigator Award for his work in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of semiconductors. Li will receive the award at the 19th International Conference on Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy in Japan. The award recognizes Li's contributions to deep UV lasers, B-III-N alloys, III-oxides, and blue and green emitters. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced semiconductor research and its potential impact on the optoelectronics industry.
Professor Marco Amabili, advisor at the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC), received the 'Cataldo Agostinelli and Angiola Gili Agostinelli' International Prize from the Lincei National Academy of Sciences of Italy. The award recognizes Prof. Amabili's research in mechanical vibrations, composite structures, and vascular biomechanics. He received the award in Rome from Nobel laureate Professor Giorgio Parisi. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the growing international visibility of UAE-based researchers and the increasing commitment of UAE institutions like TII to deep-tech research.
KAUST's Solar & Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC) was officially inaugurated with a two-day seminar featuring international solar energy experts. The event included discussions on developing the solar energy manufacturing industry in Saudi Arabia and a memorandum of understanding between KAUST and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) to develop thin-film photovoltaic technology. ZSW holds the world record in thin-film photovoltaics cells efficiency, achieving a rate of 20.8%. Why it matters: This initiative signifies KAUST's commitment to becoming a regional hub for renewable energy and photovoltaics, fostering collaboration between research and industry to advance solar energy development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST hosted the Emerging Concepts and Materials in Solar Energy Conversion research conference from October 31 to November 2. The conference gathered scientists to discuss solar energy research, including perovskite solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and photocatalysis. Rawabi Holding's chairman expressed pride in KAUST's solar research and its potential to address global challenges. Why it matters: By bringing together global experts and fostering discussions on innovative solar technologies, KAUST is contributing to advancements in renewable energy and sustainable solutions for the region.