Dr. Luiz Rocha from the California Academy of Sciences discussed the impact of climate change on coral reefs during a keynote lecture at KAUST. He highlighted the phenomenon of coral bleaching due to rising water temperatures and its devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Rocha also spoke about exploring mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), or the "twilight zone," at depths of 60-150 meters. Why it matters: Understanding the impact of climate change on coral reefs and exploring deeper marine ecosystems is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity in the face of global warming.
Ivan Gromicho, a scientific illustrator at KAUST, creates visual representations of complex research findings for journals like Cell, Nature, and Science. He collaborates with KAUST faculty to transform data into comprehensible illustrations. Outside of work, Gromicho pursues rock climbing, exploring natural rock formations across Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's support for interdisciplinary pursuits and employee well-being, fostering innovation at the intersection of science and art.
KAUST Associate Professor Raquel Peixoto has been named the 2024 National Champion for Saudi Arabia by the Frontiers Planet Prize. Peixoto won the prize for her research on using probiotics to enhance coral reef resilience against climate change. Her work has led to the establishment of the RSRC Coral Probiotics Village in the Red Sea and collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia's contributions to marine conservation and innovative approaches to addressing climate change impacts on vital ecosystems.
Lautaro Rayo, a KAUST alumnus with a master's degree in Earth science (2012), works as a petrophysicist at Saudi Aramco. He uses various tools and data analysis techniques to investigate potential oil and gas reservoirs in the Red Sea. Rayo was recruited by Aramco at KAUST's career fair and emphasizes the importance of analytical and research skills in his role. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in supplying talent to key industries in Saudi Arabia and showcases the career paths available to its graduates.
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 Professor Carlos Duarte will receive the Blaise Pascal Medal from the European Academy of Sciences in October 2018 for his contributions to Earth and environmental sciences. Duarte is the Tarek Ahmed Juffali research chair in Red Sea ecology. He is involved in KAUST's Red Sea Research Center and supports Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives like The Red Sea Project and NEOM. Why it matters: The award recognizes KAUST's impact in environmental science and Duarte's role in aligning research with Saudi Arabia's development goals.
KAUST Professor Carlos Duarte has received the Carlo Heip Award for his contributions to marine biodiversity science. Duarte, director of KAUST's Red Sea Research Center, will receive the award in Montreal in May. Duarte is known for his work in biological oceanography and seagrass meadow ecology, contributing to blue carbon strategies. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's leadership in marine ecological research and highlights the importance of Red Sea research for global conservation efforts.
KAUST Professor Raquel Peixoto has been named one of "50 People Changing the World" by The Explorers Club for her pioneering work on coral probiotics. Her research demonstrates that probiotics can mitigate coral bleaching and prevent coral mortality. Peixoto's work bridges microbial ecology with applied innovation, influencing conservation strategies and international policy. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the importance of nature-based solutions developed in the region for addressing global environmental challenges like climate-driven reef degradation.