KAUST researchers have developed a saliva-powered microbial fuel cell (MFC) that generates electricity using electrogenic bacteria to consume waste and release electrons. The micro-MFC uses graphene as an anode and an air cathode, achieving high current densities (1190 A m-3). The MFC produced 40 times more power than through the use of a carbon cloth anode. Why it matters: This technology offers a novel way to power lab-on-chip or portable diagnostic devices, particularly in remote or dangerous areas, and may offer alternatives to energy-intensive water purification technologies.
AMRC researchers Jide Oyebanji and Tarcisio Silvia will present papers at the MATLAB User Group Meeting in Abu Dhabi. Oyebanji's paper focuses on the 'Design of an Interactive TPMS Designing Desktop App' using MATLAB's numerical capabilities. Silvia's presentation discusses the optimization of MIMO active vibration controllers for electromechanical systems using MATLAB Simulink and Particle Swarm Optimization. Why it matters: The presentations showcase the application of computational tools like MATLAB in advanced materials research and digital engineering within the UAE.
KAUST is partnering with the MiSK Global Forum (MGF) to support the 2020 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC), hosting a bootcamp for finalists. Four of the six Saudi startups among the top 100 in the EWC global finals are from KAUST. The EWC is the world's largest entrepreneurship competition, attracting 175,000 applicants from 200 countries. Why it matters: This partnership provides KAUST-nurtured startups with significant global exposure and resources, strengthening the Saudi entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Marcus Engsig from DERC will present a paper at the MATLAB User Group Meeting in Abu Dhabi on October 6. The paper, titled ‘Generalization of Higher Order Methods For Fast Iterative Matrix Inversion Compatible With GPU Acceleration’, discusses a novel approach to matrix inversion using GPUs. The method, named Nested Neumann, achieves 4-100x acceleration compared to standard MATLAB methods for large matrices. Why it matters: This research contributes to faster computation in numerical and physical modeling, crucial for processing large datasets in various scientific and engineering applications in the region.
Michael Hickner, an Associate Professor from Penn State University, visited KAUST as part of the CRDF-KAUST-OSR Visiting Scholar Fellowship Program. Hickner specializes in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. The visit was documented with photos by Meres J. Weche. Why it matters: Such programs foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in science and engineering between KAUST and other leading institutions.
The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) held its second Board of Advisors meeting on November 23, 2021. Board members from Khalifa University, University of Sheffield, City University Hong Kong, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, and Instituto Superior Técnico provided feedback on AMRC’s strategic plans. The meeting focused on AMRC’s strategic growth and future directions. Why it matters: The meeting indicates continued investment in advanced materials research in the UAE, signaling potential advancements in related technological applications.
KAUST hosted the KAUST Research Conference: Advances in Well Construction with Focus on Near-Wellbore Physics and Chemistry from November 7 to 9. The conference was co-chaired by Eric van Oort, a professor at UT Austin, and Tadeusz Patzek, director of the University’s Upstream Petroleum Engineering Research Center. Attendees included professors from the University of Queensland and UT Austin, and directors from GenesisRTS and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Why it matters: The conference facilitates international collaboration on advancements in petroleum engineering and well construction technologies, which are strategically important for Saudi Arabia.
The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) has announced strategic partnerships with institutions including the University of Sheffield, Khalifa University, and McGill University. These partnerships include visiting scholar fellowships, graduate programs with internships, and dual-degree programs. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between AMRC experts and students from around the world, providing access to resources, mentorship, and financial support. Why it matters: This collaboration will strengthen Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem and R&D sectors through global knowledge transfer and talent development.