Matthew McCabe, a leader in Earth observation and water security, has been appointed as the new dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division. McCabe aims to deepen stakeholder collaborations, strengthen cross-disciplinary exchange, and accelerate the application of research into real-world solutions. He will also prioritize attracting and training young Saudi talent to lead in science and research. Why it matters: The appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on addressing critical regional challenges in water, food security, and climate change through scientific innovation and talent development.
Matthew McCabe, director of the KAUST Climate and Livability Initiative (CLI), and his team have been awarded the 2022 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water in the Water Management and Protection category. The award recognizes their innovative use of satellites for water accounting and management, harmonizing data from CubeSat satellite platforms. They produced the highest resolution estimates of water usage ever retrieved from space, using data from Planet's constellation of small satellites. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing role of remote sensing technologies and KAUST's leadership in addressing critical climate and sustainability issues in water resource management within Saudi Arabia and globally.
KAUST's Hydrology and Land Observation (Halo) lab, led by Matthew McCabe, is using drones and satellites to monitor agricultural water usage in Saudi Arabia. They employ thermal cameras, sensors, and imagery from CubeSats to map crop types, health, and water stress. The team uses machine learning and AI to analyze the images, aiming to promote sustainable water management. Why it matters: This research addresses critical water scarcity issues in the region by providing data-driven insights for more efficient agricultural practices.
Clarivate's 2022 list of Highly Cited Researchers includes multiple KAUST faculty members. These researchers are recognized for being in the top 1% of cited research globally, with representation across computer science, materials science, and other fields. The KAUST faculty named include Carlos Duarte, Pierre Magistretti, Matthew F. McCabe, and Mark Tester. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's growing research prominence and impact in key scientific domains.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Research Center (WDRC) is dedicated to reducing the energy footprint of desalination, with Saudi Arabia being the largest producer of desalinated water globally. Biofouling, caused by organisms like the bay barnacle, increases the energy required for desalination and affects various sectors, including medical devices and marine vessels. Researchers at WDRC, including Professor Matthew McCabe and Director Johannes Vrouwenvelder, are exploring novel desalination technologies and anti-fouling agents to combat biofouling. Why it matters: Addressing biofouling is crucial for reducing the economic and ecological costs of desalination in water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia and improving efficiency across multiple industries.
KAUST faculty members Carlos Duarte, Matthew F. McCabe, Mark Tester, Mohamed-Slim Alouini, and Håvard Rue have been named to the 2023 Highly Cited Researchers list. Their research spans biological oceanography, remote sensing, plant science, wireless communications, and Bayesian statistics. Mark Tester has been cited over 40,000 times, while Mohamed-Slim Alouini focuses on developing aerial and space networks for remote areas. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing impact and contribution to global research in diverse fields, reinforcing its position as a leading research institution in the region.
James Scott Berdahl, originally a science writer, first came to KAUST for a five-week writing program covering the 2014 Winter Enrichment Program. Impressed by the opportunities, he applied and was accepted as a Ph.D. student in Earth Science and Engineering under Professor Matthew McCabe. He appreciates the resources at KAUST that enable ambitious research. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ability to attract international talent and convert short-term engagements into long-term academic pursuits, strengthening its research community.
Professor Iain McCulloch from KAUST has won the Royal Society of Chemistry's Interdisciplinary Prize. McCulloch was recognized for his work in designing and applying functional materials in optics, electronics, and energy. His research focuses on creating new organic materials for flexible solar cells and other applications. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's increasing role as a hub for innovative materials science research with global impact.