Historian Mike Bruton spoke at KAUST about scientific disruptors from the House of Wisdom during the Islamic Golden Age. These scholars made contributions like introducing the concept of zero and debunking the Greek theory of sight. Ibn al-Haytham revolutionized knowledge of optics, demonstrating that light bounces off objects and enters our eyes. Why it matters: The lecture highlights the significant scientific advancements made during the Islamic Golden Age and their lasting impact on modern civilization.
Professor Mike Scott will present a seminar at the Technology Innovation Institute's Cryptography Research Centre in the UAE. The seminar will focus on the challenges of keeping secrets safe from attackers in the context of cryptography. It will review proposed solutions, discuss use cases, and present a promising new approach. Why it matters: This seminar indicates TII's ongoing research and development efforts in advanced cryptography, a crucial area for secure digital infrastructure in the UAE and beyond.
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.
Gilles Lubineau, KAUST's Discovery Associate Dean for Faculty in PSE and PI in the COHMAS lab, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. Lubineau's nomination recognizes his contributions to material engineering, specifically developing approaches for predicting and improving the integrity of materials and structures. He hopes this nomination will build bridges between European and Saudi academic communities. Why it matters: This recognition of a KAUST faculty member elevates the university's international standing and fosters potential collaborations in engineering and materials science.
Michael Holland from NYU's Center for Urban Science & Progress (CUSP) presented a keynote lecture at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2015 on the importance of urban science. CUSP, launched in 2012, aims to make New York City a world capital of science and technology through multi-sector research and education. Holland emphasized how analyzing urban data can improve city government, planning, policy, and citizen engagement. Why it matters: As urbanization increases, the development of urban science and the effective use of urban data become crucial for sustainable and efficient city management in the GCC region and globally.
The content discusses KAUST and its founder King Abdullah. It mentions applying to KAUST and KAUST Discovery. Why it matters: This is a routine update about KAUST.
Explorer Mike Horn gave a keynote lecture at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) about his pioneering expeditions. Horn recounted his solo journey around the Equator and his circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle. He also shared experiences from trekking to the North Pole during the Arctic winter. Why it matters: While not directly about AI, the talk highlights KAUST's broader mission to inspire innovation and exploration across diverse fields, which can indirectly foster a culture of creativity relevant to AI research.
Fahad Alsherehey, VP at SABIC, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) about authentic leadership. He cited SABIC's founding as an example of how leadership can turn challenges into opportunities. Alsherehey emphasized the difference between leadership and management, advocating for listening to one's team. Why it matters: The talk highlights the importance of leadership and vision in driving technological and economic development in Saudi Arabia.