KAUST's Bluefin, a fish wearable technology developed by Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, won the CES Innovation Award. The device measures water temperature, pressure, depth, and pH levels, functioning for a year at a depth of 2km while weighing only 2.4 grams. Bluefin will be available to scuba divers, naval forces, and fisheries for marine life tagging. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to marine research technology and positions the university as a global leader in applying advanced engineering to ecological monitoring.
KAUST Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain was elected as an IEEE Fellow for his contributions to flexible and stretchable electronic circuits. Hussain is the principal investigator of the KAUST Futuristic Electronics and Integrated Nanotechnology Lab and the principal ideator of the KAUST FabLab and vFabLab™. His research focuses on transformational electronics, introducing new applications for web-integrated interactive electronics using CMOS-compatible processes. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to cutting-edge research in flexible electronics, an area with increasing importance for IoT devices and various applications in robotics, healthcare, and automation.
KAUST Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain is working to democratize electronics and make advanced technology accessible. His research focuses on creating flexible, stretchable, and reconfigurable electronics that are cost-effective and easy to use. Hussain also teaches a course at KAUST where students develop electronics solutions to everyday problems. Why it matters: This initiative could empower individuals globally by providing access to affordable and user-friendly electronic devices for various applications.
KAUST alumnus Ramy M. Qaisi (Ph.D. '16) has been appointed as the vice dean for scientific research and sustainable development at the University of Jeddah. Qaisi's Ph.D. research at KAUST focused on graphene as an exploratory material under Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain. Since joining the University of Jeddah in 2017, he has also co-founded the Department of Science and Technology there. Why it matters: This appointment highlights KAUST's role in developing research leadership within Saudi Arabia's expanding higher education system.
Jhonathan Prieto Rojas completed his master's (2010) and Ph.D. (2014) in electrical engineering at KAUST under Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain. After six years at KAUST, he joined King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) as an assistant professor in electrical engineering. His research at KAUST focused on micro and nanofabrication techniques, including micro-sized microbial fuel cells and flexible electronics. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's STEM capabilities through its alumni network in other institutions.
KAUST Associate Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain has been elected as a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). Hussain's research focuses on creating paper-based sensors using low-cost materials to mimic human skin sensory functions. He was selected in recognition of his work at KAUST. Why it matters: Recognition of researchers at GCC universities by international professional societies helps to raise the profile of regional research efforts.