KAUST Professor Peng Wang has been awarded the 2020 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). Wang's research focuses on using solar energy for fresh-water generation, industrial brine treatment, atmospheric water harvesting, and solar PV cooling. His recent work involves a hydrogel cooling panel for solar cells to improve efficiency in hot climates. Why it matters: This award recognizes impactful research addressing water scarcity and energy challenges in arid regions like Saudi Arabia through innovative solar-driven technologies.
William Tang from Princeton spoke at KAUST about using deep learning to achieve nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion, recreating stellar conditions on Earth, is considered the "holy grail" of power sources because it is clean and does not produce radioactive waste. Tokamaks, invented by Soviet physicists, are devices used to contain plasma, the superheated ionized gas required for fusion. Why it matters: KAUST is contributing to research on sustainable energy solutions, including exploring the potential of AI in nuclear fusion, a potentially transformative clean energy source.
PepsiCo's AMESA CEO, Eugene Willemsen, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2022 about sustainability and resilience. He highlighted the importance of organizations addressing climate change and resource emergencies through innovative synergies. Willemsen emphasized PepsiCo's Pep+ initiative, focusing on positive agriculture, value chain, and choices, to transform the food system. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's role in convening global leaders to discuss sustainability challenges relevant to the Middle East, particularly in food and agriculture.
Laurent Najman presented the Power Watershed (PW) optimization framework for image and data processing. The PW framework enhances graph-based data processing algorithms like random walker and ratio-cut clustering, leading to faster solutions. It can be adapted for graph-based cost minimization methods and integrated with deep learning networks. Why it matters: This framework could enable more efficient and scalable image and data processing algorithms relevant to computer vision and related fields in the Middle East.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at TII will participate in the 2021 Joint IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal & Power Integrity, and EMC Europe. DERC will present scientific papers and a tutorial on Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (NEMP) with ETS Lindgren, led by Dr. Nicolas Mora. Dr. Mora and Professor Farhad Rachidi will present a tutorial on High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), and Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI). Why it matters: The participation highlights the UAE's growing expertise in electromagnetic compatibility and protection, particularly regarding critical infrastructure resilience against electromagnetic threats.
KAUST is hosting a double lecture event featuring the International Symposium on Porous Organic Polymers (POPs) and the KAUST Workshop for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). Speakers include professors from Imperial College, McGill University, Sorbonne University, and the University of Augsburg, as well as representatives from KAUST and AEON Strategy. The event will focus on porous materials and highlight women's accomplishments in science and engineering. Why it matters: Promoting gender diversity and showcasing scientific advancements at KAUST can help strengthen Saudi Arabia's research ecosystem and inspire future generations of scientists.
This article discusses KAUST's presence at the 252nd American Chemical Society Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia, PA. A KAUST team consisting of staff, students, and faculty attended the event. The article includes a photo from the event and standard KAUST copyright information. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's efforts to engage with the international scientific community and showcase its research and educational programs.
KAUST is accepting proposals for the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2016 until May 4th, 2015. The program, scheduled for January 10-21, 2016, focuses on climate change and sustainability, aligning with the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The KAUST community can submit ideas for lectures, courses, workshops, and cultural activities. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary program fosters community engagement at KAUST while addressing a critical global issue.