KAUST faculty members participated in the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, advocating for science-based environmental standards. Discussions included limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and building the financial and human capital to achieve this goal. KAUST initiatives in energy, water, food, climate, livability and AI were presented. Why it matters: KAUST's involvement in COP26 highlights the university's commitment to addressing global climate challenges and showcases the role of Saudi research in international environmental policy.
The UAE and France have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. This agreement establishes a framework for facilitating joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and collaborative projects between their respective AI ecosystems. The specific areas of cooperation are expected to span various aspects of AI development and application across both nations. Why it matters: This MoU signifies a strategic bilateral partnership, potentially accelerating innovation, research, and policy alignment in AI between the UAE and France.
MBZUAI's Qirong Ho and colleagues are developing an Artificial Intelligence Operating System (AIOS) for decarbonization, aiming to reduce energy waste in AI development. The AIOS focuses on improving communication efficiency between machines during AI model training, as inefficient communication leads to prolonged tasks and increased energy consumption. This system addresses the high computing power demands of large language models like ChatGPT and LLaMA-2. Why it matters: By optimizing energy usage in AI development, the AIOS could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of AI technologies in the region and globally.
A KAUST-led multidisciplinary research team is studying the feasibility of storing CO2 in subsurface rock structures in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Harrat near Madinah. The project, conducted under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, involves researchers from KAUST, King Abdulaziz University, and MEP. The team is investigating carbon capture and storage as a means to address climate change and meet Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Why it matters: This research could provide a pathway for Saudi Arabia to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts, aligning with the Kingdom's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.
Two KAUST professors, Sami Al-Ghamdi and Hussein Hoteit, have been selected as lead authors for the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). Al-Ghamdi will contribute to the Asia chapter, while Hoteit will focus on carbon dioxide removal technologies. The AR7 report is expected to be completed in 2029 and will inform international climate policy. Why it matters: This appointment places KAUST at the forefront of global climate research and strengthens the university's influence on international climate policy.