KAUST Professor Raquel Peixoto has been awarded the inaugural Rachel Carson Prize for microbiology. The prize recognizes scientists using microbiology to preserve the global ecosystem, understand terrestrial life and ocean biodiversity, and provide solutions for sustainable marine resource use. Peixoto's research at KAUST focuses on microbiome restoration and rehabilitation through probiotics to protect corals threatened by climate change. Why it matters: This award highlights the importance of KAUST's research in marine science and its potential to provide innovative solutions for coral reef conservation in the Red Sea and beyond.
KAUST Associate Professor Raquel Peixoto has been named the 2024 National Champion for Saudi Arabia by the Frontiers Planet Prize. Peixoto won the prize for her research on using probiotics to enhance coral reef resilience against climate change. Her work has led to the establishment of the RSRC Coral Probiotics Village in the Red Sea and collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia's contributions to marine conservation and innovative approaches to addressing climate change impacts on vital ecosystems.
KAUST's Professor Carlos Duarte received the 2019 Ramon Margalef Prize in Ecology from the Generalitat of Catalonia. The award recognizes Duarte's research into 'blue carbon' and its impact on climate change mitigation. Duarte highlighted the role of KAUST and collaborators in enabling his research achievements. Why it matters: The recognition of a KAUST professor for contributions to marine ecology highlights the university's growing role in environmental research and its impact on global climate change strategies.
KAUST's Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor Carlos Duarte has been awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for his pioneering research on blue carbon and marine ecosystems. Duarte's work demonstrated the significance of marine ecosystems like seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes in sequestering and storing carbon dioxide. He coined the term 'blue carbon' and has advised Vision2030 initiatives. Why it matters: This award recognizes the importance of KAUST's research in marine conservation and highlights Saudi Arabia's growing role in ocean-based climate change solutions.
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 Professor Carlos Duarte will receive the Blaise Pascal Medal from the European Academy of Sciences in October 2018 for his contributions to Earth and environmental sciences. Duarte is the Tarek Ahmed Juffali research chair in Red Sea ecology. He is involved in KAUST's Red Sea Research Center and supports Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives like The Red Sea Project and NEOM. Why it matters: The award recognizes KAUST's impact in environmental science and Duarte's role in aligning research with Saudi Arabia's development goals.
KAUST Professor Carlos M. Duarte received a Frontiers of Knowledge Award for Ecology and Conservation Biology from Fundación BBVA in Spain. Duarte's research focuses on global marine science problems and his contributions to Saudi Vision 2030. The award recognizes his leadership and dedication to expanding knowledge of ocean flora, fauna, and their carbon sequestering capacities. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's growing prominence in environmental research and its alignment with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
KAUST Professor Carlos M. Duarte was awarded the 2016 Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky Medal by the European Geosciences Union (EGU). The medal recognizes Duarte's outstanding contributions to biogeosciences as the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology. Duarte's research focuses on the impacts of global change in marine ecosystems. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contribution to global research in marine science and environmental sustainability, enhancing its reputation as a leading institution in these fields.