KAUST professors Samir Hamdan and Nina Fedoroff collaborated on research published in Nucleic Acids Research focusing on microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis in plants. The study examined miRNA production in Arabidopsis thaliana and found that the protein SERRATE (SE) is integral to the processing of pri-miRNA by DCL1. They characterized the interactions of SE with RNA and DCL1, elucidating the mechanism by which SE promotes DCL1 activity. Why it matters: Understanding miRNA biogenesis could help modify crop plants to better tolerate stressful conditions, potentially increasing crop yields and productivity in the region.
KAUST is expanding its REVelate corporate innovation workshop into a larger "Innovation Academy" program. The program targets Saudi-based companies, nonprofits, and government organizations. It aims to develop novel processes, design thinking, and intrapreneurship to benefit their missions and support the Kingdom's knowledge economy. Why it matters: The expansion signals KAUST's growing role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia's corporate and public sectors.
The Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) has obtained membership in the seL4 Foundation. This membership allows SSRC to participate in and contribute to the open-source development of seL4, a formally verified microkernel OS. SSRC aims to research, contribute to, and advance next-generation high-end edge device environments using seL4's capabilities. Why it matters: This move enhances the UAE's capabilities in developing secure and resilient edge computing solutions, fostering innovation in critical sectors like secure communications and drone technology.
KAUST has launched REVelate, a corporate innovation program aimed at mid and senior management of Saudi-based companies. The four-month program includes lectures, workshops, and mentoring to develop projects important to the participating companies. It is designed to foster an 'intrapreneurship' culture and enhance the innovation capacity of KAUST industry partners. Why it matters: This initiative addresses a critical need for corporate innovation methodologies in Saudi Arabia, potentially boosting the performance and competitiveness of local companies.
Dr. Abdelrahman AlMahmoud from TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) will participate in a WGISTA webinar on adopting a digital mindset in auditing and fighting corruption. The webinar, organized by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), will discuss the impact of emerging technologies on public sector auditing. Dr. AlMahmoud will share insights on how AI and Big Data can enable auditors to process data at a new scale. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's growing role in applying advanced technologies like AI and big data to improve governance and accountability in the public sector.