KAUST's Saudi Summer Internship (SSI) program hosted 29 undergraduate students from Saudi universities this year, up from just 6 students five years ago. The students were assigned to CEMSE labs for 8-12 weeks, conducting research alongside KAUST faculty. At the end of the program, the students participated in a poster competition to present their work. Why it matters: This program fosters local talent in STEM fields and strengthens KAUST's ties with other Saudi universities.
The Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) at KAUST has selected 43 top 11th-grade students from across Saudi Arabia for its 2018 program. These students will conduct summer research under the guidance of KAUST faculty. The program aims to give them a taste of life as a scientist. Why it matters: SRSI cultivates future Saudi talent in STEM fields, aligning with Saudi Arabia's goals of developing its scientific workforce.
The Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) is preparing for its fifth annual summer program at KAUST, offering Saudi high school students university-level research experience under faculty mentorship. The program aims to introduce students to STEM fields and inspire them to pursue related education and careers. Lamees Alshaikh, a 2014 participant, conducted research on algae hormone biosynthesis, and Prof. Al Babili noted SRSI's role in recruiting top students to KAUST. Why it matters: This program cultivates domestic talent in STEM, directly contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
KAUST launched the Circular Carbon Initiative (CCI) to address carbon management, capture, conversion, and storage of atmospheric CO2. The initiative involves developing materials and technologies to capture CO2 and exploring geothermal energy and geological storage. Novel fuel production will redefine CO2 as a valuable material through e-fuel developments. Why it matters: The CCI positions KAUST as a key player in developing sustainable technologies and contributing to Saudi Arabia's climate goals.
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.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) has become a strategic member of RISC-V International to advance the development of open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) for computer chips. SSRC aims to contribute to the RISC-V community by developing security and resilience features in processors and platforms, fostering innovation in end-to-end security. SSRC will conduct open source research to secure communications between edge devices and cloud infrastructure, and harden device hardware and software to prevent malware. Why it matters: This move enables the UAE to have greater control and independence in computing platform design, reducing reliance on proprietary architectures and enhancing security and resilience in critical infrastructure.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) has partnered with Purdue University on a three-year cybersecurity project focused on ensuring the safe and efficient use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in urban environments. The collaboration will study security and resilience in cyber-physical and autonomous systems, addressing vulnerabilities in communication, navigation, and command and control. The project includes four phases: modeling and analysis of UAS security, developing algorithms for high-assurance autonomy, constructing an experimental environment, and testing mitigation strategies. Why it matters: The partnership enhances the UAE's capabilities in securing critical digital systems and fosters the growth of commercial autonomous drones and robots, opening new opportunities for enterprises.
KAUST has selected HPE to build "Shaheen III", a next-generation supercomputer using the HPE Cray EX platform. Shaheen III will be 20 times faster than KAUST's existing system, making it the most powerful supercomputer in the Middle East. The system will support research in areas like clean combustion, Red Sea ecosystems, and climate events. Why it matters: This infrastructure investment will significantly boost AI and scientific computing capabilities in the region, enabling KAUST to tackle complex research challenges.