KAUST ·
Climber, author, and wingsuit pilot Steph Davis spoke to the KAUST community on January 15 as part of the 2017 Winter Enrichment Program. The event was captured in photos by Lilit Hovhannisyan. The program was held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: Such enrichment programs can broaden the horizons of the KAUST community.
KAUST ·
Fred Davies from Texas A&M University spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding the world's growing population. The keynote address was part of KAUST's Enrichment in the Fall program. Davies discussed the growing needs and problems related to global food production. Why it matters: Such discussions at KAUST can help foster research and innovation in agricultural technologies relevant to Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
KAUST ·
Dominique Sciamma, Managing Director at Strate School of Design in France, gave a presentation at KAUST during Enrichment in the Fall of 2017. The title of the presentation was "From Descartes to Morin." The event was held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Why it matters: While the event is dated, KAUST's ongoing enrichment programs contribute to fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST ·
Lea Sublett, Manager of KAUST Alumni Affairs, developed a love for travel and diverse cultures through her upbringing. She initially pursued journalism but found herself working in alumni relations at universities, including five Australian universities before KAUST. Sublett's career has allowed her to meet alumni worldwide and learn about their experiences. Why it matters: This profile highlights the international and diverse community fostered by KAUST, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and global engagement in its mission.
KAUST ·
Dr. Laila Nehme, a French archaeologist from CNRS, visited KAUST as part of the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) to discuss her work on Mada’in Saleh, also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra. Nehme co-directs the Saudi-French Archaeological Project and specializes in Nabatean epigraphy, studying the daily life of the ancient Nabateans through unearthed remains. Her team, working with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, is beginning its third four-year program to study the site. Why it matters: The research sheds light on the historical significance of Mada’in Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Nabatean civilization's southernmost settlement, enhancing our understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.
KAUST ·
Dr. David Paredes from Drexel and Purdue Universities conducted a workshop on sustaining creativity at KAUST's 2015 Winter Enrichment Program. The workshop aimed to inspire students to be creative and remember why they entered their fields. Students used the Reisman Diagnostic Creativity Assessment tool to evaluate their creative strengths in ideation, risk tolerance, solution focus, and motivation. Why it matters: Such workshops, while not directly advancing AI research, foster a culture of innovation and risk-taking that is crucial for breakthroughs in AI and other STEM fields in the region.
KAUST ·
KAUST startup Sadeem, which provides solar-powered smart city solutions for flood, traffic and environmental monitoring, won the Best Global Startup award in Dubai in 2017. Since then, Sadeem has focused on building its business model and infrastructure to accommodate expansion. Sadeem recently installed its smart city sensors, including the Aura air quality monitor, in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This expansion demonstrates the potential for Saudi-based startups to provide innovative solutions to local challenges and scale their impact internationally.
KAUST ·
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2024 focused on the theme "Digital Adventure – ride to the future," featuring lectures and activities related to machine learning, AI, and the future of technology. Speakers covered topics from quantum computing and robotics to smart cities and sustainable economies. Rick Fox discussed his company Partanna's work on revolutionizing concrete production with KAUST's Carlos Duarte as an advisor. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in fostering discussions around cutting-edge technologies and their impact on various sectors within the Kingdom and globally.