Two KAUST researchers, Leena Ibrahim and Taiba Alamoudi, were named L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Middle East Young Talents. Leena Ibrahim, an Assistant Professor in Bioscience, leads the Neural Circuits Lab and researches how sensory experiences shape the brain's ability to process information. Taiba Alamoudi is a Ph.D. candidate in Marine Science. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing contributions of women in STEM fields in the Middle East and KAUST's role in supporting female researchers.
KAUST Ph.D. student Maha Alamoudi won a best poster award at the 2016 Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting in Boston. The award was for her poster entitled “Photophysical Processes in Polymer:Non-fullerene Small Molecule Acceptor Bulk Heterojunctions for Organic Solar Cells.” She is supervised by Frederic Laquai, associate professor of material science and engineering at KAUST's Solar Center. Why it matters: This award recognizes promising research in materials science at KAUST.
Maryam Alsufyani, a KAUST Ph.D. student in the Solar Center under Professor Iain McCulloch, focuses her research on designing and preparing semiconductor organic polymers for solar cells and organic electrical devices. She received her master's degree in chemical science from KAUST in 2018 and her bachelor's in chemistry from Taibah University in Madinah in 2016. Alsufyani aims to complete post-doctoral research after her Ph.D. to educate and support future generations. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering Saudi talent in renewable energy research, a key area for the Kingdom's future economic diversification.
KAUST Ph.D. student Maha Alamoudi received the "ICSM Best Poster Prize" at the International Conference on Science and Technology of Synthetic Metals 2018 in Busan, Korea. Her poster focused on the impact of IDT-based structures on the photophysics and performance of polymer solar cells. Alamoudi's research investigates how the chemical structure of acceptor molecules influences organic solar cell performance. Why it matters: The research contributes to understanding the relationship between chemical structure, morphology, and efficiency in organic solar cells, potentially leading to the development of more efficient solar energy materials.
Rayan Tarek Alamoudi, a KAUST master's student in biological sciences, is researching under Professor Pierre Magistretti. Alamoudi believes his bioscience studies at KAUST will open opportunities aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Interacting with diverse fellow students has enriched his educational experience at KAUST. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent in scientific research and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for scientific advancement.
KAUST Ph.D. student Reem Alghamdi is working at the KAUST Catalysis Center to improve the quality of industrially used polyethylene. Her research focuses on synthesizing a nanocomposite of polyethylene and nanomaterials to reinforce industrially made polymers, improving their mechanical characteristics. The resulting hybrid organic-inorganic product minimizes manufacturing defects, enhancing hardness. Why it matters: This research has the potential to significantly improve the durability and performance of polymer products across various sectors, from automotive to construction, impacting numerous industries in the region and beyond.
Three KAUST researchers, Asma Al-Amoodi, Walaa Khushaim, and Hajar Al-Zarah, have been selected to attend the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings in Germany. They will join 600 young scientists to discuss physiology and medicine with around 40 Nobel Laureates. The students, pursuing PhDs in Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), will have networking opportunities through lectures, talks, and discussions. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in bioscience and bioengineering research and provides a platform for young Saudi researchers to engage with leading global scientists.
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.