KAUST researchers have developed a passive cooling device that uses gravity and radiative cooling to extract water from the atmosphere without electricity. The device reflects thermal energy back to the sky while collecting water using gravity and a lubricant coating to eliminate water droplet pinning. Tested in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, the system nearly doubled the water collection rate compared to other atmospheric water harvesting technologies. Why it matters: This innovation could improve the efficiency and adoption of solar cells in arid regions by providing a sustainable, electricity-free cooling and water harvesting solution.
KAUST has commissioned Freire Shipyards to build the RV Thuwal II, Saudi Arabia's first regional class research vessel, expected to be completed in 2026. The vessel will be 50m long and designed for a 30-year lifespan, with modular labs and green propulsion technologies. It will support marine research in the Red Sea, accommodate 30 people, and aid in emergency response. Why it matters: This investment enhances Saudi Arabia's research capabilities in marine science and positions KAUST as a hub for Red Sea exploration and international scientific collaboration.
KAUST and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) are collaborating to research the Red Sea's shallow reef and deep-water environments. The partnership utilizes Japanese specialty equipment and the KAUST-owned research vessel RV Thuwal, with funding from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and KAUST. The initiative will address critical data gaps about the Red Sea and provide information for government regulations. Why it matters: This collaboration will advance understanding of the Red Sea's unique environment, relevant to Saudi Arabia's giga-projects and environmental protection efforts.
The Suliman S. Olayan Foundation and KAUST broke ground for The Suliman S. Olayan Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The institute will foster collaboration between science, technology, industry, business and entrepreneurship, focusing on sustainable solutions for water, food, and energy. It will consist of startup scaling, teaching & learning, and public spaces. Why it matters: The institute will help incubate Saudi-bred intellectual property and drive innovation in key sectors, contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification goals.
KAUST collaborated with artist Martha Atienza on an exhibition for the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale to highlight the role of mangrove ecosystems. Atienza visited KAUST and Thuwal to explore the local fishing culture and gather materials for her installation. KAUST donated 40 mangrove seedlings to support Atienza's installation, which opened on February 19. Why it matters: This partnership demonstrates KAUST's commitment to sustainability and using art to raise awareness about environmental issues in the region.
KAUST launched the first edible education program in Saudi Arabia at The KAUST School (TKS) in Thuwal. The Edible School Garden Project (ESGP) integrates sustainable agriculture, healthy food habits, and plant science into K-12 curricula. The pilot project aims to provide locally grown, free, nutritious lunches to all K-12 students across Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This initiative pioneers a sustainable approach to food education, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision for a healthier, more sustainable future by engaging students in the full life cycle of food production.
KAUST's VP for Research, Donal Bradley, discovered a new species of sea bream near Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, named *Acanthopagrus oconnorae* or Bev Bradley’s Bream. Bradley noticed unique features like a shallow forehead and black gill patch and collaborated with the Red Sea Research Center for genetic analysis. The discovery involved multiple researchers and even the KAUST Fishing Club to collect more specimens. Why it matters: This highlights the biodiversity research happening in the Red Sea and KAUST's role in advancing marine science in the region.
KAUST is investing in a state-of-the-art 50-meter oceanographic research vessel (RV) to replace the existing Thuwal RV, selecting Glosten for the design. The new RV will feature a reconfigurable deck, advanced positioning system, and weather-hardy traits tailored for the Red Sea's unique conditions. This upgrade aims to enhance KAUST's marine research capabilities, enabling studies in shallow reef and deep-water environments up to 3000 meters. Why it matters: The advanced vessel positions KAUST to lead Red Sea research, supporting Saudi Arabia's environmental and economic initiatives like NEOM and the Red Sea giga-projects.