KAUST and the Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism (CEM) at UC Irvine have formed a partnership to advance epigenetics research, focusing on the interplay between genes and metabolism. The collaboration involves researchers from both institutions, including Professors Valerio Orlando and Pierre J. Magistretti from KAUST, and Professors Paolo Sassone-Corsi and Emiliana Borrelli from UCI. The partnership will include an exchange program for students, post-doctoral fellows, and sabbatical professors, as well as joint KAUST-UC Irvine conferences. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's research capabilities in fundamental cellular processes and positions the institution at the forefront of epigenetics research in the region.
Pierre Baldi from UC Irvine presented applications of AI to biomedicine, covering molecular-level analysis of circadian rhythms, real-time polyp detection in colonoscopy videos, and prediction of post-operative adverse outcomes. He discussed integrating AI in future AI-driven hospitals. The presentation was likely part of a panel discussion hosted by MBZUAI in collaboration with the Manara Center for Coexistence and Dialogue. Why it matters: This highlights the growing interest in AI applications within the healthcare sector in the UAE, particularly through institutions like MBZUAI.
KAUST hosted the KAUST Research Conference: Advances in Well Construction with Focus on Near-Wellbore Physics and Chemistry from November 7 to 9. The conference was co-chaired by Eric van Oort, a professor at UT Austin, and Tadeusz Patzek, director of the University’s Upstream Petroleum Engineering Research Center. Attendees included professors from the University of Queensland and UT Austin, and directors from GenesisRTS and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Why it matters: The conference facilitates international collaboration on advancements in petroleum engineering and well construction technologies, which are strategically important for Saudi Arabia.
KAUST alumnus Dr. Abdulilah Mayet was named a Fulbright fellow and will pursue nanotechnology work at UC Irvine from September 2023 to June 2024. Mayet, who earned his master's and Ph.D. from KAUST, is now an associate professor at King Khalid University and has started several companies. He aims to develop new NEMS technologies at Irvine with lower cost and higher performance, with plans to start a company for commercial production. Why it matters: This fellowship highlights the impact of KAUST in fostering research and innovation and building international collaborations in nanotechnology, contributing to the growth of advanced technology sectors in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST founding alumnus Ahmad Showail has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct IoT research at UC Irvine with Dr. Faisal Nawab. Showail, who earned master's and Ph.D. degrees from KAUST, submitted a proposal on secure and private Internet-of-Things using SGX cloud architecture. He credits KAUST with shaping him as a researcher and helping him develop skills in writing journal papers and pursuing impactful issues. Why it matters: This award highlights the quality of KAUST graduates and the potential for KAUST alumni to contribute to solving challenges in Saudi Arabia, such as managing crowd movements during Hajj and Umrah.
MBZUAI is hosting the third AI Quorum of the academic year, focusing on the future of human-computer interaction (HCI) in the age of AI. The event gathers researchers and practitioners from various disciplines and institutions, including University College London, Apple, and Google. The workshop aims to spur AI research and promote understanding of AI's potential for social good, with previous Quorums focusing on federated learning and statistics. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary focus on HCI at MBZUAI highlights the UAE's commitment to shaping the ethical and practical integration of AI into everyday life.
KAUST Ph.D. student Mousa Alharthi studies membrane desalination technologies and is also a cycling enthusiast. Alharthi translated Arabic language advertisements for cycling races in Jeddah for his English-speaking colleagues in the Red Sea Cyclists group. The Saudi Cycling Federation began holding amateur events in the Kingdom in 2017 to develop young Saudi talent and generate awareness about cycling. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in supporting not only scientific research but also promoting sports and healthy lifestyles in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
KAUST and McLaren Racing have announced a five-year research partnership focused on R&D and extreme performance technology for Formula 1 cars. The collaboration will leverage KAUST's expertise in areas like sensors, electronics, numerical simulations, and fuel/engine combustion research. KAUST researchers will develop new experimental methods, mathematical models, and train students to understand complex systems. Why it matters: This partnership allows KAUST to apply its research to a real-world laboratory (Formula 1), fostering innovation in fuel technology, combustion, sensors, and algorithms with potential spillover effects for the broader automotive and engineering sectors in the region.