KAUST's nanoscience and nanotechnology program was ranked 18th globally in the 2022 US News & World Report's Best Global Universities list. The ranking reflects KAUST's strong performance in basic and applied research at the micro and nano levels, spanning disciplines from chemistry to medical science. KAUST scored 81.7 out of 100, with high scores in citations, normalized citation impact, and international collaboration. Why it matters: This ranking highlights the growing prominence of Middle Eastern universities in advanced scientific fields and KAUST's contributions to global nanoscience research.
Four KAUST researchers were named in the "Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researchers 2014." The researchers are Jean M.J. Frechet (Chemistry), Victor M. Calo (Computer Science), Mohamed Eddaoudi (Chemistry), and Heribert Hirt (Plant & Animal Science). The list recognizes researchers who rank in the top 1% most cited for their subject field and year of publication. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to impactful scientific research and its standing within the global research community.
KAUST has been ranked sixth globally and first in the MENA region in the Nature Young Universities Index, which lists the top 175 universities established in the last 50 years. The ranking is based on fractional count of articles published in 2018 in 82 high-quality natural science journals. The report praised KAUST's research quality and contribution to total research outputs in the Middle East. Why it matters: This ranking highlights the rapid rise of KAUST as a leading research institution in the region and globally, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to scientific advancement.
KAUST was ranked first in Saudi Arabia and in the global top twenty in the Nature Index Annual Tables' new normalized ranking. The ranking considers the number of high-quality articles published as a proportion of an institute's overall output in the natural sciences. This normalized ranking allows institutions of different sizes to be compared on the same basis. Why it matters: This ranking highlights KAUST's growing impact on global scientific research and its commitment to producing high-quality publications.
KAUST Professor William McDonough was named one of TIME's 100 most influential climate leaders in business for his "cradle-to-cradle" design approach. McDonough advocates for circular manufacturing and sees carbon as mismanaged rather than inherently negative. He is involved in the KAUST Circular Carbon Initiative, which promotes research, innovation, and startups in circular carbon economies. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's and the GCC's increasing role in global sustainability initiatives and circular economy research.