Michael Hickner, an Associate Professor from Penn State University, visited KAUST as part of the CRDF-KAUST-OSR Visiting Scholar Fellowship Program. Hickner specializes in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. The visit was documented with photos by Meres J. Weche. Why it matters: Such programs foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in science and engineering between KAUST and other leading institutions.
KAUST Ph.D. student Hanan Mohammed and postdoctoral fellow Yizhou Zhang presented their research at the Falling Walls Conference in Berlin. Zhang presented a novel MXene-hydrogel composite with biosensing applications, while Mohammed discussed 3D data storage architectures to reduce data center energy consumption. They were selected after winning the KAUST Falling Walls Lab in September. Why it matters: Showcasing KAUST researchers' work on an international stage highlights the university's contributions to materials science and sustainable computing.
Five KAUST researchers will attend the 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, including Ph.D. candidate Mram Alyami and postdoctoral fellows Luis Lanzetta and David Ohayon. The meeting gathers Nobel laureates and young scientists for interdisciplinary exchange. KAUST participants will interact with laureates and present their research. Why it matters: KAUST's representation at this prestigious event highlights the university's commitment to fostering scientific excellence and providing opportunities for its researchers to engage with global leaders in their fields.
Former KAUST President Professor Choon Fong Shih was presented with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Centennial Medal by Harvard University in May. Shih received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Harvard in 1973 and was recognized for his contributions to knowledge and society. He served as the founding president of KAUST from 2008 and previously held positions at the National University of Singapore and GE Corporate Research Lab. Why it matters: The award recognizes the impact of a key figure in KAUST's early development and highlights the university's connection to globally recognized researchers and institutions.
The KAUST booth at the 2017 American Chemical Society conference in San Francisco attracted potential students and staff. Justin Mynar, Director of the KAUST Core Labs, engaged with attendees. KAUST staff also interacted with visitors to provide information about the university's offerings. Why it matters: This type of outreach helps KAUST attract international talent and build its reputation within the global scientific community.
KAUST held its 2025 KGSP Convocation in Chicago under the patronage of Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, gathering 375 participants from 47 US universities. KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC introduced "KGSP 2.0", an enhanced version of the program providing comprehensive support to Saudi scholars. The updated program will operate under the KAUST Academy, offering early-stage training, mentoring, and industry connections. Why it matters: KGSP 2.0 represents a significant investment in Saudi talent development and aims to strengthen KAUST's role in cultivating future leaders in science and technology.
In a 2018 KAUST lecture, MIT professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi discussed the case of Ordos Kangbashi, a Chinese city designed for a million residents that became a near-ghost town. Despite government incentives, the city struggled due to an economic downturn and lack of social and economic balance. Youcef-Toumi emphasized the importance of the public realm and a balance between social and economic development for successful cities. Why it matters: The analysis provides insights relevant to urban planning in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region, where new cities and megaprojects are being developed.
Mo Li, an assistant professor of bioscience, is featured in a faculty focus article by KAUST. The article appears on the university's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division page. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ongoing efforts to showcase faculty expertise and research areas within the university.