Researchers from MBZUAI, Khalifa University, and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi developed H-SURF, a system of underwater robotic fish that can swim, communicate, and gather information without human guidance. The robotic fish use bioinspired robotics with streamlined bodies, fins, and propellers to produce fluid movement. They communicate with each other using light instead of sound to reduce noise. Why it matters: This award-winning system represents a significant advancement in autonomous underwater robotics, offering a less intrusive way to monitor marine environments and gather data, with potential applications in marine biology and environmental research.
Researchers in Abu Dhabi developed H-SURF, a swarm of bio-inspired robotic fish for underwater data collection. Funded by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and conducted at Khalifa University, H-SURF uses swarm intelligence and optical communication to minimize disturbance to marine life. The project was recently recognized with the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Award for Environmental Research.
KAUST Professor Yoshihide Wada has been awarded the 2025 Joanne Simpson Medal by the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The award recognizes Wada's pioneering research modeling the human impact on the global hydrological cycle. Wada joined KAUST in 2022 and has collaborated with Saudi stakeholders to develop scalable solutions for the Kingdom. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in environmental research and its commitment to addressing critical global challenges related to water resources and climate change.
KAUST researchers participated in COP28 in Dubai, showcasing environmental research from sustainable construction to coral restoration. Professor William Roberts presented cryogenic carbon capture, while Professor Hussein Hoteit demonstrated carbon dioxide removal and underground hydrogen storage. A KAUST spinout, ClimateCrete™, launched technology to make local sand suitable for concrete, reducing carbon emissions by up to 60%. Why it matters: KAUST's presence at COP28 highlights the institution's role in driving regional climate solutions and fostering public-private partnerships for environmental sustainability.
Saudi Arabia launched the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) Global Platform Foundation to accelerate coral reef research. The initiative was adopted by the G20 during Saudi Arabia's presidency in 2020, with headquarters at KAUST. Several leading Saudi entities signed letters of intent or MOUs to support the Foundation, which will serve as CORDAP's financial arm. Why it matters: This foundation strengthens Saudi Arabia's leadership in environmental research and development, particularly in addressing the critical issue of coral reef conservation.
KAUST's Beacon Development (KBD) is a key partner in the Heart of Arabia expedition, retracing a 750-mile journey across Saudi Arabia. The expedition aims to advance human performance understanding in extreme environments and deepen knowledge of pre-Islamic history and local biodiversity. KBD's Terrestrial Ecology and Conservation team is advising the field science component, providing equipment and expertise for data collection. Why it matters: This partnership highlights KAUST's commitment to environmental research and historical exploration, contributing to a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia's natural and cultural heritage.
KAUST and Japan's NHK have signed an agreement for NHK to film the Red Sea in 8K high-definition as part of the "Deep Ocean" documentary series. The filming will be coordinated with researchers from KAUST's Red Sea Research Center, covering a range of subjects from coral reefs to deep-sea brine pools. The collaboration, initiated in 2019, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Why it matters: This partnership will showcase the Red Sea's unique biodiversity and KAUST's marine research capabilities to a global audience, highlighting Saudi Arabia's focus on environmental research and its Red Sea giga-projects.
KAUST Professor Carlos M. Duarte received a Frontiers of Knowledge Award for Ecology and Conservation Biology from Fundación BBVA in Spain. Duarte's research focuses on global marine science problems and his contributions to Saudi Vision 2030. The award recognizes his leadership and dedication to expanding knowledge of ocean flora, fauna, and their carbon sequestering capacities. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's growing prominence in environmental research and its alignment with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.