KAUST's Workshops Core Lab launched the first scientific glassblowing apprenticeship program in Saudi Arabia. The program trains Saudi apprentices in the specialized skills of scientific glassblowing, essential for creating and repairing glassware used in research. Apprentices Faisal Nour and Mohammed Al-Amri began training in 2020 and will undergo 7,000 hours of mentorship. Why it matters: This initiative addresses a critical gap in scientific infrastructure and expertise within Saudi Arabia, fostering self-sufficiency in research support and potentially establishing KAUST as a regional center for glassblowing consultation.
KAUST Professor Nikos Hadjichristidis leads the Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, collaborating with Yves Gnanou to manipulate macromolecules at the nanoscale. They employ anionic polymerization using high vacuum techniques, a specialized method requiring handmade glassware and careful control. The team is working on sustainable polymeric materials, including rethinking tire composition to improve recyclability and reduce pollution. Why it matters: This research contributes to developing more sustainable plastics and polymers, addressing a critical environmental challenge while advancing materials science in the region.
KAUST's Workshop Core Lab has upgraded its scientific glassblowing workshop with advanced equipment like precision lathes and coating machines. The facility produces bespoke scientific glass equipment for KAUST researchers using borosilicate and quartz glass. Senior glassblowers Ernest Neil Davison and Emilio Harina create intricate designs from prototype sketches. Why it matters: This enhances KAUST's research capabilities by providing high-quality, specialized glassware that Davison claims rivals that of other top universities globally.