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.
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 led a session at the World Economic Forum's Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, focusing on sustainability science. President Tony Chan and faculty members Peiying Hong, Mohamed Eddaoudi, and Derya Baran presented KAUST's research in water reuse, carbon capture, and transparent solar cells. Derya Baran highlighted KAUST spinoff iyris, which aims to turn windows into solar power plants. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's role as an innovative hub for global research and education, particularly in green technologies, and highlights the university's commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
DERC's Aysha Al Neyadi won the Young Scientists Competition at the 14th International Conference Interaction of Radiation with Solids in Minsk, Belarus. Aysha co-authored a paper with researchers from Belarus State University and TII on the structure and phase composition stability of amorphous zirconium irradiated with helium ions. The paper examined amorphous alloy samples based on zirconium irradiated with Helium ions at 40 keV. Why it matters: This award recognizes contributions to materials science and highlights international research collaborations involving UAE institutions.
Professor Marco Amabili, advisor at the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC), received the 'Cataldo Agostinelli and Angiola Gili Agostinelli' International Prize from the Lincei National Academy of Sciences of Italy. The award recognizes Prof. Amabili's research in mechanical vibrations, composite structures, and vascular biomechanics. He received the award in Rome from Nobel laureate Professor Giorgio Parisi. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the growing international visibility of UAE-based researchers and the increasing commitment of UAE institutions like TII to deep-tech research.
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.