KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2024 focused on the theme "Digital Adventure – ride to the future," featuring lectures and activities related to machine learning, AI, and the future of technology. Speakers covered topics from quantum computing and robotics to smart cities and sustainable economies. Rick Fox discussed his company Partanna's work on revolutionizing concrete production with KAUST's Carlos Duarte as an advisor. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in fostering discussions around cutting-edge technologies and their impact on various sectors within the Kingdom and globally.
Students and teachers from Thuwal schools visited KAUST for computer-oriented activities on February 7. The activities included a practical computer coding lesson inspired by "Hour of Code," where participants used Mac computers to work through an online tutorial. Students and teachers also toured the supercomputing facilities in the KAUST Core Labs led by Bilel Hadri of the ECRC. Why it matters: Such outreach programs help promote STEM education and engagement with advanced computing resources among local students.
KAUST's Saudi Summer Internship (SSI) program hosted 29 undergraduate students from Saudi universities this year, up from just 6 students five years ago. The students were assigned to CEMSE labs for 8-12 weeks, conducting research alongside KAUST faculty. At the end of the program, the students participated in a poster competition to present their work. Why it matters: This program fosters local talent in STEM fields and strengthens KAUST's ties with other Saudi universities.
The Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) at KAUST has selected 43 top 11th-grade students from across Saudi Arabia for its 2018 program. These students will conduct summer research under the guidance of KAUST faculty. The program aims to give them a taste of life as a scientist. Why it matters: SRSI cultivates future Saudi talent in STEM fields, aligning with Saudi Arabia's goals of developing its scientific workforce.
Four students from the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) conducted summer research at KAUST in areas like solar cells, nanomaterials, composite membranes, and computational fluid mechanics. The students, who attend universities in the US, worked with KAUST faculty like Osman Bakr, Iman Roqan, Klaus-Viktor Peinemann and Ravi Samtaney. The KGSP program supports Saudi students studying science and engineering and prepares them for graduate studies at KAUST. Why it matters: This program helps KAUST attract top Saudi talent by providing research opportunities and encouraging students to pursue advanced degrees in STEM fields within the Kingdom.
The KAUST School (TKS) collaborated with the KAUST Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) to provide hands-on learning experiences for TKS students at the Ibn Sina Research Station. Students measured mangrove heights, crab abundances, and soil properties, guided by RSRC researchers Joanne Ellis, Marco Fusi, and Timothy Thomson. The collaboration aims to expose students to real-world research and foster a passion for science. Why it matters: This collaboration exemplifies how research institutions in the GCC can enrich local education by sharing expertise and resources, inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.
MBZUAI has opened applications for its NextGen Winter Program, a two-week AI literacy program for UAE high school students (Grades 10-12) taking place December 8-19, 2025. The program includes interactive workshops, group challenges, and engagement with MBZUAI faculty, with registration closing on November 19, 2025. This winter edition follows a successful summer program that saw high interest from UAE youth in AI. Why it matters: The program contributes to building national AI capabilities by providing early AI exposure to UAE youth, in line with the UAE's vision for future-ready talent.
The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) has hosted over 210 interns since 2014, offering research experience with faculty and facilities. Interns, typically in their baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate studies, stay between three and six months. Several interns, like Mariana Prazeres who researched the Hamilton Jacobi equation, have pursued further studies at KAUST. Why it matters: The VSRP program at KAUST serves as a pipeline for attracting international talent to Saudi Arabia and fostering interest in STEM fields.