The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) held its second Board of Advisors meeting on November 23, 2021. Board members from Khalifa University, University of Sheffield, City University Hong Kong, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, and Instituto Superior Técnico provided feedback on AMRC’s strategic plans. The meeting focused on AMRC’s strategic growth and future directions. Why it matters: The meeting indicates continued investment in advanced materials research in the UAE, signaling potential advancements in related technological applications.
KAUST held its 14th KAUST Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting in Riyadh on December 11, 2023, marking the first time the meeting has taken place outside of KAUST. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally signed on as a new member of the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP). The meeting included talks about the future of KICP and round-table sessions on advancing goals in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Why it matters: This signals a new era of alliances for KAUST in launching ambitions and deepening its impact within the Kingdom and beyond.
Four researchers from KAUST attended the 69th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, which focused on physics. The meeting provided an opportunity for young scientists to interact with 39 Nobel laureates, including Donna Strickland and Gérard Mourou. KAUST attendees included Abderrahmen Trichili, Ibrahim Dursun, Abdullah Almansouri, and Latifah Al Maghrabi, who participated in lectures, talks, and open exchanges. Why it matters: Participation in such events raises KAUST's profile and provides invaluable networking and learning opportunities for its researchers.
KAUST held its 9th annual KAUST Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting, focusing on collaboration with industry partners and the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP). Interim President Nadhmi Al-Nasr emphasized linking science and research to economic development, while VP Kevin Cullen highlighted the essential role of industry partnerships in bringing KAUST research to life. Speakers, including Dr. Khaled H. Biyari, CEO of the Saudi Telecom Company, discussed fostering disruptive innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry to contribute to Vision 2030. Why it matters: The KIAB meeting underscores KAUST's commitment to aligning its research and development efforts with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, fostering a thriving digital economy through strategic partnerships and innovation.
TII Chief Researcher Mérouane Debbah and MBZUAI President Eric Xing visited École Polytechnique in France to discuss AI research and training. They reviewed AI projects and opportunities to increase the visibility of UAE-led research. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between MBZUAI, TII, and École Polytechnique. Why it matters: Such partnerships can foster knowledge exchange and accelerate AI innovation in the UAE by leveraging international expertise.
KAUST hosted the KAUST Research Conference: Advances in Well Construction with Focus on Near-Wellbore Physics and Chemistry from November 7 to 9. The conference was co-chaired by Eric van Oort, a professor at UT Austin, and Tadeusz Patzek, director of the University’s Upstream Petroleum Engineering Research Center. Attendees included professors from the University of Queensland and UT Austin, and directors from GenesisRTS and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Why it matters: The conference facilitates international collaboration on advancements in petroleum engineering and well construction technologies, which are strategically important for Saudi Arabia.
This article discusses KAUST's presence at the 252nd American Chemical Society Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia, PA. A KAUST team consisting of staff, students, and faculty attended the event. The article includes a photo from the event and standard KAUST copyright information. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's efforts to engage with the international scientific community and showcase its research and educational programs.
The KAUST Solar Future 2014 meeting was held on the university's campus from November 7-11, hosted by the Solar & Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC). Over 30 speakers from KAUST and international universities discussed current and future advances in solar and photovoltaic technologies. The meeting facilitated interactions between visiting professors, KAUST faculty, and students, with poster sessions allowing students to present their work. Why it matters: Such events promote KAUST's mission to become a leading institution in renewable energy science and engineering and attract new talent to the university.