KAUST Associate Professor Derya Baran has been appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Baran leads the Organic Materials for Energy Applications (OMEGA) research group at KAUST, focusing on soft materials for electronic devices. Her research aims to develop printed, stretchable electronics for applications like solar cells and sensors. Why it matters: This fellowship provides a platform for Professor Baran to elevate her research and connect with global scientific leaders, supporting KAUST's and Saudi Arabia's broader goals in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
KAUST alumna Dr. Dalal Alezi has been awarded the Ibn Khaldun Fellowship for Saudi Women at MIT to pursue postdoctoral research in energy storage and water capture materials. She completed her Ph.D. at KAUST under Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi, focusing on metal-organic materials for gas separation, storage, catalysis, and drug delivery. Alezi credits KAUST and KAU for supporting her career and shaping her role as a mentor for incoming science students at KAU. Why it matters: The fellowship recognizes and supports talented Saudi women in STEM, promoting advancements in materials science and inspiring future generations of Saudi scientists.
Professor Iain McCulloch from KAUST has won the Royal Society of Chemistry's Interdisciplinary Prize. McCulloch was recognized for his work in designing and applying functional materials in optics, electronics, and energy. His research focuses on creating new organic materials for flexible solar cells and other applications. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's increasing role as a hub for innovative materials science research with global impact.
Three KAUST Ph.D. students, Dalal Alezi, Samah Mohamed, and Yevhen Fatieiev, have been selected to attend the 67th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany. The meeting will bring together young scientists and Nobel laureates in chemistry for a week of activities. Alezi's research focuses on metal-organic materials, Mohamed develops chemical kinetic models for combustion, and Fatieiev works on magnetic nanoparticles. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering scientific talent and providing opportunities for its students to engage with leading researchers in their fields, enhancing the university's global reputation.
Professor Jean-Luc Bredas, Director of KAUST’s Solar Center (SPERC), has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences (EURASC). Bredas is recognized for his theoretical research into organic materials for semiconductor devices like LEDs, transistors, and solar cells. His KAUST group focuses on understanding the electronic and optical properties of these materials. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced materials research and its contributions to global scientific advancements in electronics and photonics.