KAUST alumnus Morgan Bennett-Smith's underwater photograph of Professor Raquel Peixoto inoculating corals at the KAUST Coral Probiotics Village won Nature's "Scientist at Work" photo competition and was featured in the journal's December 7, 2022 issue. The photo, taken with a Canon R5 and RF 15-35mm lens inside of a Nauticam underwater housing, shows Peixoto applying probiotics to corals to boost their resilience. Peixoto praises Bennett-Smith's ability to capture the essence of their work and communicate the urgency of the coral crisis through his photographs. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's marine science research and the importance of visual storytelling in communicating scientific advancements and environmental challenges in the Red Sea.
KAUST Professor Wolfgang Heidrich received the Humboldt Research Award for his work in computational photography and displays. The award includes €60,000 and a research stay in Germany, hosted by the Max-Planck Institute for Informatics and the Cluster of Excellence on "Multimodal Computing and Interaction" at Saarland University. Heidrich plans to spend six months in Germany over the next three years, networking with faculty and collaborating on research projects. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in computer science and fosters international collaboration in cutting-edge areas like computational photography.
Researchers have reportedly developed an artificial intelligence system capable of deblurring photographs. This AI aims to enhance image clarity by using advanced algorithms to reconstruct sharper images from blurry inputs. The technology could significantly improve visual quality across various applications where image capture is prone to blur. Why it matters: This development contributes to the broader field of computer vision and image processing, offering potential applications in areas from surveillance to professional photography.
An artificial intelligence system has been developed that can reconstruct human faces from images affected by motion blur. This technology leverages advanced algorithms to reverse the blurring effect, enhancing facial clarity and detail. The system aims to improve image quality in various applications where motion artifacts are common. Why it matters: This advancement holds significant potential for applications in forensics, security surveillance, and improving consumer photography by recovering lost detail in images.
KAUST research photographer Anastasia Khrenova designed a scientific art display for the 2018 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). The "Visualizing the Human Machine Future" exhibition showcased photographs and scientific illustrations from KAUST laboratories. The exhibit aimed to communicate science nonverbally and provide viewers with a glimpse into the university's research activities. Why it matters: Such initiatives help promote scientific research to the public and attract potential researchers to KAUST, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of scientific endeavors in the region.
A photography exhibition titled "KAUST, an Oasis for Birds" showcased the 240 bird species residing on the KAUST campus during the 2017 Winter Enrichment Program. The exhibition featured the work of Marios Mantzourogiannis and Brian James, highlighting common and rare bird species in KAUST's habitats. Mantzouroglannis noted that KAUST's cultural and avian diversity surprised him. Why it matters: The exhibition increased awareness of the rich biodiversity within KAUST and promoted engagement with nature and birding.
A photography exhibition at KAUST's 2015 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) showcased Al-Balad in Jeddah through the lenses of Andrea Bachofen-Echt and Marina Kochetyga. The photographers captured the unique architecture of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during multiple visits over a month. Andrea noted Al-Balad's authenticity due to limited tourism, making it a unique subject. Why it matters: This highlights the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia through art and photography.
KAUST will host a Modern Saudi Art Exhibit from Arabian Wings (Jan 11-15), an Al-Balad 24 Photography Exhibition featuring work by Marina Kochetyga and Andrea Bachofen (Jan 11-16), and an East African Tingatinga art exhibition (Jan 18-24). The Al-Balad exhibit includes a video by Dr. Lorenzo Pareschi documenting a fire in the historic district. Why it matters: These art exhibits expose the KAUST community to diverse artistic styles and cultural perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding.