MBZUAI alumnus Kane Lindsay is using AI to digitize and analyze plant specimens at Kew Gardens, including handwritten notes and preserved plants dating back centuries. He developed an AI model to recognize handwriting (OCR) and extract phenotype data from plant images, and another to redact sensitive location data. This work began as an internship and evolved into a fully funded Ph.D. Why it matters: AI is accelerating the digitization and preservation of plant collections, making them more accessible to researchers and aiding in conservation efforts.
KAUST Associate Professor Liming Xiong is researching how plants adapt to drought conditions, focusing on reducing water consumption, increasing water uptake, and surviving under stress. His "whole plant" approach aims to identify major genes controlling water uptake, water loss, and cellular detoxification. The research seeks to develop plants that use water more efficiently or can be irrigated with brackish water, important for agriculture in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant drought tolerance can help in breeding stress-tolerant crops suitable for the arid conditions in the region.
KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture led Saudi Arabia to observe Fascination of Plants Day (FOPD) for the first time in the GCC. The global event, initiated by the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO), aims to raise awareness about the importance of plants and plant science. KAUST's research focuses on food, water, and the environment, addressing challenges of growing plants in extreme conditions. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in advancing agricultural research and promoting environmental awareness in the region, crucial for addressing food security challenges in arid climates.
KAUST researchers are contributing new information about desert and mangrove plants to support Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative. They are creating a soil atlas for Saudi Arabia, studying soil profiles and microbial populations in hyperarid regions. The team has also compiled the world’s largest biobank of desert microbes, sequencing each microbe's genome. Why it matters: This research is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of large-scale greening efforts in arid environments like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST held its third annual Plant Science Family Night on February 19, 2025, hosting over 1,000 attendees from the KAUST community. The event featured 25 interactive stations covering topics like composting, genetics, recycling, and irrigation. Participants included representatives from the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security, the KAUST School, and other organizations. Why it matters: This event promotes STEM education and engagement with sustainability issues among families in the KAUST community.
KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture (CDA) and The KAUST School (TKS) hosted the second annual Plant Science Family Night, featuring over 25 interactive stations. The event engaged families from the KAUST community in learning about plant biology and sustainability, covering topics like composting, genetics, and irrigation. Representatives from organizations including CDA, TKS, Terraxy, and KAUST Sustainability participated with demonstrations and discussions. Why it matters: Such outreach events are important for promoting science education and environmental stewardship within Saudi Arabia, inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
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.
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.