KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2016 featured a poster competition highlighting research by graduate students, postdocs, and international undergraduates. A science fair included shows by science podcast host Dr. Chris Smith, art exhibits, and a visualization lab. Exhibits included "On the Trail of the Glaciers: An Interactive Experience" and short films produced by KAUST students. Why it matters: Such programs foster scientific engagement and communication within the KAUST community and beyond.
KAUST Associate Professor Aurelien Manchon has been appointed as the Wohlfarth Lecturer for the Magnetism 2020 conference. The conference, organized by IEEE UK Magnetic Chapter and the Institute of Physics, will be held in Sheffield, U.K. Manchon's research at KAUST focuses on spintronics and the development of high-speed, energy-efficient microelectronics. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to cutting-edge research in spintronics and magnetism, areas crucial for advancing microelectronics and data storage technologies.
Lewis Dartnell, professor of science communication at the University of Westminster, spoke at KAUST about how to rebuild the world after an apocalyptic scenario. Dartnell is the author of "The Knowledge: How to Rebuild our World from Scratch." The Enrichment in the Fall lecture took place on October 17. Why it matters: Public lectures at KAUST contribute to knowledge dissemination and engagement with global challenges.
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 encouraged attendees of the 2015 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #wep2015. The university provided tips for participants to effectively use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram during the event. KAUST emphasized responsible sharing and respect for the university's multicultural community when posting. Why it matters: This initiative aimed to amplify the reach of WEP's activities and engage a broader audience in KAUST's community and knowledge-sharing efforts.
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 organized a breast cancer awareness event in Thuwal on October 12, attended by over 150 women and girls from the local community, along with healthcare and education partners. The event featured educational lectures, personal stories from breast cancer survivors, and interactive sessions on early screening. KAUST's director of Social and Community Development highlighted the university's commitment to women's health and empowerment through such initiatives. Why it matters: This event demonstrates KAUST's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement by promoting health awareness and empowering women, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
A panel discussion hosted by MBZUAI in collaboration with the Manara Center for Coexistence and Dialogue addressed misinformation and its threat to elections. The talk covered the reasons behind the rise of misinformation, citizen perspectives, and the role of social media influencers. Two cases, the Indian general elections of 2024 and the upcoming US presidential elections in November 2024, were used to describe the contours of misinformation. Why it matters: Understanding the dynamics of misinformation, especially through social media influencers, is crucial for safeguarding democratic processes in the region and globally.