KAUST research scientist Giuseppe Genduso has received the 2020 NAMS Young Membrane Scientist Award. Genduso's research at the KAUST Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center focuses on understanding polymer membrane behavior for fluid separation. His work explores the sorption and diffusion of gases in advanced polymer materials. Why it matters: This award recognizes Genduso's contributions to membrane technology, which holds promise for energy-efficient fluid separations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the chemical industry.
KAUST research scientist Viko Ladelta received the best poster award at the 16th Pacific Polymer Conference (PPC-16) in Singapore for his work on multicrystalline multiblock polymers. The award-winning research, co-authored with Nikos Hadjichristidis, details a one-pot synthetic strategy using organocatalysts. PPC-16 brought together over 1,000 polymer scientists from 16 countries to discuss polymer research. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to advanced polymer science, highlighting the university's role in international research and innovation in materials science.
KAUST Research Scientist Dr. Ram Karan received a Young Scientist Award at the 15th International Congress on Thermophiles in Japan for his work on extremozymes from Red Sea brine pools. His research focuses on identifying, purifying, and bioengineering microbial proteins from these pools. He utilizes single-amplified genomes (SAGs) to produce extremozyme proteins without needing to grow cells in the lab. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's innovative research into extremophiles, which have the potential to develop novel, sustainable biotechnical processes for industrial applications.
A group of KAUST students and research scientists from the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC) and Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science & Engineering (CEMSE) division attended the 2019 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. This was part of the five-year research and development agreement between KAUST and McLaren Racing Limited. The KAUST group joined members from McLaren at the Bahrain International Circuit to observe the results of their partnership. Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates KAUST's commitment to applying its research expertise in advanced engineering and computing to real-world challenges in motorsports, potentially leading to innovations in vehicle performance and efficiency.
KAUST research scientist Muhammad Wakil Shahzad won the 'best presenter' award at the 2019 Global Summit and Expo on Power & Energy Engineering in Dubai. His presentation focused on the energy efficiency of seawater desalination processes. Shahzad's research at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center aims to improve desalination methods and develop water reclamation strategies. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to innovative desalination technologies, which are crucial for addressing water scarcity in the Gulf region and drought-stricken areas globally.
Sergey Kozlov, a research scientist at KAUST's Catalysis Center (KCC), is leaving to take up a tenure-track position as an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS). During his time at KAUST, Kozlov focused on simulating the chemical properties of catalysts using computational chemistry methods and the Shaheen II supercomputer. His research focused on applications in energy and CO2 utilization technologies. Why it matters: Kozlov's move highlights KAUST's role in developing research talent and contributing to advancements in computational chemistry and catalysis within the region.
KAUST alumnus Ronell Sicat (M.S. '10, Ph.D. '15) is developing immersive data visualization tools using augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). After a postdoc at Harvard, Sicat returned to KAUST as a research scientist in the Visual Computing Center. Sicat developed a tool called DXR to help researchers prototype immersive visualizations. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering talent and innovation in AR/VR, a growing area with applications across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST research scientist Dr. Ram Karan won two awards at the International Congress of Extremophiles 2018 for his work on extremozymes from Red Sea brine pools. His research focuses on understanding how life is possible under extreme conditions using culture-independent methods to evaluate the structure and function of polyextremophilic enzymes. Crystal structure analysis provided insights into how enzymes adapt to extreme conditions. Why it matters: This research provides insights into the possibilities of life in extreme conditions and has implications for astrobiology.