A Heritage Commission and KAUST collaboration published in Nature Communications reveals the discovery of large-scale rock art panels in the Nefud Desert, dating back 12,000 years. Over 60 panels with 176 engravings were found depicting animals like camels and ibex. Paleoenvironmental analysis indicates surface water was present 14,000 years ago, supporting early human and wildlife expansion. Why it matters: The findings revise the timeline of human repopulation in Saudi Arabia's interior deserts after the Last Glacial Maximum and demonstrate the significance of interdisciplinary research in understanding the region's climate history.
Ivan Gromicho, a scientific illustrator at KAUST, creates visual representations of complex research findings for journals like Cell, Nature, and Science. He collaborates with KAUST faculty to transform data into comprehensible illustrations. Outside of work, Gromicho pursues rock climbing, exploring natural rock formations across Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's support for interdisciplinary pursuits and employee well-being, fostering innovation at the intersection of science and art.
KAUST researchers are using AI to analyze satellite imagery for the automated detection of ancient stone structures in northwest Saudi Arabia, including mustatils (rectangular structures dating to the late 6th millennium BCE) and ruins in circular and triangular shapes. They developed a deep learning algorithm trained on manually identified datasets to isolate similar features over a wide area. The tool converts detected pixels into geodetic coordinates using GPS, assembling them into an online map and database. Why it matters: This project exemplifies computational archaeology, speeding up archaeological discoveries, promoting cultural heritage, and providing a methodology useful to other sectors of the economy.
A KAUST-led study identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula in the last 10,000 years, tripling previous estimates. Researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs from scientific expeditions, publications, and social media. The study identified two species never known to live in the region before: the greater kudu and the Somali wild ass. Why it matters: The findings provide a benchmark for rewilding efforts and inform decisions on which mammals to reintroduce to the region.
Dr. Laila Nehme, a French archaeologist from CNRS, visited KAUST as part of the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) to discuss her work on Mada’in Saleh, also known as Al-Hijr or Hegra. Nehme co-directs the Saudi-French Archaeological Project and specializes in Nabatean epigraphy, studying the daily life of the ancient Nabateans through unearthed remains. Her team, working with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, is beginning its third four-year program to study the site. Why it matters: The research sheds light on the historical significance of Mada’in Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Nabatean civilization's southernmost settlement, enhancing our understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.
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.
American artist Rachel Sussman spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about her project documenting the world's oldest living organisms. Sussman photographed 30 species alive for over 2,000 years, including trees, coral, and bacteria. She collaborated with 30 scientists to identify and document these organisms. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's interdisciplinary approach to knowledge, connecting art, science, and philosophy to explore concepts of time and longevity.
This paper surveys machine learning approaches using monument pictures for analyzing heritage sites in India. It addresses challenges in the tourism sector, such as the unavailability of trained personnel and the lack of accurate information. The research aims to provide insights for building an automated decision system to modernize the tourism experience for visitors in India.