KAUST has announced the formation of a presidential search committee. H.E. Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, made the announcement. The purpose of the committee is to find a new president for the university. Why it matters: The selection of a new president is a key decision that will guide the future direction of KAUST as a leading research university in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST highlights postdoctoral fellows Yi Jin Liew, Isabelle Schulz, Maren Ziegler and Neus Garcias Bonet outside the University Library. The article mentions King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1924 – 2015). It encourages applications to KAUST's Discovery Postdoctoral program. Why it matters: This brief announcement signals KAUST's ongoing investment in attracting international research talent to Saudi Arabia.
KAUST welcomes five new faculty members for the new school year: Andrea Falqui, Daniele Daffonchio, Athanasios Tzavaras, Ying Sun, and Carlo Liberale. The new faculty members come from diverse backgrounds and bring expertise in areas such as bioscience, microbial ecology, and nanostructure imaging. They will contribute to KAUST's vision through research, teaching, and collaboration. Why it matters: The addition of new faculty enhances KAUST's research capabilities and educational offerings, fostering innovation and attracting top talent to the region.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Donal Bradley as the new Vice President for Research, effective April 7, 2019, replacing Dr. Jean Frechet. Dr. Bradley was previously the Dean for Science and Engineering at Oxford University and has held positions at Imperial College London, with extensive experience in research administration. He is a distinguished scientist with over 630 publications and more than twenty-five patent families. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to attracting top international talent to lead its research initiatives and maintain its position as a leading science and technology university in the region.
MBZUAI has appointed Professor Timothy Baldwin as Associate Provost and acting chair of its new NLP Department. Baldwin will focus on strengthening the curriculum and building a world-class faculty team. He previously spent 17 years at the University of Melbourne. Why it matters: The recruitment signals MBZUAI's commitment to becoming a leading center for NLP research and education in the region.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau announced his retirement, effective at the end of August 2017, after more than 25 years in academic leadership positions. He will serve on the Presidential Search Committee to identify his successor. Chameau expressed pride in the KAUST community and its accomplishments. Why it matters: The transition marks a significant leadership change for KAUST as it continues to develop as a leading science and technology university in the region.
The KAUST Saudi Arabian Alumni Chapter met to discuss future plans, with a focus on increasing engagement and creating a 'Community for Life'. The chapter caters to M.S. and Ph.D. graduates living and working in Saudi Arabia, representing around 51% of the total alumni. Key initiatives include leveraging the online network Rapport and organizing on-campus and regional meetings. Why it matters: Strengthening alumni networks is crucial for KAUST's long-term growth and influence within Saudi Arabia's evolving research and technology landscape.
Mani Sarathy, an associate professor of chemical engineering, has been appointed Associate Director of the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) at KAUST. Sarathy is part of the University’s Physical Science and Engineering Division. The announcement did not detail specific research directions. Why it matters: This signals KAUST's continued investment in and focus on clean combustion research.