A 2016 KAUST Winter Enrichment Program seminar, "Women in Science and Engineering," convened female scientists from KAUST and abroad. Panelists like Jasmeen Merzaban and Charlotte Hauser shared their career experiences and addressed challenges faced by women in STEM. They noted that women constitute 60% of higher education graduates in Saudi Arabia and will be vital to the Kingdom's knowledge economy. Why it matters: The event highlights the increasing role of women in Saudi Arabia's STEM fields and KAUST's commitment to supporting female scientists.
A panel discussion on women in biology was held as part of the 2016 Fall Enrichment Program at KAUST. Jasmeen Merzaban, Ashwag Abdullah Albukhari, Bettina Berger and Peiying Hong were the speakers. The event featured successful female scientists sharing their experiences. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's commitment to promoting women in STEM fields and providing a platform for their voices.
KAUST hosted a regional Women in Data Science (WiDS) conference, part of a global event held at over 100 regional institutions led by Stanford University. The KAUST event featured exclusively female speakers and aimed to highlight data science research and applications. KAUST is launching a 'Women in Data Sciences and Technology' initiative to support women's education and careers in the field. Why it matters: This initiative can help address the underrepresentation of women in data science in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
KAUST celebrates 15 years since its establishment as the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its role in championing women in science. Numerous KAUST female graduates have achieved success in academia, government, and entrepreneurship. Programs like KGSP and the Ibn Rushd fellowship have been instrumental in nurturing talent and empowering women in STEM. Why it matters: KAUST's focus on gender equality and STEM education serves as a model for advancing women's contributions to technological and economic development in the region.
KAUST is highlighting women in STEM, including Professor Leena Ibrahim, Ph.D. student Amani Al-Amodi, and postdoc Dr. Wejdan Alghamdi. Leena Ibrahim's research focuses on understanding how sensory perception is established across development, studying the role of inhibitory neurons in the cortex. She aims to uncover how disruptions in sensory processing contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Why it matters: Showcasing women's contributions can inspire future generations of female researchers in the Kingdom and beyond.
The third annual Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Workshop was held at KAUST, with 1635 online and 140 in-person attendees. The workshop focused on empowering women in STEM with strategies for mental wellness and balance in their personal and professional lives. Participants shared personal and professional experiences and approaches to achieving success. Why it matters: Promoting inclusivity and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in STEM fields is crucial for fostering a more diverse and equitable research environment in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST held its second annual "Promoting Super Women in Science" event on February 17, hosting 79 girls from The KAUST School. The event featured talks from KAUST professors Niveen Khashab, Charlotte Hauser, and Ikram Blilou, who shared their personal stories and research. The program aims to encourage young women to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. Why it matters: Such initiatives play a crucial role in addressing gender disparity in STEM and fostering future generations of female scientists in the Kingdom.
KAUST is highlighted for its commitment to multidisciplinary research, innovation, and strong leadership, particularly regarding women's education. The university was the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia, with women comprising around 40% of its student population. KAUST actively recruits female faculty members and appoints them to leadership positions, demonstrated through workshops like Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). Why it matters: This underscores the increasing role of women in STEM fields within Saudi Arabia, facilitated by institutions like KAUST.