KAUST ·
KAUST's Supercomputing Core Lab (KSL) aims to advance science and technology through HPC solutions. The article highlights the lab's mission to inspire scientific, economic, and social progress. It mentions KAUST Ph.D. students and computational scientists at the SC16 supercomputing conference. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's commitment to high-performance computing and its role in driving innovation in the region.
KAUST ·
KAUST's supercomputer Shaheen completed ultra-resolution subsurface mapping simulations for Saudi Aramco, producing a 3D image of subsurface geologic layers at a 7.5-meter resolution. Aramco scientists used integrated GeoDRIVE software to achieve this record resolution at a production scale, improving on prior simulations with tens of meters resolution. Shaheen, located in the KAUST Supercomputing Core Laboratory, is one of the largest CPU-based supercomputers globally, featuring 12,348 Intel Haswell CPUs. Why it matters: This achievement enables more precise resource extraction and geological understanding in the Arabian Peninsula, demonstrating the growing capabilities of regional supercomputing for industrial applications.
KAUST ·
KAUST researchers have developed a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 33.2%, surpassing the previous record of 32.5% held by Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB). The tandem device was certified by the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) and listed at the top of the NREL efficiency chart. The cell combines perovskite top cells for blue light absorption with silicon bottom cells for red light absorption. Why it matters: This breakthrough could accelerate the adoption of high-performance photovoltaic modules, which is critical for achieving global renewable energy goals.
KAUST ·
French freediving champion Guillaume Néry spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) about pushing human limits underwater. Néry, who beat the world record three times, can dive to a depth of 125 meters while holding his breath for up to seven minutes and forty-two seconds. He recounted discovering his calling at age 15 and later becoming world champion in 2011. Why it matters: This talk highlights KAUST's commitment to showcasing diverse achievements and explorations of human potential, even outside traditional scientific fields.
KAUST ·
KAUST Ph.D. student Lukas Larisch won the Parameterized Algorithms and Computational Experiments (PACE) 2017 Challenge in the Optimal Tree Decomposition Challenge, solving more instances than competitors. He received the award at the International Symposium on Parameterized and Exact Computation (IPEC 2017) in Vienna, Austria. Larisch is pursuing his Ph.D. at KAUST and working in the University's Extreme Computing Research Center, focusing on acoustics and graph structure theory. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to advanced computer science research and its ability to attract and foster talented researchers in niche areas like parameterized complexity.
KAUST ·
KAUST acquired the Shaheen-Cray XC40 supercomputer in 2015, which is 25 times faster than its predecessor, Shaheen I. The system arrived in Jeddah from Chicago in 123 crates and weighs around 109 metric tons. It consists of approximately 6,100 nodes, with each node containing 32 cores. Why it matters: This infrastructure upgrade significantly enhances KAUST's capacity for data-intensive scientific tasks like simulations and modeling, crucial for advancing research in areas such as climate and renewable energy.
KAUST ·
KAUST researchers led by Andrea Fratalocchi are developing a nanomaterial, initially recognized as the "blackest black" by Guinness World Records, to enhance solar cell efficiency. The material, made from gold nanoparticles, absorbs over 99% of visible light and 98% of infrared. The team is working to create the material from less costly alternatives to gold for energy production applications. Why it matters: This research could lead to significant advancements in solar energy harvesting, addressing a critical need for efficient light absorption in renewable energy technologies within the region and globally.
KAUST ·
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Research Center (WDRC) is dedicated to reducing the energy footprint of desalination, with Saudi Arabia being the largest producer of desalinated water globally. Biofouling, caused by organisms like the bay barnacle, increases the energy required for desalination and affects various sectors, including medical devices and marine vessels. Researchers at WDRC, including Professor Matthew McCabe and Director Johannes Vrouwenvelder, are exploring novel desalination technologies and anti-fouling agents to combat biofouling. Why it matters: Addressing biofouling is crucial for reducing the economic and ecological costs of desalination in water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia and improving efficiency across multiple industries.