Technology Innovation Institute’s (TII) Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) has launched the MENA region's first Impact Lab in Abu Dhabi. The lab will serve as a testing ground for advanced materials, laminates, and composites. It features equipment like a Universal Testing Machine and a Gas-Gun Projectile Launcher, the latter being the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Why it matters: The Impact Lab will accelerate the development and application of advanced materials technologies in the UAE and the broader MENA region, enhancing capabilities in industries ranging from aerospace to sports equipment.
KAUST and Partanna have launched a 12-month R&D partnership to enhance CO2 removal in concrete manufacturing. The collaboration will integrate Partanna’s formula with KAUST’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. Partanna's patented concrete avoids Portland Cement and uses a binder made from natural and recycled materials, enabling CO2 absorption. Why it matters: This partnership highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable construction and carbon-negative technologies, potentially revolutionizing building practices in the region and beyond.
KAUST and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) are collaborating to develop low-cost sodium-ion battery technology using fly ash, a waste material from burning fossil fuels. Researchers are purifying fly ash and using thermal treatment to engineer its structure for use as carbon electrodes in batteries. The resulting carbon electrode material is competitive with existing market products and can be used for other applications. Why it matters: This research offers a sustainable approach to energy storage by repurposing waste materials, potentially enabling cheaper and more environmentally friendly grid-scale energy storage for renewable energy sources.
KAUST and Chinese companies Shandong Lianxin Environmental Protection Technology and Hangzhou Hecai Technology will manufacture green plastics based on KAUST technology. The plastics, high molar mass aliphatic polycarbonates, are for biomedical products and food packaging due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. KAUST's method creates these polycarbonates using CO2 and sustainable raw materials without toxic metals, with production scaling over two years. Why it matters: This partnership highlights KAUST's role in developing sustainable materials and bringing them to market, with potential impact on reducing reliance on traditional plastics in sensitive applications.
A KAUST team led by Husam Alshareef has developed a microfabricated energy storage device with high energy and power density. The device uses nickel hydroxide as an active electrode material and achieves a volumetric capacitance density of 325 F/cm3. Fabricated using chemical bath deposition at room temperature, the device can power microelectronic devices. Why it matters: This research advances energy storage technology in the region, potentially impacting the development of microelectronics and portable power solutions.
Shamma Almazrouei from the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) won the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 11th Global Conference on Material Sciences and Engineering (CMSE 2022) for her presentation on "Chromium Doped Tungsten Alloy for Plasma-Facing Components Formed by Compression Plasma Flows." Her research explored the structural and mechanical properties of chromium-doped tungsten alloys for plasma-facing components of fusion reactors. The study suggests that Cr-W alloys can be used to construct plasma-facing components that can withstand high thermal loads. Why it matters: This award recognizes impactful materials science research in the UAE related to fusion reactors, a critical area for future energy technologies.
The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) has announced strategic partnerships with institutions including the University of Sheffield, Khalifa University, and McGill University. These partnerships include visiting scholar fellowships, graduate programs with internships, and dual-degree programs. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between AMRC experts and students from around the world, providing access to resources, mentorship, and financial support. Why it matters: This collaboration will strengthen Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem and R&D sectors through global knowledge transfer and talent development.
Three researchers from the UAE's Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) are pursuing advanced degrees at the University of Manchester through the Advanced Technology Research Council’s NexTech program. Shamma Alhashmi is pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering, while Mohamed Alnuaimi and Omar BaNabila are working towards master's degrees in Advanced Engineering Materials. Their research focuses on nanomaterials, piezoelectrics, and material damage analysis, respectively. Why it matters: This initiative demonstrates the UAE's investment in STEM education and aims to enhance domestic research capabilities in advanced materials by providing international training opportunities for promising Emirati researchers.
Dr. Nesma Aboulkhair, Additive Manufacturing Lead Researcher at TII, has been ranked among Stanford's top 2% of scientists for single-year citations for the second consecutive year. Dr. Aboulkhair joined TII in April 2021 and also holds a visiting academic position at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Her research focuses on metal additive manufacturing processes, including powder-based and droplet-on-demand methods, and she has secured over GBP2 million in funding. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing expertise in advanced manufacturing within UAE research institutions and TII's ability to attract and foster high-impact researchers in critical fields.
Professor Marco Amabili, advisor at the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC), received the 'Cataldo Agostinelli and Angiola Gili Agostinelli' International Prize from the Lincei National Academy of Sciences of Italy. The award recognizes Prof. Amabili's research in mechanical vibrations, composite structures, and vascular biomechanics. He received the award in Rome from Nobel laureate Professor Giorgio Parisi. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the growing international visibility of UAE-based researchers and the increasing commitment of UAE institutions like TII to deep-tech research.
Technology Innovation Institute's Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) in Abu Dhabi has appointed international experts to its Board of Advisors. The board includes professors from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Imperial College London, City University of Hong Kong, Monash University, University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield, Khalifa University, and Técnico. The advisors will guide AMRC's research in nanomaterials, energy absorbing materials, additive manufacturing, metamaterials and other areas. Why it matters: The appointments signal TII's commitment to advancing materials science research in the UAE and fostering international collaboration in this critical domain.
KAUST alumnus Nasir Alfaraj is conducting research at the University of Toronto, focusing on energy-efficient semiconductor technologies. His doctoral work at KAUST under Professor Boon S. Ooi explored deep-ultraviolet optoelectronics using wide-bandgap semiconductors. Alfaraj credits KAUST's interdisciplinary environment, facilities, and mentorship for shaping his research approach and preparing him for advanced roles. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training researchers who are contributing to semiconductor innovation, an area of strategic importance for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
KAUST Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi has won the 2023 Kuwait Prize in chemistry for his work on functional solid-state materials, specifically metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). His research focuses on innovative design strategies for these materials and their applications in gas separations, catalysis, energy storage, and carbon capture. Eddaoudi, a founding faculty member at KAUST since 2009, shares the prize with Prof. Nashaat Nassar from the University of Calgary. Why it matters: The award recognizes KAUST's research excellence and highlights the importance of materials science for energy and environmental sustainability within the Arab world.
KAUST is hosting a double lecture event featuring the International Symposium on Porous Organic Polymers (POPs) and the KAUST Workshop for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). Speakers include professors from Imperial College, McGill University, Sorbonne University, and the University of Augsburg, as well as representatives from KAUST and AEON Strategy. The event will focus on porous materials and highlight women's accomplishments in science and engineering. Why it matters: Promoting gender diversity and showcasing scientific advancements at KAUST can help strengthen Saudi Arabia's research ecosystem and inspire future generations of scientists.
KAUST professor Niveen Khashab was named the first Great Arab Mind in natural sciences. The Great Arab Minds award was conceived by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum to recognize Arabs for achievements in science, architecture, engineering, economics, literature, and medicine. Khashab, an organic chemist, was selected for contributions to nanomaterials development, synthesis, and application in medicine, industry, and agriculture. Why it matters: The award highlights KAUST's role in fostering scientific talent and contributing to advancements in nanotechnology and related fields within the Arab world.
KAUST researchers developed a tandem solar cell with 32.5% conversion efficiency by optimizing the silicon-perovskite connection. Another team combined spectroscopy and reactor technologies to reveal details on catalyst function and reaction mechanisms. A KAUST team also developed a mathematical framework improving data rates by 30% and optimizing terrestrial network speeds. Why it matters: These advances highlight KAUST's contributions to sustainable energy, industrial processes, and network optimization, addressing key challenges in the region and globally.
KAUST faculty members Husam Alshareef, Mario Lanza, and Atif Shamim have been named IEEE Fellows for 2024. They were recognized for work on nanoscale materials for devices, antenna-on-chip tech, and nanoelectronics metrology, respectively. These three are the only inductees from Saudi Arabia and among five from Arab nations. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence as a hub for advanced research and innovation in the Middle East.
KAUST researchers demonstrated a new flash memory device design using gallium oxide, which can withstand harsh environments. In collaboration with the University of Michigan, KAUST researchers explained a key molecular event for the activation of an enzyme associated with cancer. The Summer 2023 issue of KAUST Discovery is now available. Why it matters: These research achievements highlight KAUST's contributions to advanced materials science and biomedical research, with potential applications in space technology and cancer treatment.
KAUST researchers, led by Mohamed Eddaoudi, developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) capable of selectively adsorbing water, challenging the conventional view of MOF instability in water. They also advanced MOF understanding by adapting high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to observe their atomic structure. KAUST hosted the Innovation to Impact Roundtable, fostering collaboration between academics and industry leaders from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: These activities highlight KAUST's role in materials science innovation and fostering international research collaborations to advance technological development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST researchers developed a water-stable MOF for energy-efficient dehydration, overturning conventional views. They also adapted high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to observe the atomic structure of metal-organic frameworks. KAUST hosted the Innovation to Impact Roundtable, fostering collaboration between academics and industry leaders from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: These activities highlight KAUST's commitment to research breakthroughs, talent development, and fostering international collaborations in science and technology.
KAUST Professor Niveen Khashab has received the 2023 Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize in Supramolecular Chemistry, a prestigious international award. The prize recognizes her original work in supramolecular chemistry and self-assembly of organic molecules, particularly in designing smart nanomaterials. Khashab will receive the award, along with a £2,000 honorarium, at the 2023 International Symposium on Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry in Iceland. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing prominence of materials science research in the GCC region and KAUST's contributions to the field of supramolecular chemistry.
KAUST Professors Hussein Hoteit and Satoshi Habuchi are collaborating to optimize hydrocarbon extraction using polymers. Hoteit's expertise in energy resources and petroleum engineering combines with Habuchi's molecular imaging tools. Their approach, known as polymer flooding, reduces costs and environmental impact by using less water. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary collaboration highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovative solutions for enhanced oil recovery, a critical area for Saudi Arabia's energy sector.
KAUST Professors Osman Bakr and Omar Mohammed have been awarded the Kuwait Prize 2021 in Condensed Matter Physics for their research on perovskite materials. Their work focuses on solar energy applications and high-energy radiation sensors. The prize, awarded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, includes approximately $132,000 in funding. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the importance of materials science research in the GCC and the potential for regional contributions to global sustainable energy and medical technology advancements.
KAUST alumna Dr. Dalal Alezi has been awarded the Ibn Khaldun Fellowship for Saudi Women at MIT to pursue postdoctoral research in energy storage and water capture materials. She completed her Ph.D. at KAUST under Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi, focusing on metal-organic materials for gas separation, storage, catalysis, and drug delivery. Alezi credits KAUST and KAU for supporting her career and shaping her role as a mentor for incoming science students at KAU. Why it matters: The fellowship recognizes and supports talented Saudi women in STEM, promoting advancements in materials science and inspiring future generations of Saudi scientists.
KAUST Professor Husam Alshareef has been elected a Fellow of the Institute of Physics (FInstP), the highest membership level within the IOP. This recognizes his accomplishments in physics and impacts in the sector, stemming from work at KAUST's Functional Nanomaterials & Devices Laboratory. Alshareef's research focuses on developing nanoscale materials for electronics and energy applications, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to advanced materials science and its alignment with Saudi Arabia's goals for localizing industries and expanding renewable energy.
Professor Nikos Hadjichristidis, a distinguished professor of chemical science at KAUST, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Hadjichristidis has been working in polymers for over 50 years and arrived at KAUST in 2011 to build a globally renowned polymer synthesis laboratory. At KAUST, he helped develop a lab capable of combining almost all methods of polymerization to make unique polymers with different structures. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced materials research and its ability to attract and foster world-class scientific talent.
KAUST Professor Yu Han has received the Humboldt Research Award for his work in nanostructured materials and electron microscopy. The award sponsors a research project in Germany in collaboration with experts at a German institution; Han was nominated by Dr. Stefan Kaskel at Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden). Han will visit TU Dresden to explore collaborations in nanoporous materials and electron microscopy, expanding on an existing project imaging flexible metal-organic frameworks. Why it matters: The award recognizes KAUST's contributions to advanced materials research and facilitates international collaboration in a key area for catalysis and separation technologies.
KAUST Vice President for Research Dr. Donal Bradley was inaugurated as a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI) at a ceremony in Florida. Bradley holds 16 granted U.S. patents, including a fundamental patent on conjugated polymer electroluminescence (U.S. 5,247,190) that led to the development of OLED displays. His work led to the founding of Cambridge Display Technology and collaborations with Dow Chemical and Sumitomo Chemical. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's impact on global innovation in materials science and engineering, particularly in the development of advanced display technologies.
Five KAUST professors (Mohamed Eddaoudi, Omar F. Mohammed, Nivine Khashab, Osman Bakr, and Yu Han) have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of Chemistry for their work in materials science. Eddaoudi's work focuses on developing functional porous materials like KAUST-7 for carbon capture, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Mohammed's group studies charge carrier dynamics at material surfaces. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing influence in advanced materials research and its contributions to addressing global challenges such as carbon capture and energy efficiency.
KAUST and Bruker have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding and expanded it into a Strategic Partnership and Collaboration Agreement. The initial MoU launched the KAUST-Bruker Center of Excellence (CoE) for Magnetic Resonance (MR) located in the University's Core Laboratories in 2018. The expanded agreement extends the CoE to include X-ray technologies, enhancing technological interaction between the two organizations. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens KAUST's research capabilities and positions it as a leader in scientific innovation in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
KAUST researchers Yichen Cai and Jie Shen, led by Dr. Vincent Tung, are developing electronic skin (e-skin) using 2D materials like MXenes. Their research, published in Science Advances, focuses on mimicking human skin functions like sensing and adapting to stimuli. The team leverages the unique properties of 2D materials to create flexible and efficient electronic systems for next-generation electronics. Why it matters: This work advances materials science in the region, potentially enabling breakthroughs in flexible electronics, healthcare monitoring, and robotics.
KAUST's Vice President for Research, Donal Bradley, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Bradley is recognized as a pioneer of soluble semiconductors and co-inventor of conjugated polymer electroluminescence. He co-founded multiple companies including Cambridge Display Technology Ltd. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's continued contributions to impactful research and innovation in advanced materials and engineering.
An article from KAUST discusses the impact of COVID-19 on automation, material science, and VR. It suggests increased automation, voice activation, and motion detection to reduce transmission in public spaces. KAUST faculty member Derya Baran is working on antimicrobial materials for high-touch locations, and KAUST is exploring VR for virtual labs. Why it matters: The pandemic is accelerating the adoption of AI-driven solutions and advanced materials research within Saudi Arabia to address public health challenges.
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.
Professor Iain McCulloch from KAUST has won the Royal Society of Chemistry's Interdisciplinary Prize. McCulloch was recognized for his work in designing and applying functional materials in optics, electronics, and energy. His research focuses on creating new organic materials for flexible solar cells and other applications. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's increasing role as a hub for innovative materials science research with global impact.
Scimagine is a KAUST-based startup that provides a cloud-based platform for managing and storing experimental data for material scientists. The platform allows researchers to store, manage, and share their data, as well as create scientific visuals. It addresses the problem of experimental data being hidden in PDF files and not easily searchable. Why it matters: This platform improves data accessibility and collaboration in materials science research, potentially accelerating discovery and innovation in the field.
KAUST Professor Ingo Pinnau has been named a 2020 Fellow of the North American Membrane Society (NAMS). Pinnau's research focuses on high-performance membranes for energy-intensive gas and liquid separations. He has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers and holds 46 granted U.S. patents. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty in this area highlights the university's contribution to advanced materials research, which is crucial for energy and sustainability initiatives in Saudi Arabia and globally.
Gilles Lubineau, KAUST's Discovery Associate Dean for Faculty in PSE and PI in the COHMAS lab, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. Lubineau's nomination recognizes his contributions to material engineering, specifically developing approaches for predicting and improving the integrity of materials and structures. He hopes this nomination will build bridges between European and Saudi academic communities. Why it matters: This recognition of a KAUST faculty member elevates the university's international standing and fosters potential collaborations in engineering and materials science.
KAUST Professor Nikos Hadjichristidis has been awarded the H.F. Mark Medal from the Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology. The award recognizes outstanding individuals in polymer science. Hadjichristidis is known for his work in synthesizing model polymers with various macromolecular architectures. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced materials science and its ability to attract and retain world-leading researchers.
Iain McCulloch, director of the KAUST Solar Center, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. McCulloch's research focuses on high-performance organic semiconductor materials for applications such as transparent solar cells and sensors. The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is the UK's national science academy and a fellowship of eminent scientists. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to advanced materials research and its role in fostering scientific talent in the region.
KAUST Professor Iain McCulloch has received the 2020 Blaise Pascal Medal for Materials Science from the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc). McCulloch directs KAUST's Solar Center and also holds a professorship at Imperial College London. His research focuses on semiconducting small molecules and polymers for organic electronic devices, leading to advancements in organic solar cells. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to materials science and its focus on advancing solar energy technologies in the region.
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 engineer Samy Ould-Chikh is collaborating with the Néel Institute-CNRS at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France. They are using the ESRF's high-energy synchrotron light source to study the inner structure of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. Ould-Chikh's research focuses on catalysis and functional materials, with an emphasis on renewable energy and photocatalysis. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights KAUST's engagement with leading international research institutions to advance materials science and energy research.
KAUST's Vice President for Research, Donal Bradley, received the 2019 Jan Czochralski Award from the European Materials Research Society for his work in advanced materials science. He was presented with the award at a ceremony in Warsaw, Poland, and gave a lecture titled "Tuning Conjugated Polymer Electronic and Optical Properties via Physical Structure and Environment." Bradley is the 16th recipient of the award, joining a list including Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's leadership in materials science and its commitment to attracting top researchers in this critical field.
Maryam Alsufyani, a KAUST Ph.D. student in the Solar Center under Professor Iain McCulloch, focuses her research on designing and preparing semiconductor organic polymers for solar cells and organic electrical devices. She received her master's degree in chemical science from KAUST in 2018 and her bachelor's in chemistry from Taibah University in Madinah in 2016. Alsufyani aims to complete post-doctoral research after her Ph.D. to educate and support future generations. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering Saudi talent in renewable energy research, a key area for the Kingdom's future economic diversification.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Kazuhiro Ohkawa has been elected as a Fellow of the Japan Society of Applied Physics (JSAP). JSAP recognized Ohkawa for his contributions to the development of wide bandgap semiconductor epitaxial growth and optical devices. Ohkawa's research at KAUST focuses on energy-conversion phenomena for sustainability, including doping technologies, MOCVD for nitride semiconductors, and nitride photocatalysts. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty in international societies raises the university's profile and highlights its contributions to applied physics and sustainable energy research.
KAUST Ph.D. student Reem Alghamdi is working at the KAUST Catalysis Center to improve the quality of industrially used polyethylene. Her research focuses on synthesizing a nanocomposite of polyethylene and nanomaterials to reinforce industrially made polymers, improving their mechanical characteristics. The resulting hybrid organic-inorganic product minimizes manufacturing defects, enhancing hardness. Why it matters: This research has the potential to significantly improve the durability and performance of polymer products across various sectors, from automotive to construction, impacting numerous industries in the region and beyond.
KAUST alumnus Ramy M. Qaisi (Ph.D. '16) has been appointed as the vice dean for scientific research and sustainable development at the University of Jeddah. Qaisi's Ph.D. research at KAUST focused on graphene as an exploratory material under Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain. Since joining the University of Jeddah in 2017, he has also co-founded the Department of Science and Technology there. Why it matters: This appointment highlights KAUST's role in developing research leadership within Saudi Arabia's expanding higher education system.
KAUST's Imaging and Characterization Core Lab (IAC) co-hosted a materials science optical microscopy workshop with Leica Microsystems. The workshop included hands-on training led by IAC staff scientist Ebtihaj Bukhari and Leica specialist Philippe Vignal. Researchers from KAUST, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), and Obeikan participated in the event. Why it matters: Such workshops contribute to developing local expertise in advanced materials science techniques, crucial for Saudi Arabia's industrial and research sectors.
KAUST Ph.D. student Amira Alazmi won the Nanoscale poster prize at the Royal Society of Chemistry Symposium 2018 in London for her work on cobalt ferrite/reduced graphene oxide composites as a T2 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. Her research focuses on understanding the synthesis of graphite oxide and reduced graphene oxide. Alazmi's work demonstrates the importance of selecting graphene oxide synthesis methods based on the intended application. Why it matters: This award recognizes the high-impact research being conducted at KAUST and highlights the importance of materials science in advancing medical imaging technologies.