KAUST Professor Peter Markowich has been elected a Foreign Member of Italy’s Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, a scientific institution founded in 1603. Markowich is recognized for his contributions to applied mathematics and computational sciences, with applications spanning physics, AI, biology, and engineering. He has been a distinguished professor at KAUST since 2011 and has over 200 publications. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's role in fostering impactful research and elevating Saudi Arabia's position in the global scientific community.
KAUST researchers have developed a new mathematical approach using stochastic geometry to mitigate 5G interference with aircraft radio altimeters. The solution defines ideal exclusion zone shapes around runways to protect aircraft while maximizing 5G performance. Triangular exclusion zones preserve altimeter signals while minimizing the area of lost 5G performance. Why it matters: This research provides a data-driven framework for regulators to balance 5G deployment with aviation safety, addressing a growing concern.
KAUST Professor Peter Markowich has been named a 2022 Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS). He is recognized for contributions to partial differential equations, particularly the mathematical and numerical analysis of dispersive equations. Markowich applies differential mathematics to disciplines such as physics, AI, biology and engineering, including research on leaf venation patterns. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's strength in applied mathematics and its faculty's contributions to both theoretical and interdisciplinary research.
KAUST President Tony F. Chan has been awarded the 2020 SIAM Prize for Distinguished Service to the Profession. The award recognizes Chan's contributions to applied and computational mathematics, imaging science, and scientific computing. Chan has served on advisory boards for KAIST, SUSTech, and the University of Vienna, and is a member of the NEOM Higher Council. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's leadership and influence in advancing mathematical sciences and its applications on a global stage.
KAUST Professor of Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Dr. Peter Markowich, has been named a 2020 Fellow to the European Academy of Sciences. This recognizes his work in the mathematical and numerical analysis of partial differential equations. Markowich joined KAUST in 2011 and has contributed to over 270 projects worldwide. Why it matters: This honor brings recognition to KAUST's faculty and highlights the university's contribution to advanced mathematical research with applications across science and engineering.
KAUST Ph.D. student Chiheb Ben Hammouda won the best poster award at the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Conference on Financial Mathematics & Engineering (FM19) for his work on option pricing under the rough Bergomi model. The winning poster, titled "Hierarchical adaptive sparse grids and quasi-Monte Carlo for option pricing under the rough Bergomi model," details research carried out under the supervision of KAUST Professor Raul Tempone. The research group designed new efficient numerical methods for pricing derivatives under the rough Bergomi model by combining smoothing techniques. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing expertise in financial mathematics and its contribution to solving complex problems in the field using advanced numerical methods.
KAUST Ph.D. students David Evangelista and Xianjin Yang won best paper awards at international conferences this summer for their work in mean-field game theory. Evangelista's paper focused on solutions for stationary mean-field games with congestion, while Yang's paper developed numerical methods for homogenization problems. The awards were presented at the 18th International Symposium on Dynamic Games and Applications in France and the 12th American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Conference in Taiwan. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's strength in applied mathematics and computational science, specifically in the emerging field of mean-field games with applications across various domains.
KAUST Professor Raul Tempone, an expert in Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), has been appointed as an Alexander von Humboldt Professor at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. This professorship will enable him to further his research on mathematics for uncertainty quantification with new collaborators. Tempone believes the KAUST Strategic Initiative for Uncertainty Quantification (SRI-UQ) contributed to this award. Why it matters: This appointment enhances KAUST's visibility and facilitates cross-fertilization between European and KAUST research groups, benefiting both institutions and attracting talent.
KAUST Professor Raul Tempone received the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship at RWTH Aachen in Germany. The award recognizes Tempone's international leadership in mathematics for uncertainty quantification. The professorship includes up to 5 million euros in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's strength in applied mathematics and its relevance to simulation-based decision-making with potential benefits for Saudi Arabia and the world.
KAUST and Technische Universität München (TUM) have been collaborating on research since 2009, focusing on chemistry, computer science, and mathematics. TUM President Prof. Herrmann visited KAUST on March 25, discussing the KAUST-TUM collaboration in high-performance computing and catalytic chemistry. He emphasized the need for an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary approach to solve complex scientific problems, highlighting trust and complementary expertise as key to the partnership's success. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens research capabilities in Saudi Arabia, promoting innovation and addressing complex challenges through international collaboration in key areas like computing and chemistry.
Prof. Daniel Panario gave a seminar on irreducible polynomials over finite fields and their applications in cryptography. The seminar covered how finite fields are used as basic components in many cryptographic applications. It surveyed families of irreducible polynomials and commented on their properties. Why it matters: The talk highlights the mathematical foundations and ongoing research relevant to cryptographic implementations in the region.
KAUST President Tony Chan received an honorary degree from the University of Waterloo in recognition of his contributions to society. Chan has strong ties to the University through the HKUST-UW research program which funded collaborative research projects. Chan is a globally recognized mathematician and leader in computational models for image processing. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST's leadership on the global stage helps promote its research and educational initiatives in the region.