Professor Peter Goadsby, a neurologist and neuroscientist, has been appointed as Senior Associate to the President and Founding Dean of KAUST's new Division of Biomedical Sciences. He will lead the establishment of the university's fourth academic division, focusing on Biomedical Sciences, and advance the neuroscience department. Goadsby's research identified CGRP as a central driver of migraine, leading to new medicines and earning him the 2021 Brain Prize. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens KAUST's and Saudi Arabia's capacity to translate research into healthcare solutions and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals in health innovation.
KAUST hosted the Nature Conferences: Brain Energy Metabolism in Health and Disease, convening experts to discuss brain energy use and its impact on function and disease. Researchers from KAUST and global institutions shared insights on metabolic interactions among brain cells and the brain's role in whole-body energy regulation. KAUST's President Sir Edward Byrne emphasized brain health as essential for the cognitive economy, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Why it matters: The conference highlights KAUST's growing role in global neuroscience research and its commitment to addressing critical health challenges through international collaboration.
KAUST professor Pierre Magistretti has been elected to the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. His election recognizes his contributions to neuroscience, specifically his work on lactate's role in brain function. Magistretti's research focuses on the lactate shuttle system and how neurons and glial cells cooperate to meet energy demands. Why it matters: This honor highlights KAUST's contribution to international neuroscience and can foster further collaboration in the field.
KAUST's Vice President of Research, Professor Pierre Magistretti, presented the 2023 Nansen Neuroscience Lecture in Oslo. The lecture highlighted his discovery of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle and its role in brain physiology and pathology. His research explains how astrocytes feed neurons lactate as a primary energy source, impacting memory and cognition. Why it matters: The lecture recognizes KAUST's contribution to neuroscience and highlights the importance of understanding brain energy consumption for treating neurological disorders.
KAUST and EPFL Blue Brain Project researchers propose a new theory about a 'secret language' used by cells for internal communication regarding the external world. Using a computational model, they suggest that metabolic pathways can code details about neuromodulators that stimulate energy consumption. The model focuses on astrocytes and their cooperation with neurons in fueling the brain. Why it matters: This suggests a new avenue for understanding information processing in the brain and how cells contribute to the energy efficiency of brains compared to computers.
KAUST researcher Corrado Calì won an award at the Brainstorming Research Assembly for Young Neuroscientists (BraYn) in Italy for his work on glycogen modulation and synapse stabilization. Calì presented research in collaboration with KAUST Professor Andrea Falqui and Dr. Elena Vezzoli from the University of Milan, investigating the lactate shuttle's involvement in synaptic plasticity. Calì and KAUST colleagues are also collaborating with the Blue Brain Project to produce a computer simulation of astrocyte-neuron coupling, using 3D virtual reality to investigate brain cell morphologies at the nanoscale. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to neuroscience research and highlights the university's collaborative efforts in understanding brain plasticity and developing advanced tools for studying brain structures.
KAUST Professor Pierre Magistretti received the 2016 Fondation IPSEN Neuronal Plasticity prize for his work in neuroenergetics. The award recognizes Magistretti's contributions to understanding the relationship between neuronal activity and brain energy consumption. He shares the award with Dr. David Attwell and Dr. Marcus Raichle, and will be honored at FENS in Copenhagen. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contribution to international neuroscience research and strengthens its reputation in biological and environmental science.
KAUST Discovery Professor Pierre Magistretti, Dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, received an honorary membership from the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences (CAPS). CAPS is a part of the China Association for Science and Technology, aiming to advance scientific progress and economic revitalization in China. Magistretti was recognized for his research on brain energy metabolism and the mechanisms regulating energy delivery to active neurons, with implications for functional brain imaging. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing international recognition and its faculty's contributions to fundamental research with potential applications in healthcare and neuroscience.
Olivier Oullier, Visiting Professor at MBZUAI, is working on brain-computer interfaces, founding Inclusive Brains to develop a Neural Foundation Model using neurophysiological and behavioral signals. This model integrates data from brainwaves, eye-tracking, and other modalities to allow machines to build a representation of the world closer to human cognition. Why it matters: Such advancements can transform human-computer interaction, with particular implications for people of determination in the region.
Caltech graduate student Surya Narayanan Hari presented his research on replicating human-like memory in machines at MBZUAI. He discussed how the thalamus, which filters sensory and motor signals in the brain, inspires the development of routed monolithic models in AI. Hari explained that memory retrieval occurs on object, embedding, and circuit levels in the human brain. Why it matters: This talk highlights the potential of neuroscience-inspired AI architectures for improving memory and information processing in AI systems, which could accelerate the development of more efficient and context-aware AI models in the region.
A Caltech researcher presented at MBZUAI on memory representation and retrieval, contrasting AI and neuroscience approaches. Current AI retrieval systems like RAG retrieve via fine-tuning and embedding similarity, while the presenter argued for exploring retrieval via combinatorial object identity or spatial proximity. The research explores circuit-level retrieval via domain fine-tuned LLMs and distributed memory for image retrieval using semantic similarity. Why it matters: The work suggests structured databases and retrieval-focused training can allow smaller models to outperform larger general-purpose models, offering efficiency gains for AI development in the region.
Giulio Tononi, director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness, lectured at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program on the topic of consciousness. He discussed how consciousness is not just about the environment, citing examples such as dreaming and brain activity in vegetative states. Tononi proposed five axioms to better understand consciousness: intrinsic existence, composition, information, integration, and exclusion. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's engagement with fundamental questions in neuroscience and cognitive science, showcasing the university's interdisciplinary approach to research.
Dr. Yves Agid from the ICM Paris Institute of Translational Neuroscience lectured at KAUST's 2018 Winter Enrichment Program about the role of glial cells in brain function and behavior. He highlighted that glial cells, often overlooked in research, are crucial for neural synchronization and overall intelligence. Dysfunction of glial cells can induce pathologies like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Why it matters: The lecture underscored the importance of studying glial cells in addition to neurons for understanding and treating neurodegenerative disorders, which could influence future research directions at KAUST and in the region.
KAUST is hosting "Enrichment in the Spring," a program open to the KAUST community, from March 20-28. The program's theme is the brain and human mind, and will include lectures on neuroscience, language, 3D visualizations of the brain, mind games, and musical performances. The event will also feature community events for all ages and interests. Why it matters: Such programs can foster interdisciplinary collaboration and promote public engagement with science and technology within the KAUST community.