KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2026, themed "Adaptation: Reshaping for a Fluctuating Future," convened students and researchers to explore adaptation through science and community. Speakers emphasized KAUST's role in preparing Saudi Arabia for change and the importance of aligning research with national goals. The program highlighted the Nabataean Traverse Expedition, a multidisciplinary scientific expedition from Petra to AlUla, involving KAUST's Professor Alexandre Rosado. Why it matters: The WEP program underscores KAUST's commitment to fostering innovation and preparing future leaders to address complex challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the world.
The G20 CORDAP and the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on coral restoration education. The partnership aims to build capacity and enhance educational initiatives for coral restoration. Initial cooperation areas include education program development, learning program implementation, and knowledge sharing. Why it matters: This partnership leverages regional expertise to address a critical environmental issue, advancing coral restoration efforts through education and capacity building.
Professor Arnab Pain's group at KAUST discovered new insights on how a malaria protein enables parasites to spread malaria in human cells. Professor Haavard Rue's group upgraded the Integrated and Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) for faster real-time modeling of large datasets. A KAUST-led study examined the stability of Y-series nonfullerene acceptors for organic solar cells. Why it matters: KAUST continues producing impactful research across diverse fields from medicine to climate change, advancing scientific knowledge and potential applications.
KAUST and the Ministry of Innovational Development of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to collaborate on science, technology, and innovation. The agreement aims to leverage scientific strengths between the two entities through information sharing, personnel exchange, project support, and internship assistance. A Joint Working Group will coordinate the activities. Why it matters: This partnership expands KAUST's reach into Central Asia, potentially fostering joint research and development in areas like AI and sustainability.
KAUST faculty members Carlos Duarte, Matthew F. McCabe, Mark Tester, Mohamed-Slim Alouini, and Håvard Rue have been named to the 2023 Highly Cited Researchers list. Their research spans biological oceanography, remote sensing, plant science, wireless communications, and Bayesian statistics. Mark Tester has been cited over 40,000 times, while Mohamed-Slim Alouini focuses on developing aerial and space networks for remote areas. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing impact and contribution to global research in diverse fields, reinforcing its position as a leading research institution in the region.
Clarivate Web of Science Group recognized fifteen KAUST faculty members and one postdoctoral researcher among the 2020 Highly Cited Researchers. These individuals rank in the top 1% of research cited worldwide across diverse fields. They are leaders in health, environment, communications, and food security. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's commitment to pioneering research and its growing influence in addressing globally relevant challenges.
KAUST was ranked 119th among 500 global academic institutions in the Nature Index 2020, securing the top position in Saudi Arabia with 84% of the Kingdom's fractional count share. The university also achieved notable rankings in specific disciplines, including 69th in physical sciences, 87th in chemistry, and 89th in earth and environmental sciences. KAUST's Nature Index FC output surpasses that of 17 countries, including the UAE. Why it matters: This ranking highlights KAUST's strong research output and its increasing contribution to global scientific advancements, strengthening the Kingdom's position in research and innovation.
KAUST Professors Aamir Farooq and Mani Sarathy received the inaugural Research Excellence Award from The Combustion Institute (CI). The CI, established in 1954, promotes combustion science and technology research worldwide. The award recognizes CI members with impactful research papers in combustion science. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to combustion research and strengthens its position as a leading institution in this field.
KAUST announced that 14 of its faculty members were named Highly Cited Researchers in the 2019 list from the Web of Science Group. These researchers produced multiple papers ranking in the top 1% by citations for their field and year, demonstrating significant research influence. The list identifies influential researchers based on data and analysis by bibliometric experts from the Institute for Scientific Information at the Web of Science Group. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing influence and impact in scientific research, placing it among the top universities worldwide for highly cited faculty relative to its size.
KAUST was ranked first in Saudi Arabia and in the global top twenty in the Nature Index Annual Tables' new normalized ranking. The ranking considers the number of high-quality articles published as a proportion of an institute's overall output in the natural sciences. This normalized ranking allows institutions of different sizes to be compared on the same basis. Why it matters: This ranking highlights KAUST's growing impact on global scientific research and its commitment to producing high-quality publications.
KAUST Associate Professor Niveen M. Khashab has been named chair of the KAUST 2020 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP), with Professor Khaled Nabil Salama as co-chair. WEP 2020, running from January 12-23, will focus on personalized medicine. The program has featured 1,717 enrichment events since 2010, drawing over 111,000 attendees. Why it matters: The KAUST Winter Enrichment Program is an important annual event bringing together science, innovation, art, and culture to address future-oriented topics like personalized medicine.
Professor Jean M.J. Fréchet, former VP at KAUST, received the 2019 King Faisal Prize in Science for his contributions to chemical science. His work includes the convergent synthesis of dendrimers, chemically amplified photoresists, and organic photovoltaics. Fréchet expressed his confidence that KAUST will contribute to scientific excellence and economic development in the Kingdom. Why it matters: The award highlights KAUST's role in fostering scientific innovation and recognizes contributions with global impact from researchers based in the Kingdom.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) is scheduled from January 13-24, featuring the theme of "TIME." The festival includes 12 keynote lectures from international experts, including a Nobel laureate, and explores topics like biological clocks, sleep, aging, and the universe. The program also offers workshops, exhibitions, and virtual reality experiences. Why it matters: Such science festivals can boost STEM engagement and knowledge dissemination within Saudi Arabia and internationally, aligning with KAUST's mission to promote scientific advancement.
KAUST Professor Carlos M. Duarte was awarded the 2016 Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky Medal by the European Geosciences Union (EGU). The medal recognizes Duarte's outstanding contributions to biogeosciences as the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology. Duarte's research focuses on the impacts of global change in marine ecosystems. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contribution to global research in marine science and environmental sustainability, enhancing its reputation as a leading institution in these fields.
Three KAUST students, Mohammed Zidan, Joanna Nasser, and Stephanie Saade, were selected to attend the 65th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany. The meeting will host 65 Nobel Laureates and 650 young researchers in physiology, medicine, physics, and chemistry. The students look forward to the transfer of knowledge and networking opportunities with leading scientists. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering young scientific talent and providing opportunities for them to engage with the global scientific community.
KAUST researchers collaborated on a study in Iceland that found a correlation between changes in groundwater composition and earthquakes greater than magnitude 5. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, observed variations in dissolved element concentrations and stable isotopes prior to seismic events in 2012 and 2013. Earthquake prediction remains a challenge with differing views among scientists about its feasibility. Why it matters: Understanding earthquake precursors could lead to improved risk mitigation strategies for urban infrastructure in seismically active regions across the Middle East.
In 2013, KAUST faculty members Jean Frechet and Yves Gnanou received international awards recognizing their scientific contributions. Nina Fedoroff was also awarded the 2013 Nevada Medal for achievements in science and engineering. KAUST research was featured in high-impact journals across diverse fields, and a KAUST Seed Fund winner launched an iPad housing device for underwater use that was featured by Apple. Why it matters: These achievements highlight KAUST's growing reputation as a hub for scientific research and innovation in the region and globally.
KAUST held its Research Open Week (KROW) showcasing science and engineering research with a focus on sustainability. The event included presentations, demonstrations, and discussions. VP of Research Donal Bradley highlighted the importance of KROW for the KAUST community and partners in the Kingdom, emphasizing collaborations across various focus areas. Why it matters: Such events foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, contributing to the advancement of research and development in Saudi Arabia's key sectors.
Five young researchers from KAUST participated in the virtual 70th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, which focused on interdisciplinarity. The KAUST participants included Ph.D. students, postdocs, and faculty member Nazek El-Atab. El-Atab's research focuses on smart memory and electronic devices, with applications in computing and sensing. Why it matters: KAUST's representation at this prestigious event highlights the university's commitment to fostering scientific collaboration and innovation among its researchers.
American artist Rachel Sussman spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about her project documenting the world's oldest living organisms. Sussman photographed 30 species alive for over 2,000 years, including trees, coral, and bacteria. She collaborated with 30 scientists to identify and document these organisms. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's interdisciplinary approach to knowledge, connecting art, science, and philosophy to explore concepts of time and longevity.
Science writer Dava Sobel spoke at KAUST in 2019 about the importance of longitude and precision timekeeping for navigation. She discussed the historical difficulties in determining longitude, contrasting it with the ease of finding latitude. Sobel highlighted the Longitude Act of 1714 and figures like John Harrison who addressed these challenges. Why it matters: This lecture exposed the KAUST community to the historical context of navigation and the crucial role of timekeeping, relevant to contemporary technologies like GPS.
KAUST Ph.D. student Matt Tietbohl attended the 11th International Conference on the Applications of Stable Isotope Techniques to Ecological Studies (IsoEcol) in Chile. Over 250 scientists from 34 countries participated in talks and workshops focused on stable isotope analysis in ecology. Researchers presented findings on diverse applications, from human nutrition to the origins of bodies at Stonehenge. Why it matters: Although not directly AI-related, KAUST's participation in international scientific conferences highlights its multidisciplinary research environment and global engagement.
Ivan Gromicho, a scientific illustrator at KAUST, creates visual representations of complex research findings for journals like Cell, Nature, and Science. He collaborates with KAUST faculty to transform data into comprehensible illustrations. Outside of work, Gromicho pursues rock climbing, exploring natural rock formations across Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's support for interdisciplinary pursuits and employee well-being, fostering innovation at the intersection of science and art.
Estelle Metayer, a public speaker and professor at McGill University, spoke at KAUST as part of the University’s 2017 Winter Enrichment Program. Her talk focused on the future of technology and science. The event took place in the University's Auditorium on January 18. Why it matters: Such events at KAUST contribute to knowledge dissemination and engagement with global experts on emerging technologies.
Edward C. Stone, former Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratories at Caltech, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program in 2017. He discussed the exploration of Neptune's moon Triton, enabled by the Voyager 2 mission. The article includes images from NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 missions and a photo of King Abdullah. Why it matters: Such events and collaborations enhance KAUST's reputation as a leading science and technology university.
The 2017 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) at KAUST kicked off with an opening night at the University Library on January 7. The event showcased the new WEP Hub, featuring activities like giant board games and previews of the two-week program. The program included lectures, workshops, a science fair, and a poster competition, focusing on creation, engineering, and science. Why it matters: Such programs at KAUST help to foster a vibrant research community and engage students with interdisciplinary topics in science and engineering.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2015 features keynotes by international experts and award winners. Week 2 events include Caltech's Anthony Readhead discussing radio astronomy and Saudi Arabia's potential role, and an exhibition of Tingatinga art from East Africa. Other events cover urban science, polar expeditions, and a multimedia performance called BELLA GAIA. Why it matters: WEP promotes scientific engagement and cultural exchange within KAUST and highlights opportunities for Saudi Arabia in global research fields like radio astronomy.
KAUST's Dean of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, Prof. Pierre Magistretti, advised new students to focus on "big questions" in science. He emphasized curiosity, passion, and balancing self-criticism with confidence as guiding principles. Magistretti encouraged students to question existing paradigms and embrace uncertainty in their research. Why it matters: This guidance from a KAUST leader highlights the institution's focus on fostering innovative and impactful research among its students, which can contribute to advancements in science and technology in the region.
KAUST's 'Faculty in Focus' series highlights professors working on challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the world. The article profiles faculty from various departments, including Electrical and Computer Engineering, Material Science, and Marine Science. Derya Baran is mentioned as an associate professor and chief engineer of KAUST-born startup Red Sea Farms. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's multidisciplinary approach to research and its focus on addressing regional and global challenges.