Matthew McCabe, director of the KAUST Climate and Livability Initiative (CLI), and his team have been awarded the 2022 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water in the Water Management and Protection category. The award recognizes their innovative use of satellites for water accounting and management, harmonizing data from CubeSat satellite platforms. They produced the highest resolution estimates of water usage ever retrieved from space, using data from Planet's constellation of small satellites. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing role of remote sensing technologies and KAUST's leadership in addressing critical climate and sustainability issues in water resource management within Saudi Arabia and globally.
Matthew McCabe, a leader in Earth observation and water security, has been appointed as the new dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division. McCabe aims to deepen stakeholder collaborations, strengthen cross-disciplinary exchange, and accelerate the application of research into real-world solutions. He will also prioritize attracting and training young Saudi talent to lead in science and research. Why it matters: The appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on addressing critical regional challenges in water, food security, and climate change through scientific innovation and talent development.
Professor Pascal Saikaly of KAUST has been named the 2024 International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES). Saikaly was selected for his contributions to the advancement of environmental protection, specifically his work in developing sustainable biotechnologies for wastewater reclamation and reuse. He developed a patented technology for a decentralized wastewater recycling plant demonstrated at full scale in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This award recognizes important work in sustainable wastewater treatment, an area of critical importance for water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Professor Peng Wang has been awarded the 2020 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). Wang's research focuses on using solar energy for fresh-water generation, industrial brine treatment, atmospheric water harvesting, and solar PV cooling. His recent work involves a hydrogel cooling panel for solar cells to improve efficiency in hot climates. Why it matters: This award recognizes impactful research addressing water scarcity and energy challenges in arid regions like Saudi Arabia through innovative solar-driven technologies.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) is expanding its partnership with the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). The collaboration aims to advance water desalination technologies in line with national priorities. The partnership will also focus on training the next generation of experts in the Kingdom. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens Saudi Arabia's focus on sustainable water solutions through research and development.
QualSens, a KAUST startup, is developing a smart sensor for monitoring and enhancing process control in water desalination systems. The sensor uses fluorescent enzymatic sensing to detect bacterial activity and fouling at an early stage. The system alerts operators to start cleaning the system based on the sensor feedbacks, helping to decrease energy demand for drinking water production. Why it matters: This technology could significantly improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of desalination, a critical process for water security in the Middle East.
KAUST alumnus Babar Khan was named one of MIT Technology Review Arabia's 'Innovators Under 35' for the MENA region in 2019. Khan was recognized for creating an inexpensive sensor technology that detects early bacterial accumulation in water desalination plants. He received the award at the Emerging Technology (EmTech) MENA conference 2019 in Dubai. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing innovation ecosystem in the MENA region and the role of universities like KAUST in fostering technological development.
KAUST Professor Kim Choon Ng and his team, including Drs. Muhammad Shahzad, Muhammad Burhan, and Doskhan Ybyraiymkul, received a best paper award at the International Desalination Association World Congress in Dubai. Their winning paper focused on solar-powered cyclone-enhanced seawater desalination. The innovation improves energy efficiency, achieving 22% of the thermodynamic limit compared to less than 13% in conventional methods. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to sustainable water solutions and innovations in desalination technology, crucial for water-scarce regions.
KAUST research scientist Muhammad Wakil Shahzad won the 'best presenter' award at the 2019 Global Summit and Expo on Power & Energy Engineering in Dubai. His presentation focused on the energy efficiency of seawater desalination processes. Shahzad's research at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center aims to improve desalination methods and develop water reclamation strategies. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to innovative desalination technologies, which are crucial for addressing water scarcity in the Gulf region and drought-stricken areas globally.
Peiying Hong, an associate professor of environmental science and engineering at KAUST, has won the 2019 James J. Morgan Environmental Science & Technology Early Career Award. The award recognizes her contributions to environmental science, particularly her research on wastewater and its potential for addressing global water scarcity. Hong will receive the award at the 257th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition in Orlando, Florida. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to environmental research and its focus on addressing critical global challenges related to water scarcity and sustainability.
KAUST Ph.D. student Nasir Alfaraj represented KAUST and Saudi Arabia at the 2018 Chicago Forum on Global Cities. The forum, hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and The Financial Times, focused on solving global challenges. Alfaraj attended panels on water, food, and energy security, relevant to his research on UV light-emitting devices for water sterilization. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's role in international dialogues on sustainability and showcases Saudi contributions to addressing global challenges.
KAUST researchers are developing new solar desalination methods to increase efficiency and minimize heat losses, building on techniques dating back to Arab alchemists. KAUST Associate Professor Peng Wang and his team at the Water Desalination and Reuse Center are developing an innovative system that more efficiently vaporizes water using interfacial heating. The design uses a photothermal material to capture the entire spectrum of sunlight and convert it into heat with nearly 100% efficiency. Why it matters: This research could provide more sustainable and efficient methods for producing fresh water in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST Assistant Professor Peiying Hong is researching methods to improve the safety of treated wastewater for reuse, motivated by increasing global water scarcity. Hong's work builds on Singapore's success in achieving water self-sufficiency through desalination and wastewater treatment. She aims to apply similar solutions to address water scarcity in countries like Saudi Arabia, where freshwater is limited. Why it matters: This research addresses critical water security challenges in water-stressed regions like Saudi Arabia and promotes sustainable water management practices.
A KAUST and King Abdulaziz University research team is using superhydrophobic sand to grow crops like tomatoes with less water. Superhydrophobic sand reduces water consumption in agriculture, the world's largest consumer of freshwater. The sand was developed by KAUST's Himanshu Mishra and Ph.D. student Adair Gallo Junior. Why it matters: This research offers a promising solution for water conservation in agriculture, especially in arid regions like the Arabian Peninsula, addressing critical water security challenges.
KAUST student Adair Gallo Junior won best poster at the Water Arabia Conference. The poster presented a patent-pending technique developed in Prof. Mishra’s Group. The technique reduces water evaporation from soils. Why it matters: This award recognizes innovative research at KAUST focused on addressing critical water resource challenges in arid regions.
The University of Sydney and KAUST jointly hosted a symposium on April 10 focused on enhancing research collaborations in materials, energy, and water. The symposium featured presentations from faculty at both universities, including Prof. Karl Leo and Prof. Archie Johnston. A poster session highlighted the work of over 30 students and researchers, with Dr. Osama Shekhah winning for his work on MOF thin films. Why it matters: Such collaborations between Saudi and international universities help to foster knowledge exchange and address global challenges in key areas like materials science and sustainable energy.
Bill Gates visited KAUST on June 24, 2014, to explore collaborative opportunities focused on reducing hunger, malnutrition, and water scarcity. He participated in a roundtable discussion on agriculture research in arid conditions and visited KAUST laboratories to observe innovative water-efficient food production systems. Gates expressed optimism that KAUST's research would benefit the world's poorest populations. Why it matters: This visit highlights the potential for partnerships between philanthropic organizations and research institutions in the GCC region to address global challenges in food and water security.
Dow Chemical Company signed an agreement with KAUST to expand its facilities at the KAUST Research & Technology Park by constructing a new 13,500 sqm Dow Middle East Research and Development (R&D) Center. Construction, led by KAUST and designed to meet LEED silver certification, was set to begin by the end of 2015 and accommodate up to 75 Dow R&D employees. The facility will house advanced labs for water treatment research and expand capabilities in oil and gas, construction, and coatings. Why it matters: This expansion underscores the commitment to regional innovation and developing science-based solutions for challenges related to water, energy, and infrastructure in the Middle East.
Professor Gary Amy will become KAUST's first Emeritus Professor on July 1, 2014, after serving as a founding faculty member and director of the Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC). Professor TorOve Leiknes has been named Interim Director of the WDRC, effective June 15, 2014, bringing expertise in membrane technology and wastewater treatment. Leiknes's international network will support the WDRC's global presence in water research. Why it matters: This transition highlights KAUST's ongoing commitment to water research and leadership in sustainable technologies.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau gave a keynote at the 2015 Saudi Water and Power Forum in Riyadh. The forum focused on sustainable development through innovation in the water and power sectors. Chameau highlighted KAUST's integrated research approach focusing on water, energy, food, and the environment. Why it matters: This participation underscores KAUST's commitment to addressing critical resource challenges in Saudi Arabia through research, talent development, and global collaboration.