Two graduates from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Banan Alhazmi and Rawan Alghamdi, have been awarded the prestigious MIT–KACST Ibn Khaldun Fellowship for Saudi Arabian Women. The fellowship will support their postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with Alghamdi focusing on next-generation wireless communications and Alhazmi on membrane science. Alghamdi previously taught fundamentals of AI and deep learning as an instructor in the KAUST Academy AI specialization program. Why it matters: This highlights growing opportunities and international recognition for Saudi women in STEM fields, reinforcing KAUST's role in developing research talent and fostering international collaborations.
KAUST has announced the latest recipients of the Ibn Rushd Fellowship Program, which supports early-career Saudi scientists for up to three years of postdoctoral research at international institutions. Fellows Abdullah Alghamdi and Abdulrahman M. Alfaraidi will conduct research at UC San Diego and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, respectively. Their research aligns with Saudi Arabia’s health, wellness, and energy priorities while maintaining ties with KAUST. Why it matters: This fellowship program helps develop talent in priority fields and elevates the profile of Saudi academia, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030.
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 welcomed 12 Saudi academics for orientation as part of the Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The program funds Saudi doctoral graduates to pursue postdoctoral research at top international universities like MIT and University of Toronto. Fellows receive mentorship and access to KAUST facilities and programs. Why it matters: This program aims to develop Saudi talent and increase the number of Saudi scholars at KAUST, contributing to the Kingdom's future leadership in research and innovation.
KAUST has announced the 2025 cohort of Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellows, a program designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia's research ecosystem. The fellows, including Abdullah Hassan Bukhamsin and Akram Alwithenani, will pursue postdoctoral work at institutions like Caltech and Harvard. Bukhamsin's research focuses on minimally invasive sensors for environmental and agricultural applications, while Alwithenani specializes in cancer gene and immunotherapy. Why it matters: This program is crucial for developing Saudi research talent and aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals in science and technology.