KAUST ·
The KAUST community held the opening night of its 2016 Enrichment in the Fall program. The event's theme was "Food for All." Photos from the event were taken by Meres Weche. Why it matters: This community event highlights KAUST's engagement with broader social themes, though the AI relevance is low.
KAUST ·
KAUST Professor Takashi Gojobori has been elected as a Fellow of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). ISCB is a scholarly society for computational biology and bioinformatics. Gojobori's research interests include comparative genomics and gene expression of neural cells, as well as the marine metagenomics of microorganisms. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to computational biology and bioinformatics and strengthens its position as a research hub in the region.
KAUST ·
KAUST and Dow Chemical Company organized a STEAM innovation challenge for over 150 university students from the Jeddah area. The event took place on the KAUST campus from January 19-21. Participants engaged in activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Why it matters: Such initiatives promote local talent and innovation in STEM fields, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
KAUST ·
KAUST and FEI (likely referring to FEI Company, now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific) have established a new Center of Excellence. The center will be located at the KAUST Research & Technology Park on the KAUST campus. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's research capabilities and fosters innovation in science and technology within Saudi Arabia.
KAUST ·
In a 2018 KAUST lecture, MIT professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi discussed the case of Ordos Kangbashi, a Chinese city designed for a million residents that became a near-ghost town. Despite government incentives, the city struggled due to an economic downturn and lack of social and economic balance. Youcef-Toumi emphasized the importance of the public realm and a balance between social and economic development for successful cities. Why it matters: The analysis provides insights relevant to urban planning in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region, where new cities and megaprojects are being developed.