KAUST research scientist Viko Ladelta received the best poster award at the 16th Pacific Polymer Conference (PPC-16) in Singapore for his work on multicrystalline multiblock polymers. The award-winning research, co-authored with Nikos Hadjichristidis, details a one-pot synthetic strategy using organocatalysts. PPC-16 brought together over 1,000 polymer scientists from 16 countries to discuss polymer research. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to advanced polymer science, highlighting the university's role in international research and innovation in materials science.
Abu Dhabi's ISNR 2026 exhibition has announced the launch of five major events and two new platforms, aiming to enhance the scope of national security and resilience discussions. These new additions will expand the event's focus on various security domains, likely including technological advancements. The expansion positions the upcoming exhibition to attract a broader range of participants and showcases at ADNEC. Why it matters: This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's strategic commitment to advancing security technology and fostering international collaboration within the security sector, solidifying the UAE's role as a key hub for such developments.
KAUST faculty, students, and staff participated in SC16, the international conference for high performance computing. Daniel Acevedo-Feliz, director of the Visualization Core Lab, engaged with visitors at the KAUST booth. David Keyes, director of the KAUST Extreme Computing Research Center, received the Top500 certificate for the fastest supercomputer in the Middle East. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ongoing contributions and recognition in the field of high-performance computing within the Middle East.
The Propulsion and Space Research Center (PSRC) has appointed three new advisors: Prof. Dr. Roberto Sabatini, Dr. Mohamed Al Ahbabi, and Prof. Dr. Pericles Pilidis. These experts bring experience in aerospace, defense, space exploration, and gas turbine performance. The appointments aim to strengthen PSRC's research capabilities and contribute to the UAE's space exploration goals. Why it matters: The addition of experienced advisors signals the UAE's continued investment in building local expertise in advanced aerospace technologies and space exploration.
KAUST's Supercomputing Core Lab (KSL) aims to advance science and technology through HPC solutions. The article highlights the lab's mission to inspire scientific, economic, and social progress. It mentions KAUST Ph.D. students and computational scientists at the SC16 supercomputing conference. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's commitment to high-performance computing and its role in driving innovation in the region.
Dr. Abdelrahman AlMahmoud from TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) will participate in a WGISTA webinar on adopting a digital mindset in auditing and fighting corruption. The webinar, organized by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), will discuss the impact of emerging technologies on public sector auditing. Dr. AlMahmoud will share insights on how AI and Big Data can enable auditors to process data at a new scale. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's growing role in applying advanced technologies like AI and big data to improve governance and accountability in the public sector.