KAUST acquired the Shaheen-Cray XC40 supercomputer in 2015, which is 25 times faster than its predecessor, Shaheen I. The system arrived in Jeddah from Chicago in 123 crates and weighs around 109 metric tons. It consists of approximately 6,100 nodes, with each node containing 32 cores. Why it matters: This infrastructure upgrade significantly enhances KAUST's capacity for data-intensive scientific tasks like simulations and modeling, crucial for advancing research in areas such as climate and renewable energy.
KAUST hosted the Second International Spin-Orbit Torque Workshop, gathering spintronics scientists to discuss advancements in controlling magnetism in nanodevices. The workshop featured talks by pioneers in the field and discussions on new results, including the electrical manipulation of an antiferromagnet and the observation of room-temperature skyrmions. The workshop's format encouraged interactions and identified new research directions. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's role in fostering international collaboration and driving innovation in advanced materials and nanotechnology, crucial for next-generation memory and data storage solutions.
KAUST held its first Enrichment in the Spring (SEP) program from March 20–28, focusing on the human brain and mind, coinciding with Brain Awareness Week. The program featured lectures from neuroscientists like Professor Alim-Louis Benabid, and presentations by KAUST's Ali Awami and Corrado Cali on visualization technology for studying the brain. KAUST researchers are collaborating with the Human Brain Project and Harvard University to develop comprehensive brain models and visualize connectome data. Why it matters: This initiative highlights KAUST's commitment to advancing neuroscience research and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to understand the complexities of the human brain.
Mark Crowell was appointed as the Vice President of Innovation and Economic Development at KAUST, starting July 1, 2015. He will manage KAUST's IP, support new businesses, and foster collaborations with industry partners. Crowell brings over 25 years of experience in academic innovation and business development, including launching over 135 startups. Why it matters: This appointment aims to enhance KAUST's role as a catalyst for innovation and economic development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST has launched Hikma, a new accelerator program to develop intellectual property-based startups, involving 16 teams from KAUST and regional universities. The 6-month program is run by the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center with assistance from the KAUST Technology Transfer Office. Hikma aims to provide a structured development process for startups focused on intellectual property and assist in creating homegrown businesses from university technologies. Why it matters: This initiative signals KAUST's commitment to supporting economic development in Saudi Arabia by fostering knowledge-based startups and maximizing the impact of university research.
KAUST held the Imaging and Active Tectonics of the Red Sea Region workshop, gathering over 20 international and 30 local researchers. The workshop aimed to improve understanding of seismicity, volcanism, and Earth structure in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea region. Participants came from countries surrounding the Red Sea, as well as the US, UK, France, Brazil, and South Korea. Why it matters: The event fosters international collaboration and data exchange to better monitor and model seismic and volcanic activity in a geologically active region.
KAUST celebrated the first graduating class from its New Ventures Accelerator startup program on February 18. Seven teams completed the six-month mentor-led program, presenting ideas ranging from bioinformatics to customer relationship management. Material Solved, a KAUST IP-based startup using visualization software for materials science, won the best pitch award. Why it matters: The program fosters entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, creating job opportunities and contributing to the Kingdom's economy.
KAUST's Supercomputing Laboratory and NVIDIA co-hosted the "Accelerating Scientific Applications Using GPUs" workshop, attended by 120 participants. The event included technical sessions, guest lectures from KAUST faculty and NVIDIA, and presentations on KAUST applications developed on NVIDIA GPUs. KAUST also held its first hackathon, where teams ported scientific applications to GPU accelerators with guidance from KAUST and NVIDIA mentors. Why it matters: This collaboration strengthens KAUST's position as a hub for high-performance computing and GPU-accelerated research in the region, fostering talent development and collaboration with industry partners.
KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) is expanding its Cloudflame database, a platform providing computational tools and scientific data for combustion research. Cloudflame offers features like flame speed calculations, ignition delay simulation, and a Fuel Design Tool to formulate fuel mixtures. The platform allows researchers to compare findings, perform computations remotely, and receive results via email. Why it matters: Cloudflame fosters global collaborations and accelerates advancements in clean combustion technologies, crucial for energy saving and environmental conservation in the region and worldwide.
KAUST researchers from statistics and earth science collaborated to improve earthquake source modeling. They developed a statistical ranking tool to classify 2D fields, applicable to geoscience models like temperature or precipitation. The tool helps compare different 2D fields describing the earthquake source process and quantify inter-event variability. Why it matters: This cross-disciplinary approach enhances the reliability of earthquake rupture models, contributing to better hazard assessment and risk management in seismically active regions.
KAUST, Stanford University, and Meka Robotics are collaborating on a new underwater robotic platform called the Red Sea Robotics Exploratorium. The project aims to create a robotic avatar diver that can explore deep-sea coral reefs with greater dexterity than existing underwater vehicles. The robot will address the limitations of current ROVs, which are large and difficult to operate in confined spaces. Why it matters: This technology could significantly advance marine research in the Red Sea and other challenging underwater environments, enabling more detailed exploration and sample collection of unique deep-sea ecosystems.
Jean-Luc Bredas, Director of KAUST's Solar and Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC), recounts his academic journey from Belgium to the U.S. and then to Saudi Arabia. He highlights his prior involvement with KAUST through a research collaboration starting in 2008 and a visiting professorship at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in 2011. Bredas was drawn to KAUST due to its flexible system and resources for faculty research. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's ability to attract established international researchers to contribute to its research ecosystem, particularly in renewable energy.
The KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC) hosted a research conference on Catalytic Carbon and Hydrogen Management from February 1-4, featuring world leaders in catalysis research. Experts discussed advances in catalysis related to future energy needs and environmental protection. Attendees included Nobel laureate Dr. Robert Grubbs and researchers from top universities worldwide. Why it matters: The conference fostered collaboration and networking among KAUST researchers and international experts in a field critical for addressing energy and environmental challenges.
A KAUST student blog post discusses optical wireless communications (OWC) as a solution to radio frequency exhaustion. OWC uses optical frequencies to carry electrical signals, offering advantages like high data rates and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Free-space optical (FSO) communication, a type of OWC, is applicable for inter-building connections and has seen use cases such as broadcasting during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Why it matters: OWC research and deployment in the region can support high-bandwidth applications and provide cost-effective connectivity solutions, especially in challenging environments or disaster scenarios.
A group of KAUST students visited the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) in Taif as part of the University's 2015 Winter Enrichment Program. The NWRC, established in 1986, focuses on preserving and reintroducing species like the houbara bustard, Arabian oryx, red-necked ostrich, and Arabian leopard. Researchers at the center track released bustards via radio transmitters, collaborating internationally to preserve their habitats. Why it matters: This highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to wildlife conservation and international collaboration in ecological research, showcasing KAUST's engagement with regional environmental initiatives.
Lubna Olayan, CEO of Olayan Financing Company, gave a keynote at KAUST's 2015 Winter Enrichment Program discussing how businesses and academic institutions can promote excellence. She emphasized that centers of excellence are catalysts for innovation and job creation, sharing characteristics like a multidisciplinary approach and meritocracies. Olayan highlighted Saudi Aramco and KAUST as examples, noting the successes of Stanford and MIT. Why it matters: This underscores the strategic importance of fostering centers of excellence like KAUST for driving economic growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia.
SABIC recognized 15 KAUST postdoctoral fellows for research excellence at the fourth SABIC Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards. The awards highlight SABIC’s commitment to KAUST’s research efforts in areas like nanomaterials, polymer synthesis, catalysis, and computational modeling. SABIC plans increased collaboration with KAUST to develop technologies that drive competitiveness and yield societal benefits. Why it matters: The ongoing SABIC-KAUST partnership exemplifies industry-academia collaboration in Saudi Arabia, fostering innovation in materials science and related fields critical to the Kingdom's development.
A KAUST project on "Hybrid Multi-Effect Adsorption Desalination" won the Global Technology Challenge at the Saudi Water & Power Forum. The competition, launched by Aramco Entrepreneurship and GE ecomagination, focused on seawater desalination using renewable energy. KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) is partnering with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to bring this technology to Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This award highlights innovation in desalination, a critical area for Saudi Arabia given its high salinity seawater and need for sustainable water solutions.
KAUST has launched REVelate, a corporate innovation program aimed at mid and senior management of Saudi-based companies. The four-month program includes lectures, workshops, and mentoring to develop projects important to the participating companies. It is designed to foster an 'intrapreneurship' culture and enhance the innovation capacity of KAUST industry partners. Why it matters: This initiative addresses a critical need for corporate innovation methodologies in Saudi Arabia, potentially boosting the performance and competitiveness of local companies.
KAUST reflected on its research achievements during its fifth anniversary year, highlighting the inaugurations of the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) and the Solar & Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center. KAUST also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) to develop thin-film photovoltaic technology. Several new directors were appointed for KAUST research centers, including the Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC). Why it matters: These strategic investments in research centers and partnerships underscore KAUST's commitment to advancing scientific discovery and technological innovation in Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas like clean energy, agriculture, and computing.
KAUST hosted the Electron Microscopy Frontiers conference from December 9-11, marking five years of electron microscopy activities at the university. The symposium featured over 20 speakers from international universities and research institutions. It aimed to foster scientific collaborations and showcase KAUST's growing role as a leading electron microscopy laboratory in the Middle East. Why it matters: The conference signals KAUST's ambition to become a hub for advanced microscopy research and collaboration in the region, potentially driving innovation in materials science and bioscience.
The Dow SISCA awards at KAUST recognized two Ph.D. students for their sustainability-focused research. Anas Abu-Taha won first place and $10,000 for his work on nanoscale thermoelectrics for waste heat energy harvesting. David Conchouso Gonzales was the runner-up, receiving $2,500 for his poster on sustainable production of controllable emulsions using microfluidic droplet generators. Why it matters: The awards highlight KAUST's dedication to sustainability research and its ongoing partnership with Dow Chemical in fostering innovative solutions.
A team from KAUST's Earth Science and Engineering program visited the site of the ongoing volcanic eruption in Iceland, which began in August 2014. Researchers monitored ground movements related to a collapsing structure near the eruption site using GPS instruments to measure vertical ground displacements. They aim to compare these measurements with satellite radar data to quantify volume changes before, during, and after the eruption. Why it matters: This study exemplifies the application of KAUST's earth science expertise to understanding and monitoring significant geological events, contributing to hazard assessment and risk management in volcanically active regions.
Paul Thurk from ARCH Venture Partners spoke at KAUST about university spinouts. He advised students on forming startups, emphasizing the importance of credible endorsements, strong teams, and adaptable business plans. Thurk highlighted the need to anticipate market trends and set achievable milestones for fundraising. Why it matters: This talk provides insights into venture capital perspectives on academic entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, potentially guiding future tech transfer efforts at KAUST and similar institutions.
KAUST, in collaboration with Saudi Aramco, hosted an Upstream Petroleum Symposium on November 13-14, gathering over 30 upstream specialists from academia and industry. The symposium focused on developments in fluid flow and recovery in hydrocarbon systems. Saudi Aramco's SVP highlighted the importance of upstream research advances to their vision of becoming a global integrated energy and chemicals company. Why it matters: This event strengthens ties between KAUST and Saudi Aramco, fostering collaborative research and innovation in the critical upstream petroleum sector for Saudi Arabia's energy future.
KAUST Professor Wolfgang Heidrich received the Humboldt Research Award for his work in computational photography and displays. The award includes €60,000 and a research stay in Germany, hosted by the Max-Planck Institute for Informatics and the Cluster of Excellence on "Multimodal Computing and Interaction" at Saarland University. Heidrich plans to spend six months in Germany over the next three years, networking with faculty and collaborating on research projects. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in computer science and fosters international collaboration in cutting-edge areas like computational photography.
The KAUST Graduate Student Council's IBR Committee hosted its first Alumni Panel during the fall 2014 Career Fair, in collaboration with KAUST's Career Development Office, Saudi Initiatives, and the Alumni Affairs Office. Six alumni working in Saudi Arabia, along with three via video, shared their experiences and insights with current students. Panelists emphasized the importance of creativity, passion, and utilizing KAUST's career resources to achieve successful employment. Why it matters: This event facilitated knowledge transfer and networking between KAUST alumni and students, promoting career development and in-Kingdom employment opportunities aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
Dr. Takashi Gojobori, a KAUST professor and expert in molecular evolution, received an honorary doctoral degree from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. The degree recognizes Gojobori's contributions to evolutionary genomics and molecular evolution. A KAUST delegation led by VP James A. Calvin attended the conferring ceremony. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's faculty quality and contributions to international research collaborations.
KAUST has appointed Professor TorOve Leiknes as the new director of the Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC). Leiknes, who joined KAUST in 2013, previously served as the center's interim director since June 2014. He brings expertise in wastewater treatment and reuse, including energy-saving membrane bioreactors, and has held leadership roles in the European Membrane Society. Why it matters: This appointment highlights KAUST's ongoing commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges through research and innovation in desalination and water reuse technologies.
Jasmeen Merzaban, Assistant Professor of Bioscience, and Ph.D. student Nouf Alshareef, both from KAUST, have received L'Oréal-UNESCO "For Women in Science" fellowships. Merzaban was recognized for her immunology research, and Alshareef for her work on salinity tolerance in plants. The fellowships were awarded at a ceremony in Dubai, highlighting the contributions of Arab women scientists. Why it matters: The awards spotlight the growing role of women in STEM fields within the GCC and KAUST's commitment to fostering high-quality research in the region.
KAUST Discovery Professor Pierre Magistretti, Dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, received an honorary membership from the Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences (CAPS). CAPS is a part of the China Association for Science and Technology, aiming to advance scientific progress and economic revitalization in China. Magistretti was recognized for his research on brain energy metabolism and the mechanisms regulating energy delivery to active neurons, with implications for functional brain imaging. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing international recognition and its faculty's contributions to fundamental research with potential applications in healthcare and neuroscience.
KAUST and TU Munich researchers have published a paper on a novel carbon capture technique. The technique focuses on converting CO2 directly from flue gas using catalytic systems, addressing the challenge of CO2 conversion requiring purification, compression, and high temperatures. Catalysts are often seen as viable green technology options to increase the renewable rates of CO2. Why it matters: This research has the potential to advance sustainable energy solutions by improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental costs associated with carbon capture and utilization.
Professor Jean-Luc Bredas, Director of KAUST’s Solar Center (SPERC), has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences (EURASC). Bredas is recognized for his theoretical research into organic materials for semiconductor devices like LEDs, transistors, and solar cells. His KAUST group focuses on understanding the electronic and optical properties of these materials. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced materials research and its contributions to global scientific advancements in electronics and photonics.
KAUST and Saudi Aramco are hosting the Upstream Petroleum Symposium on November 13-14, focusing on fluid flow and recovery in hydrocarbon systems. The symposium will gather academics from KAUST, international universities, and Saudi Aramco experts. Discussions will cover challenges and opportunities for collaborative research to improve hydrocarbon recovery from conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Why it matters: The event highlights the ongoing importance of upstream petroleum research for meeting global energy demands and improving recovery methods, a critical area for Saudi Arabia's economy.
KACST and KAUST are collaborating on two research projects using KACST's Saker 4 drone. The first project prototypes a UAV-based flash flood monitoring system using disposable microsensors. The second augments UAV navigation with vision to improve takeoff and landing via a new runway detection algorithm. Why it matters: This collaboration showcases the growing sophistication of Saudi Arabia's indigenous drone capabilities for environmental monitoring and advanced navigation research.
KAUST researchers are developing low-cost, mobile wireless sensors for smart city applications, focusing on flood monitoring. These sensors are designed to be deployed by UAVs and float in water, transmitting data to map flood extent. The system uses "Lagrangian sensing" to gather information from remote locations with minimal infrastructure. Why it matters: This technology offers a cost-effective solution for environmental monitoring and disaster management, particularly relevant for flood-prone areas in Saudi Arabia.
NOMADD, a KAUST startup, offers a waterless and remotely operated system to clean solar panels, addressing the challenge of dust accumulation which can reduce solar panel efficiency by 0.4-0.8% daily. KAUST recently signed its first royalty-bearing license agreement for the NOMADD system. The fifth version of the NOMADD system is 70% lighter and uses less than half the power of previous versions, while also being cheaper to manufacture. Why it matters: This technology is crucial for Saudi Arabia to achieve its ambitious goal of generating a third of its electricity from solar power by 2032, amidst the challenges posed by desert dust.
Boeing has inaugurated a new Research & Technology office at KAUST's Research and Technology Park, marking Boeing's first research center in a university within the GCC. The office will focus on R&D in aerospace technologies, building on Boeing's partnership with KAUST since 2009. Boeing is currently collaborating with KAUST on six major projects in areas like advanced materials and solar power. Why it matters: The establishment of this office signifies a deepened commitment to R&D in Saudi Arabia and the region, leveraging KAUST's resources to advance aerospace technologies.
Professor Heribert Hirt has been appointed as the new Director of KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture, succeeding Dr. Nina Fedoroff. Professor Mark Tester will assume the role of Associate Director, concentrating on desert agriculture and translational research. Dr. Salim Al-Babili will chair the newly established Plant Sciences program focusing on arid environments. Why it matters: These leadership changes signal KAUST's continued investment in agricultural research and development tailored to challenging desert conditions.
KAUST has acquired a BM Pro plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) reactor from AIXTRON for wafer-scale deposition of graphene and carbon nanotubes. The reactor, capable of handling up to 4-inch substrates, will be used by Professor Pedro Da Costa's research team initially, before being opened up to other researchers at KAUST. AIXTRON's VP highlighted the system's uniformity, scalability, rapid heating, and plasma-based processing for growing graphene and nanotubes. Why it matters: This advanced tool enhances KAUST's research capabilities in carbon nanostructures, positioning the university as a leading center for materials science and nanotechnology research in the region.
Four students from the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) conducted summer research at KAUST in areas like solar cells, nanomaterials, composite membranes, and computational fluid mechanics. The students, who attend universities in the US, worked with KAUST faculty like Osman Bakr, Iman Roqan, Klaus-Viktor Peinemann and Ravi Samtaney. The KGSP program supports Saudi students studying science and engineering and prepares them for graduate studies at KAUST. Why it matters: This program helps KAUST attract top Saudi talent by providing research opportunities and encouraging students to pursue advanced degrees in STEM fields within the Kingdom.
KAUST Professor Dr. Bakr was elected as a member of the Arab-German Young Academy (AGYA). AGYA selects Arab and German researchers from universities and research institutions across the Middle East and Germany. The academy promotes cooperation between Arab and German researchers within the first 10 years of their Ph.D. Why it matters: This appointment fosters international research collaboration and provides a platform for interdisciplinary projects between Arab and German researchers.
KAUST researchers used 3D mapping technology via remote control helicopter to survey and create detailed renderings of Jeddah's Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The team, from KAUST's Visual Computer Center and FalconViz, captured high-definition images from about 50 meters above street level. This enabled the creation of accurate 3D models, showing building shifts and potential problems for urban planners. Why it matters: This method provides a rapid and accurate way to document and preserve historical landmarks, especially in areas where traditional surveying is difficult or infeasible, aiding in cultural heritage preservation efforts.
KAUST Discovery highlighted Prof. Karl Leo's insights on translating science into business from an Entrepreneurship Center speaker series. Prof. Leo, with 440 publications and 8 co-founded companies, emphasized the importance of curiosity-driven basic research. He envisions organic semiconductors dominating electronics in 20-30 years, noting the success of Novaled, his OLED company in Dresden. Why it matters: This underscores KAUST's focus on fostering entrepreneurship and translating research into practical applications within the Kingdom.
KAUST held its 5th annual KAUST Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting with 27 Saudi and international corporations and five government agencies. The meeting focused on aligning KAUST's research with industry needs and fostering collaboration for economic development in the Kingdom. SWCC emphasized the importance of partnerships with KAUST and developing human capital, rather than relying on "black box" solutions. Why it matters: The event underscores KAUST's role as a facilitator of innovation and collaboration between academia, industry, and government, which is crucial for advancing the Kingdom's AI and technology sectors.
A KAUST team discovered a simple method to fabricate microspheres using block copolymer self-assembly. The resulting particles have pH-responsive gates and a highly porous structure, granting them ultrahigh protein sorption capacity. The team leveraged their expertise in block copolymers and self-assembly to achieve this. Why it matters: This new method and the resulting particles have potential applications in biotechnology, medicine, and catalysis, advancing materials science in the region.
KAUST's Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) department has facilitated the release of KUBE, an open-source benchmarking framework developed by Craig Kapfer and his team. KUBE allows users to analyze the performance of software applications and high-performance computing (HPC) systems over time, using user-defined metrics. The software integrates with batch scheduling tools and provides historical time reporting and visualization capabilities. Why it matters: This release provides a valuable tool for optimizing applications and systems, potentially enhancing research and development in computational labs and computing centers in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
KAUST held an alumni celebration in collaboration with Saudi Aramco to honor alumni achievements. Saudi Aramco emphasized its commitment to talent development as the largest employer of KAUST alumni. Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau encouraged alumni to contribute to society and advance KAUST as a hub of education and discovery. Why it matters: This event strengthens ties between KAUST and Saudi Aramco, highlighting KAUST's role in developing talent for the Kingdom's key industries.
KAUST researchers used electron tomography and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study charge storage in manganese oxide electrodes for supercapacitors. They found that the electrolyte etches nanoscale openings in the manganese oxide sheets, increasing electrolyte permeability and energy density during cycling. 3D tomography revealed how the electrode's morphological evolution increases its surface area, enhancing energy densities. Why it matters: The research provides insights into improving the cycling stability of pseudocapacitive materials, which are crucial for developing high-performance supercapacitors.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) pioneers industry partnerships through its Center Industry Affiliates Program (CIAP). The program aligns industry interests with KAUST's research in desalination, wastewater reuse, new materials, hydrologic systems, and sustainable water technologies. Pilot plants enable intermediate-scale research and long-term assessments, bridging the gap between bench-scale testing and industrial implementation. Why it matters: This applied research model strengthens KAUST's impact on water sustainability challenges in Saudi Arabia and beyond.