General AI research publications from MBZUAI, KAUST, TII, QCRI, and other GCC institutions, including conference papers, journal articles, and preprints.
KAUST Professor Marc Genton received the International Statistical Institute's Service Award 2019 for his leadership as editor-in-chief of the journal Stat. His research group at KAUST focuses on developing statistical tools relevant to Saudi Arabia's knowledge economy transition. Genton is also working with the University of Notre Dame on wind energy implementation and infrastructure assessment for NEOM. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to statistical research and its application to renewable energy and economic development in Saudi Arabia.
A group of KAUST students and research scientists from the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC) and Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science & Engineering (CEMSE) division attended the 2019 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. This was part of the five-year research and development agreement between KAUST and McLaren Racing Limited. The KAUST group joined members from McLaren at the Bahrain International Circuit to observe the results of their partnership. Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates KAUST's commitment to applying its research expertise in advanced engineering and computing to real-world challenges in motorsports, potentially leading to innovations in vehicle performance and efficiency.
KAUST and K.A.CARE have partnered to study solar irradiation and atmospheric weather conditions in Saudi Arabia, leveraging K.A.CARE's Renewable Resources Atlas Project. The collaboration uses KAUST's Shaheen II supercomputer to simulate weather and atmospheric conditions from 2005-2018. The long-term goal is daily forecasting of weather and air quality across the Arabian Peninsula. Why it matters: This initiative will provide crucial data for renewable energy development and environmental monitoring in the region, supporting Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
KAUST has inaugurated the Center for Desert Agriculture (CDA) to focus on research and real-world solutions for local, regional, and global agriculture. Professor Rod Wing will lead the CDA, focusing on crop plant variation, while Professor Mark Tester will serve as associate director, continuing his work on salt tolerance in crops. Other professors, such as Salim Al-Babili and Heribert Hirt, will continue their research into areas including combating parasitic weeds and global food security. Why it matters: The center's focus on desert agriculture and food security addresses critical regional and global imperatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader goals of sustainable development and innovation in food production.
KAUST Professor Peter Richtárik received a Distinguished Speaker Award at the Sixth International Conference on Continuous Optimization (ICCOPT 2019) in Berlin. Richtárik's lecture series, totaling six hours, focused on stochastic gradient descent (SGD) methods, drawing from recent research by his KAUST group. He highlighted key principles and new variants of SGD, the key method for training modern machine learning models. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to fundamental machine learning optimization, which is critical for advancing AI in the region.
KAUST and ACWA Power have launched a Center of Excellence for Desalination and Solar Power following a memorandum of understanding signed on September 9. The collaboration aims to advance Saudi Arabia's position in water desalination and solar power technology. The center will focus on research in water quality monitoring and system performance modeling, leveraging KAUST's research centers. Why it matters: The partnership seeks to drive innovation and cost efficiencies in producing desalinated water and generating solar power, aligning with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
Researchers from KAUST and the University of Padova studied how hyperoxia, or excessive oxygen supply, extends heat tolerance in marine ectotherms. The study, published in Science Advances, examined the role of photosynthetic organisms like seagrasses in producing oxygen in aquatic habitats. They found that increased oxygen availability helps coastal marine animals like crabs, sea cucumbers, and shellfish increase their resilience to rising temperatures. Why it matters: Understanding the interplay between oxygen levels and temperature tolerance can inform strategies for preserving marine ecosystems in the face of global warming.
KAUST Assistant Professor Raphaël Huser received the American Statistical Association's 2019 Section on Statistics and the Environment Early Investigator Award for his contributions to environmental statistics. Huser's research focuses on developing models for extreme events observed in space and time. He leads the KAUST extSTAT research group, which develops statistical models to understand the stochastic behavior of rare events. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's growing prominence in statistical research and its application to environmental challenges in the region.
KAUST became an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), making it the only entity in Saudi Arabia with the license to provide scientific diver training and certification. KAUST and the Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation (SWSDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement policies for scientific diving in the Kingdom. KAUST-trained divers can now dive at other member institutes, facilitating research collaborations. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's role as a hub for marine research and promotes safe scientific diving practices in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST is working to extend its research excellence to innovation and impact, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to grow SME contributions. A KAUST Innovation Committee, led by Andrew Liveris, is collaborating with entities like TAQNIA and Monshaat to convert policy into tangible actions. The goal is to accelerate startups and deep technology development within the Kingdom, with KAUST startups playing a leading role. Why it matters: The initiative signifies a concerted effort to diversify the Saudi economy and foster a thriving startup ecosystem, leveraging KAUST's research capabilities.
Maryam Alsufyani, a KAUST Ph.D. student in the Solar Center under Professor Iain McCulloch, focuses her research on designing and preparing semiconductor organic polymers for solar cells and organic electrical devices. She received her master's degree in chemical science from KAUST in 2018 and her bachelor's in chemistry from Taibah University in Madinah in 2016. Alsufyani aims to complete post-doctoral research after her Ph.D. to educate and support future generations. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering Saudi talent in renewable energy research, a key area for the Kingdom's future economic diversification.
KAUST Ph.D. student Chiheb Ben Hammouda won the best poster award at the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Conference on Financial Mathematics & Engineering (FM19) for his work on option pricing under the rough Bergomi model. The winning poster, titled "Hierarchical adaptive sparse grids and quasi-Monte Carlo for option pricing under the rough Bergomi model," details research carried out under the supervision of KAUST Professor Raul Tempone. The research group designed new efficient numerical methods for pricing derivatives under the rough Bergomi model by combining smoothing techniques. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing expertise in financial mathematics and its contribution to solving complex problems in the field using advanced numerical methods.
KAUST alumna Vasiliki Kordopati turned a student project on laser-based illumination for horticulture into a startup called Oaesis Lighting Systems. She participated in KAUST's TAQADAM Accelerator program and is now developing a pilot project in the KAUST Research and Technology Park. KAUST is focused on embedding entrepreneurship into the academic experience, minimizing risk and offering innovators room to experiment. Why it matters: KAUST is fostering a new generation of deep technology entrepreneurs in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification.
KAUST Ph.D. student Mohammed Al-Alouni is researching the conversion of crude oil to petrochemicals, working in the Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center and the Catalysis Center under Professor Yu Han. His work focuses on converting simple molecules into more complex and economically viable ones, inspired by the scientific approach of Jabir ibn Hayyan. Al-Alouni previously worked at Saudi Aramco and graduated from KFUPM with a bachelor's degree in 2014. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering advanced research in petrochemicals and materials science, crucial for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts.
KAUST master's student José Ilton de Oliveira Filho won first place at the IEEE International Sensors and Measurement Systems Student Contest for his smart bracelet and gesture-capturer designed for people with Parkinson's disease. The bracelet assists users in basic activities and creates a database for tracking the disease's involuntary tremors. The bracelet can also control smart TVs and enable smoother application navigation. Why it matters: This project demonstrates KAUST's commitment to developing innovative technologies that address real-world healthcare challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs.
KAUST Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain is working to democratize electronics and make advanced technology accessible. His research focuses on creating flexible, stretchable, and reconfigurable electronics that are cost-effective and easy to use. Hussain also teaches a course at KAUST where students develop electronics solutions to everyday problems. Why it matters: This initiative could empower individuals globally by providing access to affordable and user-friendly electronic devices for various applications.
KAUST's Professor Carlos Duarte received the 2019 Ramon Margalef Prize in Ecology from the Generalitat of Catalonia. The award recognizes Duarte's research into 'blue carbon' and its impact on climate change mitigation. Duarte highlighted the role of KAUST and collaborators in enabling his research achievements. Why it matters: The recognition of a KAUST professor for contributions to marine ecology highlights the university's growing role in environmental research and its impact on global climate change strategies.
KAUST led a session at the World Economic Forum's Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, focusing on sustainability science. President Tony Chan and faculty members Peiying Hong, Mohamed Eddaoudi, and Derya Baran presented KAUST's research in water reuse, carbon capture, and transparent solar cells. Derya Baran highlighted KAUST spinoff iyris, which aims to turn windows into solar power plants. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's role as an innovative hub for global research and education, particularly in green technologies, and highlights the university's commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
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.
KAUST startup Quantum Solutions manufactures quantum dots, semiconducting nanoparticles that emit light with controllable energy. These dots are being explored for applications including displays, photodetectors, and solar cells. Quantum dots can enhance the efficiency of silicon solar panels by absorbing infrared light. Why it matters: This highlights the potential of KAUST-incubated startups to contribute to advanced materials science and renewable energy technologies in the region.
KAUST recently hosted the European Embedded Control Institute's International Graduate School on Control (IGSC). As part of the event, KAUST Professor Jeff Shamma gave a one-week course on "Game Theory and Distributed Control". The course had over 30 registered attendees, including participants from KAUST, KACST, King Saud University, and nine European universities. Why it matters: Hosting international events like IGSC enhances KAUST's global reputation, fosters collaboration opportunities, and exposes visiting researchers to KAUST's research environment.
Sergey Kozlov, a research scientist at KAUST's Catalysis Center (KCC), is leaving to take up a tenure-track position as an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS). During his time at KAUST, Kozlov focused on simulating the chemical properties of catalysts using computational chemistry methods and the Shaheen II supercomputer. His research focused on applications in energy and CO2 utilization technologies. Why it matters: Kozlov's move highlights KAUST's role in developing research talent and contributing to advancements in computational chemistry and catalysis within the region.
Five KAUST startups, graduates of programs like TAQADAM and 9/10ths Accelerator, each secured $50,000 at the Misk Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC). Sadeem CEO Mustafa Mousa highlighted KAUST's role in supporting their flood-safety technology venture. KAUST will host a bootcamp for the finalists in preparation for the EWC Global Finals in Riyadh. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's increasing role in fostering deep-tech entrepreneurship and supporting Saudi Arabia's innovation ecosystem.
KAUST and Fugro conducted the first remotely operated vehicle (ROV) training program in Saudi Arabia in 2018 through the KAUST-Fugro Center of Excellence for Marine Technology. The Fugro ROV Academy is accepted by major oil and gas companies, providing KAUST marine science students access to deepwater ROVs and pilot training. KAUST Ph.D. student Lina Eyouni became the first Saudi female ROV pilot through this program. Why it matters: The initiative enhances marine research capabilities in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030 by promoting environmental protection and providing students with industry-standard training in robotics.
KAUST Ph.D. student Muhammad Akram Karimi won the Three Minute Thesis competition at the IEEE MTT International Microwave Symposium in Boston. Karimi's presentation, titled "Making Materials Smart Using Microwaves," detailed his research on low-cost in situ microwave sensors. His work, in collaboration with Saudi Aramco, focuses on detecting water fraction in oil using sensors printed directly on pipes. Why it matters: This award recognizes innovative research at KAUST and highlights the potential of microwave sensor technology for applications in the oil and water industries within the region.
KAUST was ranked first in Saudi Arabia and in the global top twenty in the Nature Index Annual Tables' new normalized ranking. The ranking considers the number of high-quality articles published as a proportion of an institute's overall output in the natural sciences. This normalized ranking allows institutions of different sizes to be compared on the same basis. Why it matters: This ranking highlights KAUST's growing impact on global scientific research and its commitment to producing high-quality publications.
KAUST President Tony Chan discussed the university's alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat. He highlighted KAUST's contributions to Saudi Arabia's economic and technological development and its collaborations with projects like Neom City and Aramco. Chan emphasized KAUST's focus on high-quality research in areas like energy, food, water, and the environment. Why it matters: KAUST's strategic alignment with Vision 2030 positions it as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia's diversification and innovation goals.
KAUST alumnus Ronell Sicat (M.S. '10, Ph.D. '15) is developing immersive data visualization tools using augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). After a postdoc at Harvard, Sicat returned to KAUST as a research scientist in the Visual Computing Center. Sicat developed a tool called DXR to help researchers prototype immersive visualizations. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering talent and innovation in AR/VR, a growing area with applications across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Professor of Electrical Engineering Kazuhiro Ohkawa has been elected as a Fellow of the Japan Society of Applied Physics (JSAP). JSAP recognized Ohkawa for his contributions to the development of wide bandgap semiconductor epitaxial growth and optical devices. Ohkawa's research at KAUST focuses on energy-conversion phenomena for sustainability, including doping technologies, MOCVD for nitride semiconductors, and nitride photocatalysts. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty in international societies raises the university's profile and highlights its contributions to applied physics and sustainable energy research.
KAUST Ph.D. students Sandra Medina and Luisa Javier created WAYAKIT, a compact, organic, and portable multi-cleaner and odor remover for travelers. Their biotechnology-based startup, WAYAK Group, aims to transform the laundry industry with affordable, low-resource solutions. WAYAKIT uses biotechnology to degrade odor-causing molecules and solubilize stains. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's entrepreneurial environment and the potential for scientific research to address practical, everyday challenges with sustainable solutions.
KAUST Ph.D. student Jorge Holguín-Lerma received a 2019 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship from SPIE for his research contributions to optics and photonics. Holguín-Lerma is a member of Professor Boon S. Ooi's Photonics Laboratory at KAUST, focusing on novel semiconductor lasers and superluminescent diodes. His research aims to improve technologies like LiFi, LIDAR, and biosensors. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to advanced research in photonics and optics, highlighting the university's role in developing innovative technologies with wide-ranging applications.
KAUST Associate Professor Jr-Hau He has received the Nano Energy Award 2019 from the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was selected for his work on light-matter interaction, specifically photon management for light-harvesting devices and optoelectronics of 2D materials. He joined KAUST in 2014 and is a distinguished lecturer of IEEE and a fellow of multiple societies. Why it matters: The award recognizes impactful research in energy-related disciplines and highlights KAUST's contributions to advancing knowledge in this field.
Researchers from Princeton University and Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) are collaborating on artificial intelligence and deep learning projects. The partnership aims to leverage the expertise of both institutions to advance AI research. Specific project details or outcomes were not disclosed in the provided text. Why it matters: International collaborations of this nature can help foster innovation and knowledge transfer in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
A KAUST-led study analyzing over 100 years of satellite data indicates that Red Sea surface temperatures may be cooling rather than rising due to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The research, utilizing KAUST's supercomputer Shaheen II, suggests a cooling phase in the coming decades that could temporarily counter global warming effects. The team collaborated with researchers from the University of Athens and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, using data from NOAA, NASA, and the UK Met Office. Why it matters: The finding challenges assumptions about uniform warming trends and highlights the role of natural climate oscillations in modulating regional temperature changes, informing more accurate climate modeling and adaptation strategies for the region.
KAUST Ph.D. student Reem Alghamdi is working at the KAUST Catalysis Center to improve the quality of industrially used polyethylene. Her research focuses on synthesizing a nanocomposite of polyethylene and nanomaterials to reinforce industrially made polymers, improving their mechanical characteristics. The resulting hybrid organic-inorganic product minimizes manufacturing defects, enhancing hardness. Why it matters: This research has the potential to significantly improve the durability and performance of polymer products across various sectors, from automotive to construction, impacting numerous industries in the region and beyond.
KAUST Ph.D. student Khalil Moussi won two awards at the IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems for his research on a miniaturized drug delivery system. The system, developed in collaboration with KAIMRC, uses 3D printing and wireless power to deliver drugs for coronary artery disease treatment. The device features an electrochemical micro-pump, a 3D printed reservoir with microneedles, and a wireless powering unit, allowing customization for various in vivo drug delivery applications. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to biomedical engineering and its potential to develop innovative solutions for critical healthcare challenges in the region and beyond.
Sahika Inal, an assistant professor of bioscience at KAUST, focuses on organic electronic materials for clinical health monitoring. Her research involves finding functional polymers and designing electronic platforms that connect biological systems with electronics. Inal notes that KAUST's facilities and collaborative environment in BESE have been crucial for her research and team growth since 2016. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in fostering interdisciplinary research and attracting talented scientists in the emerging field of bioelectronics.
A robotics team from KAUST's Robotics, Intelligent Systems, and Control (RISC) lab won the "Best Air Team" special award and the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency special prize at the European Robotics League Emergency Robots Challenge in Sevilla, Spain. The KAUST team, led by Kuat Telegenov and advised by Professor Jeff Shamma, competed against international teams in aerial robotic challenges. The competition aimed to encourage advancements in autonomous capabilities and seamless outdoor/indoor navigation for robots. Why it matters: The awards recognize KAUST's contributions to robotics research and highlight the importance of developing autonomous systems for emergency response and complex environments.
KAUST Professor David Keyes will chair the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC) 2020 in Frankfurt, Germany. Keyes is the director of KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center and will be the first program chair from a Middle Eastern institution. The conference will address high performance computing (HPC) topics including processing, storage, algorithms, and the convergence of simulation, machine learning, and big data. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's leadership in HPC within the Middle East, as the university is home to Shaheen II, the region's most powerful supercomputer.
Dinesh Nanaji Sawant, a former KAUST postdoctoral fellow, has been appointed as a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Research Ambassador for India. Sawant, who worked at the KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC) from 2012-2016, is now an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology. As a research ambassador, he will promote research opportunities in Germany to Indian students and facilitate academic cooperation. Why it matters: This appointment highlights KAUST's role in fostering international research collaborations and its alumni's contributions to global scientific exchange.
KAUST Ph.D. students Kai Lu and Yuqing Chen won Best Presentation awards at a Society of Exploration Geophysicists workshop in Beijing. Lu's research focuses on machine learning applications in seismic processing, while Chen uses machine learning for automated semblance spectrum picking. They both leverage KAUST's Shaheen II supercomputer for their work. Why it matters: This highlights the increasing role of AI and ML in the oil and gas industry, and KAUST's contribution to advancing these technologies.
Red Sea Farms, a KAUST spinout specializing in saltwater greenhouse technology, secured $1.9 million in co-investment from the KAUST Innovation Fund and Research Products Development Company (RPDC). Their system uses saltwater to grow crops, reducing freshwater and energy requirements up to tenfold. The investment will enable the company to build a 2,000 square meter saltwater greenhouse on the KAUST campus, with a goal of producing 50 tons of tomatoes annually by 2020. Why it matters: This investment supports sustainable agriculture innovation in the water-scarce Middle East, offering a model for reducing the environmental impact of food production.
KAUST Associate Professor Andrea Fratalocchi has been awarded a Fellowship of the Institute of Physics (FInstP). The fellowship recognizes Fratalocchi's accomplishments in physics and his pioneering research in applied complexity. His work focuses on understanding complex physical systems and transforming them into technologies for clean energy, bio-imaging, and AI design. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the institution's growing prominence in physics and complex systems research, furthering its reputation as a hub for scientific innovation in the region.
Alejandra Ortega, a Ph.D. student in bioscience at KAUST, researches carbon fluxes of mangrove, seagrass, and macroalgae, focusing on estimating marine plants' contribution to blue carbon sequestration using metagenomes and eDNA barcoding. She aims to aid environmental managers and policymakers in better estimating blue carbon budgets for marine conservation. Ortega co-founded the Science Crossroads Initiative (SCI) at KAUST to explore the intersection of science with disciplines like philosophy, history, and the arts. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's research into blue carbon sequestration and the university's focus on interdisciplinary initiatives to foster science communication and community engagement.
KAUST Ph.D. student Bogdan Dragos Ilies received two awards from the League of Romanian Students Abroad: a special mention in the category 'Romanian students abroad' and the Public Audience Award. Ilies came to KAUST as an intern, then a master's student, and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in atmospheric chemistry under Associate Professor Mani Sarathy, focusing on how aerosols influence climate change. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's role in attracting and fostering international research talent and contributing to environmental science.
KAUST Professor J. Carlos Santamarina and postdoctoral fellow Junghee Park received the 2019 Tarek Al-Kasabi Award for Excellence in Civil Engineering in Saudi Arabia. The award, administered by King Saud University, recognizes outstanding contributions to civil engineering within the Kingdom. Santamarina and Park were nominated by Dr. Abdullah Almajed from King Saud University and received a plaque, certificate, and a cash prize of SAR 100,000. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's contribution to civil engineering research and development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST alumna Yuan Yan received an honorable mention from the American Statistical Association (ASA) for her paper on "Vector Autoregressive Models with Spatially Structured Coefficients for Time Series on a Spatial Grid." Yan, who graduated from KAUST in 2018, was part of Professor Marc Genton's Spatio-Temporal Statistics & Data Science group. She is now a postdoctoral fellow at Dalhousie University, researching fisheries science using spatial statistical models. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the quality of research and education at KAUST, especially in the field of spatio-temporal statistics, and its impact on addressing real-world sustainability challenges.
KAUST's Prototyping Core Lab, inaugurated in November 2018, offers tools from 3D printers to CNC machines, with expert support for users. The lab has registered over 260 users and delivered 300 training sessions since opening. It supports KAUST programs like hackathons and accelerators, aiding startups such as NOMADD and Sadeem. Why it matters: This lab fosters innovation and entrepreneurship within KAUST and across Saudi Arabia by providing essential prototyping resources and expertise.
KAUST has launched vFabLab™, its first virtual lab, to provide online distance learning for semiconductor fabrication. The virtual environment trains users on end-to-end device fabrication sequences using CMOS technology. Developed by KAUST's CEMSE division, each training session includes an interactive Q&A. Why it matters: This virtual lab expands access to crucial experimental modules in semiconductor fabrication, particularly benefiting students and enthusiasts lacking access to expensive cleanroom facilities in the region.
KAUST Ph.D. student Jian Cao received a best paper award from the American Statistical Association (ASA) for his paper on computing high-dimensional normal and Student-t probabilities. The paper uses Tile-Low-Rank Quasi-Monte Carlo and Block Reordering. Cao, a member of Professor Marc Genton's group, will be recognized at the ASA's Joint Statistical Meetings. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's strength in high-performance computing and statistical research, contributing to advancements in handling complex, high-dimensional datasets.