General AI research publications from MBZUAI, KAUST, TII, QCRI, and other GCC institutions, including conference papers, journal articles, and preprints.
KAUST Professor Nikos Hadjichristidis leads the Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, collaborating with Yves Gnanou to manipulate macromolecules at the nanoscale. They employ anionic polymerization using high vacuum techniques, a specialized method requiring handmade glassware and careful control. The team is working on sustainable polymeric materials, including rethinking tire composition to improve recyclability and reduce pollution. Why it matters: This research contributes to developing more sustainable plastics and polymers, addressing a critical environmental challenge while advancing materials science in the region.
Abhay Dokania, a Ph.D. student at KAUST, is researching the conversion of CO2 to useful chemicals under the supervision of Professor Jorge Gascon at the KAUST Catalysis Center. His work focuses on developing multi-functional heterogeneous catalysts. Dokania's background includes degrees from Birla Institute and TU Delft, as well as research experience in the Netherlands. Why it matters: This research contributes to sustainable chemical engineering and CO2 reduction, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader environmental goals.
KAUST Ph.D. student Abdullah Almansouri won a best poster award at the 2019 Joint MMM-INTERMAG Conference for his work on a super-flexible composite magnet, or "magnetic skin". The research, carried out by the Sensing, Magnetism and Microsystems (SMM) group, developed a stretchable and biocompatible wearable magnet. The device's flexible properties make it comfortable and imperceptible when worn. Why it matters: This research contributes to the growing field of wearable technology and biomedical monitoring, with potential applications in eye-movement tracking and touchless gesture control.
KAUST Associate Professor Aamir Farooq has been named a co-recipient of the 2019 Hiroshi Tsuji Early Career Researcher Award, co-sponsored by Elsevier and The Combustion Institute. Farooq, who leads the KAUST Chemical Kinetics and Laser Sensors Laboratory, is recognized for his work on fuel ignition chemistry. His research aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transportation and power generation. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering talented faculty and advancing research in clean combustion, a critical area for Saudi Arabia's energy future.
KAUST participated in the International Exhibition & Conference on Higher Education in Riyadh, showcasing interdisciplinary research and startups. KAUST researchers presented smart solar windows that convert sunlight into electricity using organic photovoltaic materials. Another KAUST team developed SandX, a sand and paraffin wax composite, which significantly reduced water evaporation and increased crop yields in field trials. Why it matters: These innovations demonstrate KAUST's commitment to advancing sustainable energy and desert agriculture in Saudi Arabia through cutting-edge research and technology commercialization.
KAUST alumnus Angel Garcia Esparza (M.S. '11, Ph.D. '16) is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Stanford University, where he was recently awarded beam time at SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source. His experiment will study the ultra-fast processes occurring at the early stage of the water-splitting reaction for the production of solar hydrogen fuel, building on his interests in sustainable energy. Garcia Esparza credits the KAUST Discovery Scholarship as a turning point and fondly recalls the passionate seminars at KAUST. Why it matters: The success of a KAUST alumnus at a top global institution highlights the university's role in fostering research talent and contributing to advancements in sustainable energy solutions.
KAUST Professor Hong Im has been elected as a Fellow of the Combustion Institute for his contributions to combustion understanding using theory, numerical methods, and simulations. Im's research focuses on predicting the physics of laminar and turbulent combustion, with applications in laboratory flames and combustion engines. He credits the collaborative environment at KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) for this achievement. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing expertise in clean combustion research, which is crucial for developing sustainable energy solutions relevant to the region and the world.
KAUST plant scientists are advocating for the deployment of new plant breeding technologies, including gene editing, to enhance global food security. Researchers Mark Tester and Magdy Mahfouz highlight these methods' potential to improve crops by minimizing crop life cycle for research on breeding, selection, and fixing of useful genes. They argue these technologies offer alternatives to genetically modified crops, potentially lowering regulatory costs and increasing seed affordability for farmers in developing countries. Why it matters: These advancements, coupled with regional seed-sharing initiatives, could significantly boost food production and accessibility in less-developed countries in the Middle East and globally.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Anastasiya Bavykina works in the Catalysis Center, focusing on converting carbon dioxide into methanol using a novel catalyst developed at KAUST, achieving around 80% selectivity. She emphasizes KAUST's state-of-the-art facilities as crucial for her research productivity. Bavykina aims to address real-world challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing a valuable chemical. Why it matters: This research contributes to sustainable chemical production and aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, showcasing KAUST's role in addressing environmental challenges.
Professor Jean M.J. Fréchet, former VP at KAUST, received the 2019 King Faisal Prize in Science for his contributions to chemical science. His work includes the convergent synthesis of dendrimers, chemically amplified photoresists, and organic photovoltaics. Fréchet expressed his confidence that KAUST will contribute to scientific excellence and economic development in the Kingdom. Why it matters: The award highlights KAUST's role in fostering scientific innovation and recognizes contributions with global impact from researchers based in the Kingdom.
KAUST's Atmospheric and Climate Modeling group, led by Georgiy Stenchikov, is using high-resolution global and regional climate models to predict climate change in the Middle East, focusing on local atmospheric and oceanic processes. The group developed coupled regional atmospheric and oceanic models for the Red Sea, accounting for the climate effect of aerosols, especially dust, which is significant in the region. They found that dust strongly affects the Red Sea, causing high optical depth and solar cooling effect, particularly in the southern part, impacting energy balance and circulation. Why it matters: Improving regional climate models with specific attention to dust and aerosols is crucial for predicting and mitigating the environmental impacts of climate change in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST researchers have discovered that combining ultraviolet sunlight with phages increases the susceptibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to sunlight disinfection. This breakthrough addresses the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, as the rate of discovering new antibiotics has slowed. The team demonstrated this method's effectiveness against a pathogenic E. coli strain found in Saudi wastewater. Why it matters: This research offers a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, particularly relevant in regions like Singapore and the GCC where treated wastewater is a crucial water supply source.
KAUST Ph.D. student Adel Bibi is researching how to bridge the gap between theory and practice in deep learning, focusing on the mathematical understanding of deep learning models. Bibi is currently interning at Intel in Munich and previously worked on various computer vision problems. He aims to use optimization and mathematics to better understand deep learning models and build better models systematically from theory. Why it matters: This research contributes to the fundamental understanding of deep learning, potentially leading to more efficient and reliable AI systems developed in the region.
KAUST researchers are collaborating with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture (MEWA) to develop sensor technology for early detection of red palm weevils. The weevil larvae cause significant damage to palm trees by hollowing them out from the inside. Early detection is crucial because visible signs of distress indicate advanced infection and low chances of rescue. Why it matters: This research aims to protect date farming and crops, which are a vital economic resource for Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
Peiying Hong, an associate professor of environmental science and engineering at KAUST, has won the 2019 James J. Morgan Environmental Science & Technology Early Career Award. The award recognizes her contributions to environmental science, particularly her research on wastewater and its potential for addressing global water scarcity. Hong will receive the award at the 257th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition in Orlando, Florida. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to environmental research and its focus on addressing critical global challenges related to water scarcity and sustainability.
KAUST alumnus Babar Khan won the best oral presentation award at the First International Symposium on Nanomaterials and Membrane Science in Morocco. His presentation focused on his doctoral work at the KAUST Water Desalination and Reuse Center, specifically on detecting microbes on industrial surfaces and their impact on membrane systems. Khan's research involves an indirect method to measure microbial communities in closed systems. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to innovative research in water desalination and microbial detection, highlighting the university's impact on addressing critical environmental challenges.
KAUST Professor David Keyes was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his contributions to parallel computing and numerical analysis. He was formally recognized at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Keyes expressed feeling humbled and honored by the award, emphasizing the breadth of science and engineering that AAAS encompasses. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the caliber of research and researchers at KAUST, enhancing the university's reputation and fostering international collaborations in computational science.
Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte from the Salk Institute discussed aging and regenerative medicine at the KAUST 2019 Winter Enrichment Program. His team is combining gene editing and stem cell technologies to grow rat organs in mice and human cells in pig and cattle embryos. The Salk team is collaborating with KAUST to rejuvenate organs using noncoding RNAs and small metabolites. Why it matters: This research collaboration between KAUST and the Salk Institute explores innovative approaches to address age-related diseases and organ regeneration, with potential long-term impacts on healthcare in the region.
KAUST alumnus Ramy M. Qaisi (Ph.D. '16) has been appointed as the vice dean for scientific research and sustainable development at the University of Jeddah. Qaisi's Ph.D. research at KAUST focused on graphene as an exploratory material under Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain. Since joining the University of Jeddah in 2017, he has also co-founded the Department of Science and Technology there. Why it matters: This appointment highlights KAUST's role in developing research leadership within Saudi Arabia's expanding higher education system.
KAUST's Imaging and Characterization Core Lab (IAC) co-hosted a materials science optical microscopy workshop with Leica Microsystems. The workshop included hands-on training led by IAC staff scientist Ebtihaj Bukhari and Leica specialist Philippe Vignal. Researchers from KAUST, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), and Obeikan participated in the event. Why it matters: Such workshops contribute to developing local expertise in advanced materials science techniques, crucial for Saudi Arabia's industrial and research sectors.
KAUST Professor Mark Tester received the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation for his work on abiotic stress and crop productivity. His research aims to improve crop yields in challenging conditions, with a focus on salt-tolerant crops irrigated with seawater. The award ceremony will be held in Abu Dhabi on March 10. Why it matters: This award highlights the importance of agricultural research in the GCC region and KAUST's contributions to sustainable development through innovative plant science.
KAUST research scientist Dr. Ram Karan won two awards at the International Congress of Extremophiles 2018 for his work on extremozymes from Red Sea brine pools. His research focuses on understanding how life is possible under extreme conditions using culture-independent methods to evaluate the structure and function of polyextremophilic enzymes. Crystal structure analysis provided insights into how enzymes adapt to extreme conditions. Why it matters: This research provides insights into the possibilities of life in extreme conditions and has implications for astrobiology.
KAUST's Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) Core Lab has been accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ISO/IEC 17025. The accreditation confirms the lab's competence in performing calibrations with global quality standards. KAUST is the first university in the Kingdom and the GCC region to receive such recognition for oceanographic instrument calibration. Why it matters: This certification enhances the reliability of research data and positions KAUST as a leader in marine research infrastructure within the region.
KAUST and Elm, a digital solutions company owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), have signed an R&D cooperation agreement. The partnership aims to develop joint educational programs and events, building on previous collaborations such as hackathons focused on energy and smart city solutions in 2018. The agreement will support entrepreneurial training and the development of specialist skills. Why it matters: The partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering a knowledge-based economy and providing educational and employment opportunities for Saudi youth.
Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will host a workshop on using artificial intelligence to solve development problems. The workshop aims to bring together experts and practitioners to explore AI applications. It will focus on identifying opportunities for AI to address challenges in various sectors. Why it matters: This event signals growing interest in leveraging AI for social good and development across the Arab region.
KAUST alumni and students participated in the first MIT Hacking Medicine event in the Middle East, held in Riyadh at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University. The event, organized by the MIT-Ibn Khaldun Fellowship Alumni Society and sponsored by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, involved 100 participants working on healthcare, science, engineering, and business development problems. KAUST alumna Haleema Al Amri organized the University's participation, while KAUST alumna Ameerah Bokhari served as a mentor to participating teams. Why it matters: The event fosters collaboration and innovation in healthcare and technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia's focus on advancing these sectors through international partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Salim T. S. Al-Hassani from the University of Manchester presented at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about the contributions of Muslim civilization to science and engineering. The lecture highlighted inventions like early clocks from Muslim heritage, including Al-Jazari's elephant clock. Al-Hassani aims to address the neglect of non-European cultures' impact on humanity. Why it matters: The talk emphasizes the historical significance of Islamic contributions to science and technology, relevant for promoting STEM education and cultural awareness in the region.
In 2019, the McLaren Group attended KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program to discuss their extreme performance research partnership. McLaren representatives highlighted the importance of the partnership, providing access to KAUST's researchers and facilities while offering real-world applications for technologies. McLaren emphasized the need for continuous improvement in high-speed R&D to maintain a competitive edge. Why it matters: This partnership highlights KAUST's role in providing advanced research capabilities to cutting-edge industries, fostering innovation and practical application of research in demanding environments.
KAUST Assistant Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Derya Baran, was named as one of MIT Technology Review's 'Innovators Under 35 in the MENA region' in 2018. Baran and her team founded iyris, a startup developing transparent photovoltaic technology to turn windows into solar panels. The technology aims to enable energy-efficient buildings by generating electricity and blocking heat. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation in sustainable energy and showcases the potential of advanced materials research for addressing regional environmental challenges.
KAUST Associate Professor Taous-Meriem Laleg-Kirati was a finalist in the academic of distinction category at the Leadership Excellence for Women Awards & Symposium (LEWAS) in Bahrain in 2018. She was nominated by former KAUST researchers for her achievements in science and engineering and her advocacy for women in science. Laleg-Kirati's research at KAUST focuses on control engineering and signal processing with applications in solar energy, water desalination, and biomedicine. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the importance of female leadership and contributions in STEM fields within the GCC region.
KAUST alumnus Aftab Hussain, now a faculty member at the International Institute of Information Technology in Hyderabad, is working on flexible electronics for wearable devices. His research focuses on overcoming the rigidity of microprocessors and memory circuits by using materials like copper and polyimide. Hussain developed processes for creating stretchable metal spring structures applicable in thermotherapy, with published patents. Why it matters: This work demonstrates KAUST's role in fostering research that addresses key challenges in wearable technology, contributing to advancements in healthcare and micro-robotics.
KAUST Ph.D. student Amira Alazmi won the Nanoscale poster prize at the Royal Society of Chemistry Symposium 2018 in London for her work on cobalt ferrite/reduced graphene oxide composites as a T2 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. Her research focuses on understanding the synthesis of graphite oxide and reduced graphene oxide. Alazmi's work demonstrates the importance of selecting graphene oxide synthesis methods based on the intended application. Why it matters: This award recognizes the high-impact research being conducted at KAUST and highlights the importance of materials science in advancing medical imaging technologies.
Dr. Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, a research scientist at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center, won the 'Best Oral Presentation' award at the 2nd Global Conference and Expo on Applied Science, Engineering and Technology in Amsterdam. The award recognized Shahzad's research and presentation on the "Fallacy of Energy Efficiency of Desalination processes Comparison." He also delivered the opening ceremony speech during the conference. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to research in water desalination, a critical area for Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Elisabetta Fiacco won the Best Poster Prize at the Spetses Summer School 2018 on Chromatin and Metabolism for her research on the role of carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChRBP) during the onset of type 2 diabetes. Fiacco's research at KAUST, under Assistant Professor Antonio Adamo, uses human induced pluripotent stem cells to understand the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms dysregulated in type 2 diabetes. She also gave a 15-minute oral presentation on her work at the event, which gathered over 80 participants from top global universities. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contribution to cutting-edge research in regenerative medicine and the study of metabolic disorders prevalent in the region.
KAUST M.S./Ph.D. student Mohammad Alabdullah is researching crude oil conversion and catalyst formulation in the KAUST Catalysis Center under Professor Jorge Gascon. Alabdullah, a KFUPM graduate who previously worked at Saudi Aramco's R&D center, aims to develop innovative technology for industrial applications. He appreciates KAUST's state-of-the-art facilities and focus on real-world applications and plans to return to Saudi Aramco after his studies. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent for the petrochemical industry and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
KAUST's Laboratory of Stem Cells and Diseases, led by Assistant Professor Antonio Adamo, uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model diseases like diabetes. The lab employs a reprogramming technique to revert patient fibroblasts into iPSCs, enabling the study of disease progression in vitro. Adamo's research focuses on enzymes and disregulated transcriptional/epigenetic mechanisms to understand disease onset. Why it matters: This research contributes to regenerative medicine and offers insights into metabolic diseases relevant to the GCC region.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Carolina Euán received the Sylvia Esterby Presentation Award from the International Environmentrics Society (TIES) for her talk on a spatio-temporal model applied to drought data in Mexico. The research, conducted with KAUST Associate Professor Ying Sun, focuses on modeling dependence between processes observed in two categories, such as dry or rainy days. Euán joined KAUST in 2016 after completing her Ph.D. in statistics from the Research Center in Mathematics (CIMAT), Guanajuato, Mexico. Why it matters: This award recognizes the quality of environmental statistics research being conducted at KAUST and its applicability to understanding complex environmental phenomena in the region and beyond.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) is scheduled from January 13-24, featuring the theme of "TIME." The festival includes 12 keynote lectures from international experts, including a Nobel laureate, and explores topics like biological clocks, sleep, aging, and the universe. The program also offers workshops, exhibitions, and virtual reality experiences. Why it matters: Such science festivals can boost STEM engagement and knowledge dissemination within Saudi Arabia and internationally, aligning with KAUST's mission to promote scientific advancement.
KAUST Associate Professor Salim Al-Babili and his team have been awarded an approximately $5 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will support the development of strategies to combat the parasitic purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica), which threatens food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Al-Babili's project will focus on protecting pearl millet production through hormone-based soil cleansing, novel chemistries, and identifying genetic factors for resistance. Why it matters: This grant enables KAUST to contribute significantly to addressing food security challenges in Africa and the Middle East by tackling a pervasive parasitic plant, demonstrating the university's commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
The Robotics, Intelligent Systems, and Control (RISC) lab at KAUST is developing swarm robotics, enabling robots to work together on collaborative tasks with limited human supervision. RISC is using game theory to improve how robots make coordinated decisions in scenarios like engaging intruders or tracking oil spills. The lab is also researching programmable self-assembly for robot swarms. Why it matters: This research advances autonomous multi-agent systems for critical applications like search and rescue and environmental monitoring in the region.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Donal Bradley, currently the dean for science and engineering at the University of Oxford, as its new vice president for research. Bradley, a fellow of the Royal Society, has over 630 publications and a Google Scholar h-index of 125. He previously served as VP for research at Imperial College London and brings experience in technology development, including co-founding Cambridge Display Technology Ltd. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to attracting top international talent to drive its research and development efforts in science and engineering.
Two KAUST Ph.D. students participated in Junction 2018, a 48-hour international hackathon in Helsinki. One student, Yan Gong, was part of a winning team that addressed the "Adaptive Smart Heating" challenge. Another student, Torsten Hädrich, and his team designed a VR-based solution for healthcare using motion tracking to analyze patient motor skills. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's engagement in global technology innovation and the application of its research to real-world challenges in energy and healthcare.
KAUST Professors Atif Shamim and Osman Bakr received the King Prize for Honoring Inventors and the Gifted from KACST. Shamim was awarded for his real-time microwave sensing system that determines the proportion of water mixed in oil, enhancing production efficiency. Bakr won for his work on hybrid perovskite materials for optoelectronics and solar cell applications. Why it matters: The King Prize recognizes impactful innovations developed within Saudi Arabia, encouraging further advancements in key technological areas and highlighting KAUST's role in addressing national challenges.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Adrian Galilea is working at the Catalysis Center on sustainable production of chemicals from carbon dioxide. The research involves synthesizing a catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO2 to olefins and aromatics. The new material reportedly converts CO2 to these chemicals with high selectivity and productivity. Why it matters: Developing sustainable chemical production methods could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address climate change.
KAUST research scientist Dr. Maged Saad is working on unconventional methods for global food security within the Desert Agriculture Initiative. His research involves using selected strains of bacteria to increase salt tolerance and crop productivity in desert plants. Dr. Saad aims to convert this technology into a marketable product by securing intellectual property rights, testing prototypes with Saudi farmers, and establishing a startup. Why it matters: This research aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals to enhance local agricultural production and promote sustainable solutions for food security in arid environments.
KAUST Professor Husam Alshareef received the Kuwait Prize in Clean and Sustainable Energy Technologies on December 5. The award recognizes Alshareef's contributions to energy storage materials, including sodium and zinc ion batteries and supercapacitors. Alshareef's research group focuses on developing layered electrode materials through various synthesis techniques. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's growing role in sustainable energy research and the impact of Arab scientists in advancing energy storage technologies.
KAUST student Nawaf Alghamdi won a best poster prize at the XXIII International Conference on Chemical Reactors (CHEMREACTOR-23) in Ghent, Belgium. Alghamdi's poster focused on his research utilizing the stagnation-flow reactor concept to reduce catalytic problems to one dimension. His work is part of his research in the Clean Combustion Research Center, focusing on understanding the kinetics of catalytic processes. Why it matters: This award recognizes promising research at KAUST and highlights the university's contributions to advancements in chemical engineering and catalysis, with potential applications in industrial processes.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Donal Bradley as the new Vice President for Research, effective April 7, 2019, replacing Dr. Jean Frechet. Dr. Bradley was previously the Dean for Science and Engineering at Oxford University and has held positions at Imperial College London, with extensive experience in research administration. He is a distinguished scientist with over 630 publications and more than twenty-five patent families. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to attracting top international talent to lead its research initiatives and maintain its position as a leading science and technology university in the region.
KAUST Ph.D. student Matthias Müller won the Best Paper/Presentation Award at the 2nd International Workshop on Computer Vision for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for his paper on teaching UAVs to navigate a racecourse autonomously. The paper, "Teaching UAVs to Race: End to End Regression of Agile Controls in Simulation," details research on training a deep neural network to predict UAV controls from raw image data. The research uses imitation learning with data augmentation to allow for correction of navigation mistakes, outperforming state-of-the-art methods. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to computer vision and autonomous drone navigation, important areas for future applications in logistics, surveillance, and environmental monitoring in the region.
KAUST researchers in the Image and Video Understanding Lab are applying machine learning to computer vision for automated navigation, including self-driving cars and UAVs. They tested their algorithms on KAUST roads, aiming to replicate the brain's efficiency in tasks like activity and object recognition. The team is also exploring the possibility of creative algorithms that can transfer skills without direct training. Why it matters: This research contributes to the advancement of autonomous systems and explores the fundamental questions of replicating human intelligence in machines within the GCC region.