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General AI research publications from MBZUAI, KAUST, TII, QCRI, and other GCC institutions, including conference papers, journal articles, and preprints.
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KAUST · · Research Partnership
KAUST PhD student Amal Aboulhassan founded MaterialSolved, a startup created with support from the KAUST New Ventures Accelerator. The startup's focus area is not specified in the provided text. Why it matters: KAUST's efforts to translate research into startups highlights the increasing focus on commercializing academic innovation within the Kingdom.
KAUST Professor Jeff Shamma has been elected as a fellow of the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC). IFAC is a multinational federation dedicated to the advancement of control engineering. Shamma is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at KAUST. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to the field of control engineering and the university's growing international reputation.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
KAUST and FEI (likely referring to FEI Company, now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific) have established a new Center of Excellence. The center will be located at the KAUST Research & Technology Park on the KAUST campus. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's research capabilities and fosters innovation in science and technology within Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Discovery Professor Aranda's team has been researching coral adaptation to temperature and ocean acidification. The research is focused on the transgenerational aspect of this adaptation using controlled environments. The research has been ongoing for the past two years. Why it matters: Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms of climate resilience in corals is crucial for conservation efforts in the Red Sea and beyond.
This paper describes the QCRI-Columbia-NYUAD group's Egyptian Arabic-to-English statistical machine translation system submitted to the NIST OpenMT'2015 competition. The system used tools like 3arrib and MADAMIRA for processing and standardizing informal dialectal Arabic. The system was trained using phrase-based SMT with features such as operation sequence model, class-based language model and neural network joint model. Why it matters: The work demonstrates advances in machine translation for dialectal Arabic, a challenging but important area for regional communication and NLP research.
KAUST Professors Jean Frechet and Charlotte Hauser were elected as Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Both professors were inducted into the NAI in 2015. The NAI held a ceremony on April 15 in Washington, D.C. where the professors received their NAI medals. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty by NAI highlights the university's increasing role in fostering impactful research and innovation.
KAUST · · Infrastructure Research
KAUST held its second hackathon and third NVIDIA workshop. Attendees listened to lectures from international experts. Participants worked on porting their scientific applications to a GPU accelerator. Why it matters: Such events help build regional expertise in accelerated computing and attract international collaboration.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
KAUST has signed an agreement with the Aviation Investigation Bureau (AIB). The agreement was signed between AIB Director General Abdulelah O. Felemban and KAUST Director of the Core Labs Justin Mynar. The partnership aims to foster collaboration between the two entities. Why it matters: This agreement could lead to advancements in aviation safety and investigation techniques through shared research and resources.
Carlos Duarte, a professor of Marine Science at KAUST, discusses climate change adaptation and mitigation. He was interviewed outside the KAUST Museum of Science and Technology. The interview is part of a Frontiers Research Topic on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's focus on addressing climate change through scientific research and its engagement with international platforms like Frontiers.
KAUST · · Research Healthcare
KAUST researchers are studying the chemical signals in pearl millet that trigger the germination of Striga seeds, a parasitic plant. The research aims to understand the biological compounds involved in Striga infestation. The goal is to induce Striga germination without host plants, reducing Striga seed banks in infested soils. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestation can improve crop yields and food security, especially in regions relying on pearl millet.
KAUST · · Research Healthcare
KAUST researchers have determined the atomic 3D structure of a key protein involved in plant stress signaling using X-ray crystallography at the SOLEIL synchrotron in France. Postdoctoral fellow Umar Farook Shahul Hameed optimized a tiny crystal of the plant enzyme for over six months. The team used the EIGER 9M detector to capture the weak diffraction pattern from the crystal. Why it matters: Understanding the interactions between proteins that communicate plant stress could lead to engineering more stress-tolerant crops, enhancing food security.
A team of KAUST graduates at the Saudi Aramco Intelligent Systems Team designed and built a robotic crawler for visual and ultrasonic inspection of Aramco’s steel assets. The crawler, developed from 2012-2014, can wirelessly inspect curved surfaces for corrosion in hard-to-reach locations. The team won the Industry Glory Medal from the International Federation of Inventors Association in 2013 for this industry-first achievement. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in producing talent that contributes directly to Saudi Aramco's technological advancements in critical infrastructure inspection.
KAUST researchers created a flexible temperature array by drawing a resistor structure with a silver conductive ink pen on Post-it paper. The array functions as an artificial skin sensor. The device demonstrates a low-cost approach to wearable sensors. Why it matters: This research offers a path to scalable and accessible sensor technology for health monitoring and other applications in the region.
KAUST hosted the Advances in Uncertainty Quantification Methods, Algorithms and Applications conference (UQAW2016) in January 2016. The event featured 75 presentations and 20 invited speakers from various countries. Professor Raul Tempone presented research on computational approaches to fouling accumulation and wear degradation using stochastic differential equations. Why it matters: This work provides a new computational approach based on stochastic differential equations to predict fouling patterns of heat exchangers which can optimize maintenance operations and reduce engine shut-down periods.
KAUST students participated in a "Design and Build Your Own Robot" workshop as part of the University's 2016 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). Students were divided into teams to design, fabricate, and test robotic systems, covering mechanical design, electronics development, and embedded programming. The seven robots developed were then showcased in a competitive race during the annual WEP Science Fair. Why it matters: This hands-on experience in robotics provides students with practical skills and fosters interest in STEM fields, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST · · Research Partnership
The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) has hosted over 210 interns since 2014, offering research experience with faculty and facilities. Interns, typically in their baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate studies, stay between three and six months. Several interns, like Mariana Prazeres who researched the Hamilton Jacobi equation, have pursued further studies at KAUST. Why it matters: The VSRP program at KAUST serves as a pipeline for attracting international talent to Saudi Arabia and fostering interest in STEM fields.
KAUST · · Research Partnership
Faculty from KFUPM visited KAUST on November 25-26, 2015 to discuss potential research collaborations. Discussions focused on identifying common ground and actionable steps in areas like electrical engineering, modeling, and computer simulation. Participants highlighted potential opportunities for complementary work between the two institutions. Why it matters: Increased collaboration between leading Saudi universities like KAUST and KFUPM can enhance the Kingdom's research capabilities and innovation ecosystem.
KAUST · · Partnership Funding
KAUST's 2015 highlights included recognition as a catalyst for innovation, with its Entrepreneurship Center named a High Impact Program. Six KAUST-related companies were listed among the top 100 innovative startups by Forbes Middle East. KAUST also signed an agreement with Dow Chemical Company to expand facilities and collaborated with ICD on a Saudi-focused venture capital fund. Why it matters: This reflects KAUST's ongoing efforts to strengthen its role in Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy through entrepreneurship and industry partnerships.
KAUST · · Research Healthcare
Dr. Charlotte Hauser, a bioscience professor at KAUST, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The NAI recognized Hauser for her innovations impacting quality of life and economic development. Hauser's research focuses on smart nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications, including peptide-based nanostructures and 3-D bioprinting. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to innovative research in biomedicine and nanotechnology, potentially fostering further advancements in these fields within the region.
KAUST professor Nikos Hadjichristidis received the 2016 Macro Group U.K. Medal for Continued Outstanding Achievement in Polymer Science. This marks his third major award, following recognition from Japan (2007) and the American Chemical Society (2015). Hadjichristidis is known for creating unique macromolecular architectures and establishing a world-class Polymer Synthesis Laboratory at KAUST. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's contribution to advanced materials science and its role in fostering scientific expertise within Saudi Arabia.
A study analyzes spam content on trending hashtags on Saudi Twitter, finding that approximately 75% of the total generated content is spam. The paper assesses the performance of previous spam detection systems on a newly gathered dataset and proposes an updated manual classification algorithm to improve accuracy. Adapted features are used to build a new data-driven detection system to respond to spammers' evolving techniques. Why it matters: The high prevalence of spam in Arabic content on Twitter necessitates the development of adaptive detection techniques to maintain the quality and trustworthiness of online information in the region.
KAUST's Stochastic Numerics Research Group is developing methods for pricing European options. Their approach, detailed in an upcoming Journal of Computational Finance article, focuses on systematically tuning parameters to achieve accuracy while minimizing computational effort. The goal is to enable automated computation of fair prices for options contracts, similar to how insurance companies determine premiums. Why it matters: This research advances computational finance in the region, potentially improving risk management and investment strategies.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
A KAUST organic chemistry lab partnered with SABIC to explore using nanomaterials originally designed for biomedical applications as fillers in recyclable plastics. The collaboration allowed the lab to consider scalability and cost-effectiveness in their research. The partnership also helped to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the importance of industry-academia partnerships in translating research into practical applications and advancing sustainable materials.
KAUST researchers have developed a tin oxide (SnO2) Li-ion battery anode coated with hafnium oxide (HfO2) using atomic layer deposition. The HfO2 coating reduces volume changes in the SnO2 anode during charging and discharging, improving storage capacity by 56% and cycling stability. The technique is insensitive to HfO2 thickness, attributed to the amorphous structure and catalytic effect of hafnium. Why it matters: This research offers a promising approach to enhance Li-ion battery performance, which is crucial for advancing energy storage technologies in the region and globally.
KAUST · · Research Infrastructure
A hybrid desalination pilot plant combining adsorption and multi-effect distillation cycles is under construction at KAUST. The integration aims to improve water production yields by up to three times using the same heat resource. The project is funded by a 2013 OCRF grant and builds upon previous research with a solar-powered adsorption pilot plant. Why it matters: This initiative advances sustainable desalination technologies, crucial for water security in arid regions like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST researchers have conducted the first measurements of deep-sea corals in the Red Sea. They retrieved specimens of three different species at depths of 300-750 meters and temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. This discovery challenges the existing understanding that deep-sea corals are exclusive to cold-water environments. Why it matters: The research expands known ecosystem boundaries for deep-sea corals and demonstrates their resilience in warm, nutrient-poor waters, offering new insights into marine biodiversity and adaptation.
KAUST researchers developed a crystallization process for organic molecules with potential applications in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food. They produced "strained organic semiconductors," which can lead to high-performance, low-cost, flexible, and transparent electronic devices. The team combined X-ray beams with high-speed cameras to record the crystallization process, revealing that quick evaporation and nanoscale thinness play a role in producing ideal crystal lattices. Why it matters: This new method offers unprecedented control over crystal formation, potentially revolutionizing the production of plastic electronics and impacting other industries relying on specific crystal structures.
KAUST · · Research Partnership
KAUST collaborated with NASA's Langley Research Center to launch six weather balloons from KAUST's Coastal & Marine Laboratory, reaching an altitude of 35 kilometers. The balloons were equipped with instruments to measure meteorological properties and characterize the optical properties of aerosols, including a Compact Optical Backscatter Aerosol Detector (COBALD). The research focuses on understanding the impact of dust aerosols on the Arabian Peninsula, including their effects on climate, air quality, and solar energy. Why it matters: This collaboration advances understanding of atmospheric aerosols in the region, with implications for climate modeling, solar energy efficiency, and Red Sea ecosystems.
KAUST researchers studied quantum dot (QD) solar cells, finding that QD size significantly impacts electron injection efficiency. Using femtosecond broadband transient absorption spectroscopy, they examined charge transfer between QDs and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). They demonstrated that smaller QDs with a bandgap larger than 1 eV facilitate electron transfer to PCBM upon light absorption. Why it matters: This work provides insights into optimizing QD solar cell design by tuning electron injection through QD size, potentially leading to more efficient and low-cost photovoltaic technologies.
KAUST's Spring Seed Fund Gala recognized three winning teams from its spring funding round. The winning projects include "I3-Waste CO2 to Commercial Products," "ONCOGENOMICS - Highly Accurate Test for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer," and "ZAD - Microbes to improve agriculture under drought, heat and salinity." The Seed Fund aims to empower faculty, researchers, and students to turn their ideas into successful businesses, providing the Kingdom with innovative startups and jobs. Why it matters: This KAUST Seed Fund supports promising research with commercial potential, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST · · Research Healthcare
KAUST researchers have developed a saliva-powered microbial fuel cell (MFC) that generates electricity using electrogenic bacteria to consume waste and release electrons. The micro-MFC uses graphene as an anode and an air cathode, achieving high current densities (1190 A m-3). The MFC produced 40 times more power than through the use of a carbon cloth anode. Why it matters: This technology offers a novel way to power lab-on-chip or portable diagnostic devices, particularly in remote or dangerous areas, and may offer alternatives to energy-intensive water purification technologies.
KAUST · · Funding Partnership
KAUST hosted the 2015 Arabian Tech Tour, a regional version of an international event for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The event featured 50 early-stage companies from 15 countries pitching to over 100 representatives from global investment and venture capital firms. Total assets under management of attending investors were estimated at around $10 billion. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation, attracting knowledge-based industries to Saudi Arabia, and creating high-value jobs in the Kingdom.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
KAUST's Industry Engagement Office (IEO) actively recruits partner companies to establish a presence on campus within the Research and Technology Park. The IEO assists companies like SABIC in setting up research centers, identifying research areas, and drafting proposals. The office also connects KAUST faculty with industry partners by assessing research interests and viable business models. Why it matters: This fosters collaboration and translates research into tangible business value, strengthening KAUST's role in regional innovation.
KAUST · · Infrastructure Research
KAUST's Shaheen XC40 supercomputer was ranked as the seventh fastest globally on the TOP500 list in July 2015, achieving over 5.5 petaflops per second using nearly 200,000 processing cores. The system includes 17.6 petabytes of storage and 790 terabytes of memory, succeeding the previous Shaheen Blue Gene/P system. Saudi institutions like KFUPM, KSU, Saudi Aramco and SABIC leverage KAUST's supercomputing for research and development. Why it matters: This ranking highlights KAUST's commitment to providing high-performance computing resources in Saudi Arabia, supporting the nation's transition to a knowledge-based economy and advancing research across various sectors.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
Ma’aden has joined the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) as a strategic partner. This agreement provides Ma'aden access to KAUST's research, technologies, and talent pool. The partnership aims to address industrial challenges such as water scarcity, sustainability, and energy efficiency in remote areas across the Kingdom. Why it matters: This collaboration can drive innovation in the Saudi mining industry by leveraging KAUST's research capabilities to develop solutions tailored to the region's specific challenges.
KAUST · · Infrastructure Research
KAUST's New Energy Oasis (NEO) hosted an open day on May 7 to showcase its renewable energy technologies. The event featured guided tours of the NEO site, where 11 international technology providers are testing renewable energy solutions. The technologies on display included photovoltaic (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP), and dust mitigation technologies. Why it matters: This initiative helps identify and implement the most appropriate renewable energy technologies for Saudi Arabia, addressing the Kingdom's growing energy demands.
KAUST · · Research Partnership
KAUST and the Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism (CEM) at UC Irvine have formed a partnership to advance epigenetics research, focusing on the interplay between genes and metabolism. The collaboration involves researchers from both institutions, including Professors Valerio Orlando and Pierre J. Magistretti from KAUST, and Professors Paolo Sassone-Corsi and Emiliana Borrelli from UCI. The partnership will include an exchange program for students, post-doctoral fellows, and sabbatical professors, as well as joint KAUST-UC Irvine conferences. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's research capabilities in fundamental cellular processes and positions the institution at the forefront of epigenetics research in the region.
KAUST · · Research Healthcare
KAUST faculty member Enrico Traversa is researching nanostructured materials for sustainable development in energy, environment, healthcare, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). His work focuses on developing next-generation SOFCs based on chemically stable proton-conducting electrolytes to reduce operating temperatures. Traversa also develops scaffold biomaterials for tissue regeneration, aiming to create heart tissue using patient-derived stem cells. Why it matters: This research contributes to KAUST's focus on energy, water, environment and food, with potential for advancements in clean energy and regenerative medicine.
Four KAUST researchers were named in the "Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researchers 2014." The researchers are Jean M.J. Frechet (Chemistry), Victor M. Calo (Computer Science), Mohamed Eddaoudi (Chemistry), and Heribert Hirt (Plant & Animal Science). The list recognizes researchers who rank in the top 1% most cited for their subject field and year of publication. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to impactful scientific research and its standing within the global research community.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
The University of Sydney and KAUST jointly hosted a symposium on April 10 focused on enhancing research collaborations in materials, energy, and water. The symposium featured presentations from faculty at both universities, including Prof. Karl Leo and Prof. Archie Johnston. A poster session highlighted the work of over 30 students and researchers, with Dr. Osama Shekhah winning for his work on MOF thin films. Why it matters: Such collaborations between Saudi and international universities help to foster knowledge exchange and address global challenges in key areas like materials science and sustainable energy.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
Bill Gates visited KAUST on June 24, 2014, to explore collaborative opportunities focused on reducing hunger, malnutrition, and water scarcity. He participated in a roundtable discussion on agriculture research in arid conditions and visited KAUST laboratories to observe innovative water-efficient food production systems. Gates expressed optimism that KAUST's research would benefit the world's poorest populations. Why it matters: This visit highlights the potential for partnerships between philanthropic organizations and research institutions in the GCC region to address global challenges in food and water security.
KAUST researchers reviewed 570 papers on alcohol combustion dating back to the early 1900s, synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying gaps in the literature. They developed a model that simulates alcohol combustion, gathering specific aspects to better understand combustion in engines. The study revealed properties of alcohol fuels, including high resistance to autoignition and decreased particulate matter emissions, but also increased emissions of carcinogenic aldehydes. Why it matters: This comprehensive study provides valuable insights for designing more efficient internal combustion engines operating on alcohols and addresses implications for air quality regulations.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
KAUST and Technische Universität München (TUM) have been collaborating on research since 2009, focusing on chemistry, computer science, and mathematics. TUM President Prof. Herrmann visited KAUST on March 25, discussing the KAUST-TUM collaboration in high-performance computing and catalytic chemistry. He emphasized the need for an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary approach to solve complex scientific problems, highlighting trust and complementary expertise as key to the partnership's success. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens research capabilities in Saudi Arabia, promoting innovation and addressing complex challenges through international collaboration in key areas like computing and chemistry.
KAUST · · Partnership Research
KAUST is expanding its REVelate corporate innovation workshop into a larger "Innovation Academy" program. The program targets Saudi-based companies, nonprofits, and government organizations. It aims to develop novel processes, design thinking, and intrapreneurship to benefit their missions and support the Kingdom's knowledge economy. Why it matters: The expansion signals KAUST's growing role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia's corporate and public sectors.
KAUST has received a $1.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation to research methods for eradicating the Striga hermonthica weed, also known as "witchweed". This parasitic plant devastates crops in sub-Saharan Africa by depleting water and nutrients, with the project led by Dr. Salim Al-Babili focusing on pearl millet. The research will involve collaboration with universities in Burkina Faso, Japan, and the Netherlands to identify biological compounds and low-cost methods for Striga control. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestations is crucial for enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Africa and the Middle East who rely on crops like pearl millet.
KAUST · · Innovation Partnership
The 7th annual Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) was held in Riyadh, gathering experts including KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau. The forum focused on building competitive partnerships and developing world-class infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. President Chameau discussed fostering entrepreneurship, leveraging technology, and the role of research universities in innovation ecosystems, highlighting KAUST's contributions. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's ongoing efforts to build an innovation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and its role in translating research into commercial ventures.
KAUST · · Research Partnership
KAUST Professor Boon Ooi, Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura from UCSB, and KACST researchers are collaborating on laser-based solid-state lighting (SSL) through a 2014 tripartite agreement. Their research focuses on SSL, which has the potential to be even more energy-efficient than existing LED lighting by using semiconductor lasers. Nakamura, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014 for developing blue LEDs, spoke at KAUST about the potential of SSL to improve energy efficiency further. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to advance energy-efficient lighting technologies, leveraging Nobel-winning expertise to develop solutions that could significantly reduce global energy consumption.
KAUST · · Healthcare Research
KAUST researchers are exploring the link between nutrition and brain-energy metabolism to address cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Pierre Magistretti and Dr. Johannes le Coutre are collaborating on ways to merge brain-energy metabolism research into the field of nutrition. They published an article entitled “Goals in Nutrition Science 2015-2020” in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. Why it matters: This research could lead to nutritional interventions to hinder or prevent cognitive decline, offering a new approach beyond traditional drug treatments.
KAUST · · Partnership Innovation
Mark Crowell, KAUST's VP of Innovation and Economic Development, highlights the university's culture of innovation and its role in driving economic development. KAUST's strategically connected programs, like the Research & Technology Park and Innovation Fund, connect research to the world. Key industry partners such as SABIC and Saudi Aramco leverage KAUST's resources. Why it matters: KAUST's focus on innovation and partnerships signals its commitment to diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy and becoming a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
KAUST Professor Carlos M. Duarte was awarded the 2016 Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky Medal by the European Geosciences Union (EGU). The medal recognizes Duarte's outstanding contributions to biogeosciences as the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology. Duarte's research focuses on the impacts of global change in marine ecosystems. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contribution to global research in marine science and environmental sustainability, enhancing its reputation as a leading institution in these fields.