General AI research publications from MBZUAI, KAUST, TII, QCRI, and other GCC institutions, including conference papers, journal articles, and preprints.
The 2022 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) at KAUST, held from January 9-20, focused on 'Resilience' across sectors like food, water, energy, and health. The hybrid program featured keynote lectures and workshops, both virtual and physical, exploring stress events and adaptation strategies. Economist Jeffrey D. Sachs from Columbia University was the keynote speaker. Why it matters: Such programs foster knowledge exchange and collaboration, addressing critical challenges for Saudi Arabia's sustainable development goals.
KAUST held its 12th commencement ceremony, celebrating 234 Ph.D. and master's graduates. The graduating class included 93 Saudi Arabian students. The ceremony featured addresses from President Tony Chan, student speaker Dr. Antonia Sugar, and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al-Falih. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's research and development goals.
KAUST held its Research Open Week (KROW) showcasing science and engineering research with a focus on sustainability. The event included presentations, demonstrations, and discussions. VP of Research Donal Bradley highlighted the importance of KROW for the KAUST community and partners in the Kingdom, emphasizing collaborations across various focus areas. Why it matters: Such events foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, contributing to the advancement of research and development in Saudi Arabia's key sectors.
KAUST's Impact magazine highlights advancements in health, sustainability, and renewable energy. The third edition showcases research, education, and innovation translated to society, government, and industry. It covers health advances on pages 33 and 37, sustainability on page 20, and renewable energy on pages 17 and 18. Why it matters: The magazine demonstrates KAUST's role in fostering Saudi Arabia's innovation and research ecosystem through various engagements.
Researchers have reportedly developed an artificial intelligence system capable of deblurring photographs. This AI aims to enhance image clarity by using advanced algorithms to reconstruct sharper images from blurry inputs. The technology could significantly improve visual quality across various applications where image capture is prone to blur. Why it matters: This development contributes to the broader field of computer vision and image processing, offering potential applications in areas from surveillance to professional photography.
Five young researchers from KAUST participated in the virtual 70th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, which focused on interdisciplinarity. The KAUST participants included Ph.D. students, postdocs, and faculty member Nazek El-Atab. El-Atab's research focuses on smart memory and electronic devices, with applications in computing and sensing. Why it matters: KAUST's representation at this prestigious event highlights the university's commitment to fostering scientific collaboration and innovation among its researchers.
KAUST Professor Carlos Duarte presented a lecture on the rebound of global ecosystems following decreased human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duarte, a member of the Rapid Research Response Team (R3T), discussed evidence indicating the environment's capacity for recovery. He related these findings to the potential for positive change in addressing climate change. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's contribution to understanding the impact of human activity on ecosystems and potential solutions to climate change.
KAUST is gradually reopening its campus after a period of lockdown, following the Saudi government's lifting of the curfew. The reopening plan incorporates best practices learned from universities worldwide and considers the evolving higher education and research landscape. KAUST has implemented comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety procedures across various aspects of life on campus. Why it matters: This measured reopening signals a return to normalcy for research and academic activities at KAUST, while prioritizing the health and safety of its community.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Mahmoud Abdulhamid, a KAUST Ph.D. alumnus, works in the University's Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center. His Ph.D. involved a joint research project with Stanford University, resulting in publications and patent applications. Currently, he focuses on engineering polymeric materials under KAUST Assistant Professor Gyorgy Szekely. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing scientific talent in the region and fostering collaborations with leading international institutions in materials science.
KAUST Associate Professor Hakan Bagci has been recognized as a Senior Member of the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) for his work in computational electromagnetics. Bagci credits his research group at KAUST and the university's collaborative environment for his success. He received degrees from Bilkent University and the University of Illinois before joining KAUST in 2009. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing expertise in electromagnetics and related fields at KAUST, contributing to Saudi Arabia's research profile.
Wiebke Wackerow, a Ph.D. student in Chemical Science, came to KAUST from Germany in 2013 for an internship and stayed for her doctoral studies under Distinguished Professor Jean-Marie Basset in the Catalysis Center. Her research focuses on hydrocarbon activation via catalysis, designing single-site catalysts to investigate reaction mechanisms. Wackerow values the opportunities KAUST provides, including conference participation, technical training, and personal growth. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ability to attract and retain international talent in STEM fields, fostering advanced research in catalysis and contributing to industrial applications.
KAUST alumnus Dimitrios Kleftogiannis (Ph.D. '16) is now a cancer researcher at the University of Bergen, Norway, using bioinformatics to study liquid biopsies for cancer research. He transitioned from computer science to bioinformatics after his Ph.D. and was inspired by Prof. Mel Greaves at the Institute of Cancer Research in London. Why it matters: This highlights the impact of interdisciplinary training at KAUST and its alumni's contributions to applying AI and computational methods to advance healthcare research.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being utilized to generate and update detailed street maps directly from satellite imagery. This technology automates the identification and extraction of roads, buildings, and other geographical features, significantly reducing the manual effort traditionally required for cartography. It offers a solution for rapidly updating maps in dynamic urban environments and for mapping remote or previously uncharted areas. Why it matters: This advancement improves the accuracy and timeliness of geospatial data, essential for navigation, urban planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development globally.
KAUST Ph.D. student Raid AlRowais won the best paper award at the 11th International Meeting on Advances in ThermoFluids in Japan. The conference took place at Kyushu University. AlRowais received the award from Professor Takahiko Miyazaki. Why it matters: This award recognizes promising research and talent at KAUST in thermal and fluid sciences.
KAUST's 2020 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) focused on 'Personalized Medicine' with lectures and workshops from international and local speakers. Topics ranged from health management technology to digital health, encompassing various disciplines at KAUST. HRH Dr. Maha Bint Mishari AlSaud and Rene Frydman were among the keynote speakers. Why it matters: The program highlights KAUST's commitment to advancing precision medicine and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare innovation within the Kingdom.
Kuwait has launched a Robotics and AI Festival, aiming to foster interest and engagement in advanced technological fields within the country. The festival serves as a platform for showcasing innovations, promoting learning, and facilitating collaboration among participants and stakeholders. This initiative is designed to contribute to the development of local capabilities in robotics and artificial intelligence. Why it matters: This event helps cultivate a local talent pool and raise public awareness of AI and robotics, supporting Kuwait's broader technology adoption goals.
An artificial intelligence system has been developed that can reconstruct human faces from images affected by motion blur. This technology leverages advanced algorithms to reverse the blurring effect, enhancing facial clarity and detail. The system aims to improve image quality in various applications where motion artifacts are common. Why it matters: This advancement holds significant potential for applications in forensics, security surveillance, and improving consumer photography by recovering lost detail in images.
The Symposium on Data Mining and Applications (SDMA 2014) was organized by MEGDAM to foster collaboration among data mining and machine learning researchers in Saudi Arabia, GCC countries, and the Middle East. The symposium covered areas such as statistics, computational intelligence, pattern recognition, databases, Big Data Mining and visualization. Acceptance was based on originality, significance and quality of contribution.
Ahmad Alabdulghani, a KAUST master's student in Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering, is studying fluid flow mechanisms in heterogeneous media under the supervision of Professor Hussein Hoteit. Alabdulghani is a member of the Advanced Reservoir Modeling and Simulation (ARMS) research group at ANPERC. He previously worked at Saudi Aramco's EXPEC Advanced Research Center and aims to pursue a doctorate at KAUST. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent for the energy sector and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
Bruno Antonio Pulido Ponce de León, a Mexican Ph.D. student, joined KAUST in August 2014 to study environmental science and engineering. His research focuses on the sustainable design of high-performance polymeric membranes for use in chemical separation processes, under the supervision of Professor Suzana Nunes. He also contributed to campus life through language exchange, the Green Group, residential assistance, and TEDxKAUST. Why it matters: KAUST's ability to attract international talent for advanced research underscores its role as a hub for scientific innovation and sustainable technology development in the region.
KAUST alumna Maryam Al-Taher, who received her master's degree in chemical science from KAUST in 2015, now works as a laboratory scientist at Saudi Aramco's Fuel Technology Research Department. Her work focuses on increasing fuel efficiency and reducing harmful emissions. Al-Taher credits KAUST's unique atmosphere, research diversity, and top-notch laboratories for her positive experience. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing talent for key sectors like energy and sustainability within Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Ph.D. student Ghulam Qadir received a best poster award at the GRASPA 2019 conference in Italy. The winning poster, titled "Estimation of Spatial Deformation for Non-stationary Processes via Variogram Alignment," was based on Qadir's Ph.D. research project. The research focuses on developing covariance models for multivariate nonstationary random fields with applications to environmental data. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to environmental statistics and highlights the university's commitment to advancing research in this area.
KAUST alumna Nadia Kouraytem (M.S. '13, Ph.D. '16) is now a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah, working on laser-based metal additive manufacturing. During her time at KAUST, she worked in the High-Speed Fluids Imaging Laboratory under Professor Sigurdur Thoroddsen, using high-speed imaging to study fluid dynamics. Her research included investigations of metal sphere impacts on granular media, microbead formation during vapor explosion, and vapor explosions from droplet impacts on heated oil. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training researchers who are contributing to advanced manufacturing techniques with potential industrial applications.
KAUST alumna Bedour Al-Sabban, who received her master's ('12) and Ph.D. ('16) from KAUST, currently works as a senior researcher in the Chemical Catalysts Department at SABIC. She credits KAUST for preparing her for work in industry and providing access to diverse perspectives and international collaborations. In 2015, she won second place in the Leadership Excellence for Women Awards & Symposium during a conference in Bahrain. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent for key industrial positions and fostering leadership in STEM fields.
Ainur Sharip, a Ph.D. student from Kazakhstan, joined KAUST in 2017, first pursuing her master's degree in bioscience under Associate Professor Jürgen Kosel, focusing on stem cell behavior on magnetic iron nanowire substrates. She then joined Professor Stefan Arold's Structural Biology and Engineering research group, developing a technology platform for the rapid biosynthesis of high-value natural products and enzymes. Sharip highlights KAUST's excellent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to attend international conferences as key factors in her research experience. Why it matters: Showcasing student success stories at KAUST can attract more international talent to the university and highlight the research opportunities available.
KAUST alumnus Faisal Nawab (M.S. '11) is now an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at UC Santa Cruz. His master's thesis at KAUST focused on building wireless network infrastructure, supervised by KAUST Associate Professor Basem Shihada. Nawab's current research involves developing systems for rapid data analysis in cloud computing and Big Data. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training researchers who are now contributing to advancements in computing and data analysis globally.
Undergraduate students from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in Chengdu visited KAUST for a one-week Spring Camp in March. The students, chosen from the top 10 percent of UESTC undergraduates, toured the CEMSE division. The UESTC students shared a presentation about their KAUST experience at the conclusion of the trip. Why it matters: The visit highlights KAUST's ongoing efforts to attract international talent and foster collaborations with leading universities.
KAUST alumna Suzan Katamoura, who graduated in 2013 with a master's in computer networks, now works at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. She is currently a researcher and director of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Unit in the Atomic Energy Sector. Katamoura's research at KAUST focused on renewable energy data, specifically solar energy resource estimation. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training professionals who contribute to Saudi Arabia's strategic energy initiatives, including both renewable and nuclear energy sectors.
Qana A. Al-Sulami, a KAUST chemical science Ph.D. graduate (2016), is now an assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). She recalls her time at KAUST fondly, citing the state-of-the-art research environment and diverse community. Al-Sulami emphasizes the value of academic relationships fostered at KAUST and their impact on her career and contributions to the Ministry of Education. Why it matters: The article highlights KAUST's role in developing Saudi talent in STEM fields and fostering connections between KAUST alumni and Saudi institutions.
KAUST alumnus Chuan Xia (M.S. '14, Ph.D. '18) is now a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard, researching CO2 capture and conversion into valuable chemicals using renewable electricity. His Ph.D. research at KAUST, under Professor Husam Alshareef, focused on ternary metal sulfides and selenides for energy storage. Xia credits KAUST with providing training in communication, teamwork, and leadership that facilitated his transition to Harvard. Why it matters: The success of KAUST alumni in fields like sustainable energy highlights the university's growing role in addressing global challenges and fostering international research collaboration.
KAUST alumnus Hassan Al-Ismail (M.S. '14) leads a team at Saudi Aramco implementing vibrational wave modeling of 2D data. He returned to Saudi Arabia to work for Saudi Aramco after receiving his bachelor's degree and was later sponsored by the company to study at KAUST. Al-Ismail also emphasized the value of his time at KAUST for academic and personal growth. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing talent for key industries in Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas relevant to energy and resource management.
Dr. Paolo Sassone-Corsi from UC Irvine spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about circadian rhythms. He discussed how modern lifestyles disrupt our internal clocks, impacting our health and metabolism. Studies show that the timing of food intake affects weight gain, with eating late at night causing metabolic stress. Why it matters: This highlights the importance of circadian rhythm research for understanding and mitigating the health consequences of modern lifestyles in the region.
Giulio Tononi, director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness, lectured at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program on the topic of consciousness. He discussed how consciousness is not just about the environment, citing examples such as dreaming and brain activity in vegetative states. Tononi proposed five axioms to better understand consciousness: intrinsic existence, composition, information, integration, and exclusion. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's engagement with fundamental questions in neuroscience and cognitive science, showcasing the university's interdisciplinary approach to research.
John Ellis, a theoretical physicist from King's College London, spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about understanding how the universe works. He discussed the Standard Model of particle physics, highlighting fundamental particles and forces. He emphasized the crucial role of the Higgs boson in enabling the formation of atoms and the possibility of life. Why it matters: Understanding fundamental physics is crucial for technological advancement and provides a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos, inspiring future generations of scientists in the region.
Nobel laureate Dr. Michael Young from Rockefeller University presented his research on circadian rhythms at KAUST as part of the 2019 Winter Enrichment Program. His work on Drosophila genes has significantly advanced the understanding of circadian rhythm mechanisms. Young's research identified nine genes that regulate circadian rhythmicity at the molecular level, influencing thousands of gene expression patterns. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in hosting leading international researchers and fostering scientific exchange on fundamental biological processes.
KAUST Ph.D. student Amal Mohammed Alamri was a finalist in the July 2018 IEEE nanoArt Competition, part of the 18th IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology in Cork, Ireland. Her work, displayed at University College Cork and Crawford/CIT Gallery, involved stacking n-type MoS2 single crystal with p-type perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystal. Alamri's IEEE Nano paper entitled "Photonic Single Crystal Heterostructures based on Perovskites/Molybdenum disulfide" was also presented at the conference. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's contribution to nanotechnology research and its students' participation in international scientific events.
Nine KAUST faculty members were included in the Clarivate Analytics 2018 Highly Cited Researchers list. The list recognizes leading researchers in science and social science. Inclusion signifies the high value and respect of the researcher's work. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's commitment to research excellence and attracting top talent to the Kingdom.
Dr. Gustav Paulay from the Florida Museum of Natural History spoke at KAUST in 2018 about the surprisingly low level of knowledge about marine biodiversity. He noted that only a fraction of the millions of marine species are currently known and described. Paulay highlighted the effectiveness of large-scale biodiversity surveys and the use of technology like mass sampling and DNA analysis to speed up species identification. Why it matters: Understanding and documenting marine biodiversity is crucial for conservation efforts and for leveraging the potential of marine resources in the Red Sea region and beyond.
Shark biologist Dr. Greg Skomal gave a keynote lecture at KAUST's Enrichment in the Fall 2018, discussing how little is known about sharks. Skomal highlighted that 49% of shark species are data deficient in basic information. He also discussed using acoustic tags and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) like the REMUS SharkCam to study shark behavior. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in hosting discussions on marine biology and the application of advanced technology in ecological research.
KAUST alumnus Guy Olivier Ngongang Ndjawa (Ph.D. '16) is now a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University, specializing in organic and polymer electronics. His Ph.D. research at KAUST focused on thin film organic solar cells, utilizing advanced vacuum processing and spectroscopy tools. He recalls being drawn to KAUST's vision and commitment to becoming a leading scientific research destination. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing international scientific talent and contributing to advancements in renewable energy research.
KAUST Ph.D. student Matt Tietbohl attended the 11th International Conference on the Applications of Stable Isotope Techniques to Ecological Studies (IsoEcol) in Chile. Over 250 scientists from 34 countries participated in talks and workshops focused on stable isotope analysis in ecology. Researchers presented findings on diverse applications, from human nutrition to the origins of bodies at Stonehenge. Why it matters: Although not directly AI-related, KAUST's participation in international scientific conferences highlights its multidisciplinary research environment and global engagement.
Rayan Tarek Alamoudi, a KAUST master's student in biological sciences, is researching under Professor Pierre Magistretti. Alamoudi believes his bioscience studies at KAUST will open opportunities aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Interacting with diverse fellow students has enriched his educational experience at KAUST. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent in scientific research and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for scientific advancement.
Ghada Ahmed, a fourth-year Ph.D. student at KAUST's Solar Center, researches semiconductor nanocrystals under the supervision of Assistant Professor Omar Mohammed. Her work focuses on the colloidal synthesis of quantum dots and nanocrystals with controlled sizes and shapes. She aims to understand photogenerated charge carrier dynamics and reaction mechanisms to optimize energy-efficient devices. Why it matters: This research contributes to advancements in materials science and renewable energy technologies within the Kingdom.
KAUST held its ninth academic Convocation ceremony on September 4, welcoming a new cohort of master's and Ph.D. students, half of whom are international and over a third female. President Tony Chan addressed the students, emphasizing the university's vision, while student speaker Kenneth Langley encouraged collaboration. Faculty speaker J. Carlos Santamarina highlighted the importance of connections within the research community. Why it matters: As KAUST grows, these events are vital for shaping a collaborative environment and promoting the university's strategic vision for research and education in Saudi Arabia.
Three KAUST students attended the 5th International Marine Conservation Congress in Malaysia, which brought together over 650 attendees. The conference focused on translating marine conservation science into real action, with participants discussing topics like the impact of above-water marine species and sustainable fishing practices. KAUST students presented their work and shared insights from the event. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's commitment to addressing critical ocean conservation challenges and fostering international collaboration in marine science.
KAUST alumna Samah Mohamed (Ph.D. '18, chemical engineering) specialized in combustion research at the Clean Combustion Research Center. She chose KAUST for its resources and expert faculty in engineering thermodynamics and chemical reactions. Mohamed aims to continue in academia and scientific research, as well as return to teaching. Why it matters: KAUST's focus on attracting and developing regional talent in strategically important fields like clean combustion could help address environmental challenges in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.
The KAUST Amateur Astronomy Association (AAA), led by Ph.D. student Daniel Corzo, uses telescopes to observe the night sky. The group organizes events to view celestial objects like Saturn and the Milky Way from locations with low light pollution. Corzo's interest in astronomy was sparked by visits to NASA's Johnson Space Center and science fiction literature. Why it matters: Such initiatives promote scientific curiosity and engagement within the KAUST community, potentially inspiring further interest in STEM fields in Saudi Arabia.
Four Saudi students mentored by KAUST Professor Kuo-Wei Huang won one silver and three bronze medals at the 50th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2018) in Prague. Bader Almulhim won a silver medal, while Abdulrahman Aledrees, Ali Alasmari and Osama Alali won bronze. Almulhim and Alasmari were accepted to the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) and will study in the U.S. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing scientific talent and promoting STEM education in Saudi Arabia, though the direct AI relevance is limited.
The KAUST Saudi Arabian Alumni Chapter met to discuss future plans, with a focus on increasing engagement and creating a 'Community for Life'. The chapter caters to M.S. and Ph.D. graduates living and working in Saudi Arabia, representing around 51% of the total alumni. Key initiatives include leveraging the online network Rapport and organizing on-campus and regional meetings. Why it matters: Strengthening alumni networks is crucial for KAUST's long-term growth and influence within Saudi Arabia's evolving research and technology landscape.
Nawaf Alghamdi, a KAUST M.S./Ph.D. student in chemical engineering, researches catalysis for upgrading low-value feedstocks. He was awarded a Grants Program for Universities and Research Centers (GPURC) grant from KACST and won first place at the Middle Eastern Process Engineering Conference & Exhibition technical debates. Alghamdi aims to use his time at KAUST to grow both personally and professionally, and to build a competitive research portfolio. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's support for student research and highlights opportunities for students in science and engineering.