Pages
Pages
Winter 2022/23
Welcome
Whether you are opening your first edition or your seventh edition of KAUST Impact welcome to the magazine that celebrates some of the latest fruits that have evolved from KAUST’s pioneering research, education and innovation to society, government and industry. am personally celebrating five years at the helm of this institution, which, as the articles in this issue demonstrate, has placed itself at the heart of Saudi Vision 2030 and the service of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
scientific and technological contributions to that end, are still coming. Other pages (17 – 18 & 23 – 33) show how KAUST has become a face to the outside world of deep tech in Saudi Arabia, while our featured section, Research for National Priorities, illustrates in the categories of water, health, agriculture, climate, and telecommunications some of the research basis for this reputation. Our innovation is also on display on pages 7 – 16, while some of the recognition that our faculty, students, and alumni have received as a result is described on pages 34 – 38.
For more on the science behind the impact, try KAUST Discovery. discovery.kaust.edu.sa
For more on the people behind the discovery, try KAUST Insight. insight.kaust.edu.sa
We are excited to have recently hosted the inaugural Global Sustainable Development Congress in cooperation with Times Higher Education, as described on pages 19 & 20. Several fellow Saudi university presidents and several ministers and deputy ministers joined nearly 1400 delegates from 267 universities and 67 countries, with many more joining virtually. The praise and expressions of gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s campaigns for a sustainable world, particularly its
Each feature article in KAUST Impact is accompanied by an external stakeholder quotation called out from the text within green angle brackets. Even if you have only ten minutes to spend with this issue, you can read the praise that 28 such stakeholders, from princes to guest researchers, have given for our efforts and accomplishments –all made possible by the dynamism of a Kingdom in pursuit of Vision 2030 and a university catalyst rapidly becoming a global destination.
Tony F. Chan, President of KAUST
to KAUST Impact –featuring stories of how KAUST partners to create a national R&D ecosystem, leveraging its labs, faculty and graduates. impact.kaust.edu.sa
2,862 alumni
188 faculty
2,775 total employees
1,530 current students
398 research scientists
565 postdocs
8,460 community members (from 115 countries)
KAUST has taken a leap forward in space exploration through its recent partnership with Spire Global. In a project led by Professor Matthew McCabe, director of the KAUST Climate and Livability Initiative, the university successfully launched a CubeSat satellite on the SpaceX Transporter-7 mission from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in the United States in April 2023. The 6U satellite is equipped with a hyperspectral imager, which
“We are excited to announce the launch of the first satellite developed by Spire for KAUST, to collect high-quality and highresolution data. With Spire space services, we’re here to simplify space for all.”
Frank Frulio, General Manager and Global Head of Space Services, Spire Globalcan collect high-quality and high-resolution images anywhere on Earth. The satellite also includes a global navigation satellite system reflectometer (GNSS-R), which can be used to monitor soil moisture and vegetation changes. The satellite will directly support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective of enhancing and restoring the region’s ecosystems by gathering data across a range of ecosystems, helping the Kingdom observe, characterize and manage its unique natural resources.
As a collaborative partner, Spire provided a seamless pathway to help deliver this CubeSat mission. A provider of “space-as-a-service”, Spire offers a range of expertise that can fasttrack satellite design, assembly, and launch facilitation, and guide the commissioning and testing of sensors once the satellite is in orbit. This model has allowed KAUST to deploy and scale its own satellite constellation at maximum speed and with minimum risk.
The project reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing footprint in the space economy, with the development of its own space industry a part of
a broader economic diversification strategy. In December 2018, the government established a Commission – renamed the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) in June 2023 – to accelerate economic diversification, enhance research and development, and increase private sector participation in the space industry. Since its founding, the SSA has joined the International Astronautical Federation, launched scholarship programs in space sciences and aerospace engineering, and signed agreements with Airbus and other major space technology companies. Recently, two Saudi astronauts, including the first Saudi female, were part of a mission to the International Space Station.
Through this satellite mission, KAUST aims to encourage future generations of scientists and engineers to participate in Saudi Arabia’s growing space exploration efforts. Professor McCabe’s team is currently analyzing the first set of images received from the satellite. While the satellite will have a primary focus on the Arabian Peninsula, it is capable of gathering images from around the world, allowing international collaborators to answer a range of environmental questions. Although Saudi Arabia is a new entrant in the field, the opportunity for investment in projects such as this could help position it as a global innovator in Earth observation and space exploration.
“This is the type of mission that we want to be able to see into the future: building innovation and technology in the Kingdom, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and facilitating further space exploration from Saudi Arabia.”
MATTHEW MCCABE Professor of Remote Sensing and Water Security
The university funds a wide range of startups and spin-ins through the KAUST Innovation Ventures program, offering both investment and collaboration to accelerate their work. Over the last year, many of these companies have been recognized for innovation in their fields, helping them to attract greater private investment and international recognition.
KAUST spin-in Wayakit reduces water and energy waste through its natural cleaning and disinfection products. The team of researchers and scientists produces innovative products that are effective, safe and environmentally friendly. In May 2023, Wayakit secured Saudia and Saudi Ground Services as clients, having gained certifications in the aviation sector. These companies will use Wayakit products to clean the interior of their aircraft.
Terraxy, a KAUST-funded spin-off, provides low-cost and eco-friendly solutions for growing plants in deserts, a top priority for the Saudi Green Initiative. In March 2023, the company was among 10 entities awarded a tranche of $1 million in funding through KAUST’s TAQADAM accelerator program, one of the Middle East’s longest-running startup funding schemes. To date, 150 startup teams have graduated from TAQADAM, raising more than $58 million in funding.
The company’s leading technologies are SandX and CarboSoil. SandX is a patented plastic-free mulching technology that reduces water evaporation in topsoil by up to 80%, dramatically enhancing seedling survivability and plant health. CarboSoil is derived from organic waste and engineered specifically for the region’s alkaline sandy soils. The technology significantly boosts the nutrient-holding capacity of sandy soils, while also diverting organic landfilling and locking away carbon in the soil for thousands of years.
In April 2023, KAUST startup Mirai Solar attracted $1.4 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop and commercialize its multifunctional photovoltaic screen technology. Mirai Solar expects this financing to support the development of agrivoltaic systems and integrated photovoltaics that control light transmission, converting blocked light into electricity to reduce costs and the carbon footprint of food production and buildings.
“We are proud to invest in a startup we’ve been following for years, one that is working on a very high-impact technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing computational challenges across industries.”
In January 2023, KAUST quantum computing spin-in PASQAL achieved $108 million in Series B funding from investors, including Wa’ed, the venture capital arm of Aramco, and the European Innovation Council Fund. It will use the capital to further develop its neutral atoms quantum computing platform, which it believes could provide major commercial advantages over classical computers by 2024.
KAUST startup Uvera is helping to boost food security in Saudi Arabia. In January 2023, Uvera was named a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree for its product Aurora, a patentpending, smart artificial intelligence-ofthings device. Within 30 seconds, Aurora can increase the shelf life of fresh foods by up to 97% on average without the use of chemicals. The artificial intelligence-powered app helps track the food inventory of households across the country, predict spoilage occurrence and send spoilage proximity notifications to users. Uvera expects the use of its app to help reduce food waste in Saudi Arabia by 50% per year by 2030.
Nicklas Bergman, Fund Advisor, European Innovation Council
“To stay ahead of the game, significant innovation, research and development are required. Thanks to KAUST’s work, we can now efficiently select antiscalants based on their biofouling potential and optimize the plant.”
RedSea, an agriculture technology (agritech) company founded by Dr. Ryan Lefers and KAUST professors Mark Tester and Derya Baran, is revolutionizing farming in hot climates.
Agriculture accounts for 70% of freshwater use globally, making efficient food production crucial. The agritech being developed by RedSea, whose research facilities are located on the KAUST campus, aims to help commercial farmers reduce the amount of water and energy needed to grow crops in extreme environments.
The company’s approach is a roots-to-roof strategy, and its innovative products allow for higher yields, greater profitability and better sustainability. In addition, plant science and genetics research utilizing technology-powered breeding programs and biotechnology solutions have helped it develop salt-, heat-, and droughttolerant seeds and seedlings. The company’s activities have positioned it as one of Saudi
“Our core mission has always been to design and develop technologies to help feed the world. With RedSea’s technologies being used by
Arabia’s largest, fastest-growing sustainable food producers under the Red Sea Farms brand.
RedSea received an AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers AE50 in February 2023 and the Davidson Prize in March 2023 for its iyris SecondSky heat-blocking roof, which allows for high levels of light while simultaneously
reducing the effects of excess heat. Tests in Saudi Arabia have shown that iyris-equipped greenhouses use 42% less energy than structures built using standard materials.
With backing from Saudi Aramco and the Future Investment Initiative, RedSea had deployed its technology on over 58 hectares across Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as of April 2023.
HSBC
“We’re pleased to be supporting RedSea at this early stage in their commercial journey. Solving food insecurity will require innovative solutions and significant investments in agritech ventures globally.”
Miles Thornhill, Head of Corporate Banking and Business Banking for the UAE, HSBC
ACWA Power, which oversees the desalination of 6.8 million cubic meters per day. The two parties have been collaborating since 2019 to reduce the costs and carbon footprint of the desalination process in support of the Kingdom’s national energy and environmental goals.
Thomas Altmann, Executive Vice President of Innovation and New Technology, ACWA Powerdevelopment has led to improvements in the technology. KAUST aims to be at the forefront of innovation in this industry by developing effective ways to deploy new technologies at scale, ensuring the Kingdom’s water security.
Most new desalination plants utilize reverse osmosis, a membrane-based method that filters seawater by pushing it through a semipermeable membrane, allowing only fresh water to pass through. However, a significant challenge with reverse osmosis is biofouling, which occurs when microorganisms grow and multiply in the feed water, which in turn affects the quality and yield of the water produced.
JOHANNES Director, Water Desalination and Reuse CenterRecent research conducted at KAUST is helping eliminate impurities in desalinated water, resulting in reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and an increase in the process’ overall efficiency.
KAUST has a series of strategic partnership agreements with Saudi power company
Saudi Arabia’s water-scarce climate makes desalination essential for obtaining enough clean water to meet the needs of the growing population and economy. As of September 2022, the Kingdom relied on desalination for more than 60% of its water supply, producing around 20% of the world’s desalinized water, or approximately 9 million cubic meters per day. In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s desalination capacity reached 13.2 million cubic meters per day, most of which is produced by large-scale plants.
The process of desalinating water used to be seen as a costly, inefficient undertaking. However, investment in research and
KAUST’s recent research has found that specific antiscalants present in membrane filtration may contain biodegradable nutrients that result in biofouling. As a result, the university’s researchers have identified antiscalants that have a low risk of biofouling and have devised a sensitive testing approach that will support the development of a new generation of antiscalants, designed to mitigate potential risks.
KAUST’s findings are helping ACWA Power optimize production at its desalination plants. The Kingdom expects to benefit from such innovations as it looks to expand its current desalination infrastructure and boost production.
growers in multiple countries, we are very excited for the future.”
PROFESSOR DERYA BARAN
Co-Founder and Chief Engineer, RedSea
KAUST researchers are focusing on making the process more efficient
“We need ways to increase desalination capacity sustainably, such as by shifting toward renewable energy sources and optimized, large-scale reverse osmosis plants to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.”
VROUWENVELDERACWA POWER
fundamental challenges the technology faces, such as how to uniformly cover a micrometer-sized pyramidal surface with perovskite. This has resulted in a tandem solar cell that combines perovskite top cells with industrially compatible, two-sided, textured silicon bottom cells. The perovskite top layer absorbs blue light best, while the silicon foundation absorbs red light, helping overcome the single-junction efficiency limit of silicon solar cells. This allows PVs to capture sunlight more effectively than traditional materials and convert it into electricity more efficiently.
Tandem perovskite/silicon technologies are expected to comprise more than $10 billion of the global PV market by 2032, and the KSC expects to help drive this technological innovation. The KAUST team is exploring scalable methods to produce industrial-scale perovskite/silicon tandem cells with areas exceeding 240 square centimeters, as well as strategies to obtain highly stable tandem devices that meet critical industrial stability protocols.
To scale applications, the team must further develop its perovskite top-cell technology and test it in outdoor operating conditions. The research has shown great promise so far, and there is potential to significantly increase the efficiency of solar PVs and support Saudi Arabia’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by
“This new record is the highest power conversion efficiency of any twojunction solar cell under non-concentrated light, demonstrating the tremendous promise of perovskite/silicon tandems to deliver ultra-high performance photovoltaic modules.”
have an efficiency rate of between 20% and 22%. However, solar energy companies are researching better, more efficient materials to reach their targets and KAUST is working with multiple partners in the PV field. In May 2023, the university signed a memorandum of understanding with China-based solar panel manufacturer LONGi, the current recordholder for best power conversion efficiency in a silicon-only solar cell. The university is driving its own innovation through the KAUST Solar Center (KSC) and KAUST PV Laboratory.
and KAUST’s own previous record of 33.2% set in April 2023. The result produced by KAUST has been certified by the European Solar Test Installation laboratory and listed at the top of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart in the category of Emerging PV Perovskite/SI tandem (monolithic).
“The new KAUST tandem record is a milestone, and it provides a solid technological insight and guide for the photovoltaic industry.”
STEFAAN DE WOLF Professor of Material Science and Engineering
2060, as well as help accelerate the global green transition. The Kingdom has a central role in the global energy market. Moreover, it aims to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, and develop its green energy capacity to drive global renewable energy innovation.
In May 2023, a team of KAUST researchers set a world record for the efficiency of a new type of solar cell that combines silicon and perovskite. Known as a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell, the technology is expected to significantly benefit the solar energy industry, boosting the
prospects for the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure.
Most solar panels currently use crystalline silicon cells, which make up around 90% of the global photovoltaic (PV) market and typically
The KSC produced a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 33.7%, making it the most efficient tandem device in the world to date, surpassing the rate of 32.5% recorded by Germany’s Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin research center
Dr. Stefaan De Wolf and his team at the KSC have been steadily perfecting the perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell concept by developing new materials, methods and devices, as well as by tackling some of the
Xu Xixiang, Chief Scientist and Vice President, LONGi Central Research & Development InstituteKAUST expects to play a major role in the development of the Kingdom’s solar power capacity by expanding on its recent breakthroughs to increase PV efficiency. The university also offers a range of opportunities for students who are looking to study renewable energy through institutions such as the KSC SESP PV Design School, which aims to develop a new generation of PV designers.
KAUST researchers set second world record for efficiency in two months with new generation of solar photovoltaic cells
“ARC KAUST is a unique addition to our global network of research centers, enabling us to leverage the KAUST ecosystem to expand our upstream sustainability and digitization research efforts.”
Ghaithan Al-Muntasheri, Director, EXPEC Advanced Research Center, Aramco
Aramco, in line with the global push to address climate change, has announced its ambition of reaching operational net-zero emissions by 2050. This would see it reach net-zero scope-1 and scope-2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly owned and operated assets by 2050.
In support of this target, Aramco inaugurated a new research center on the KAUST campus in June 2022. The Aramco Research Center KAUST (ARC KAUST) will employ artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to advance low-carbon solutions and the circular carbon economy. The center adds to Aramco’s growing global research network, spanning nine satellite centers and technology offices and three in-Kingdom research centers.
The center’s upstream portfolio focuses on developing disruptive technologies in bio-based materials, hydrogen conversion and separation, advanced sensing, the internet of things, and robotics and systems research, among other domains. In addition, downstream researchers, engineers and
scientists are developing new technologies in carbon capture and utilization, low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia, non-metallics, e-fuels, liquids-to-chemicals and advanced transport technologies. Aramco expects to leverage KAUST’s capabilities in areas such as supercomputing and data analytics.
Abdulwahab Al-Ghamdi, Head of the ARC KAUST Upstream Research Center, stated, “We believe these future technologies are unique, and the way to unlock them is through multidisciplinary integration and close collaboration with the world-class research capabilities at KAUST.”
The new center provides an opportunity for the cross-pollination of talent. A number of its personnel are KAUST alumni. At the same time, ARC KAUST offers industry experience to current students in the form of research internships. In its inaugural summer, the center enrolled 10 KAUST interns to support Aramco’s ongoing expansion into the field of AI and advanced materials. Their work resulted in patent applications and the publication of multiple research papers. Additionally, the students have proudly contributed to developing their first technology, which was delivered to Aramco headquarters in Dhahran.
KAUST and Aramco have a number of longstanding research collaborations across a range of fields. The new research center solidifies this partnership and provides a stronger platform for unique research collaboration opportunities.
“You lose an estimated $2 million in generation every day that your nuclear plant is down, so shortening outages is a huge thing in the industry right now.”
SALEEM ALDAJANI PhD student
The implications of this research extend beyond nuclear power. The method could also be applied to the oil and gas sector for maintaining pipes, as well as for improving the monitoring of solar infrastructure. Furthermore, the research has implications for space exploration, as it could improve the durability of spacecraft.
The next step is developing a portable test kit to be used on-site with KAUST’s spectroscopy team. By shortening shutdowns, and enabling frequent and inexpensive testing, this technique could make a significant difference in the nuclear power industry. Extending the operating licenses of existing plants would save millions of dollars in lost electricity every year, and contribute to the fight against climate change.
MITSaleem Aldajani, a PhD student at KAUST, is conducting research in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that could revolutionize the testing of stainless steel components in the energy and space industries. He received a fully funded scholarship to do his bachelor’s degree at MIT from the prestigious KAUST Gifted Student Program. His research aligns with the goals and national priorities outlined in Vision 2030 on energy sustainability and space exploration, as it focuses on improving safety checks for nuclear components by reducing the time and cost.
The traditional method of testing stainless steel components can be costly and timeconsuming. The new approach uses laser
beams to generate acoustic waves on the surface of the stainless steel material, which are then measured and analyzed using another set of laser beams to detect degradation. The researchers found that degraded material produces a distinct double-peaked spectral signature, indicating potential issues.
The team’s research focused on spinodal decomposition, a primary concern for nuclear reactors. By identifying the specific frequencies associated with this degradation, the researchers were able to develop a reliable diagnostic tool. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants, extending their lifespan and mitigating the need for expensive or frequent shutdowns.
“[Existing, large-scale plants] generate just shy of $1 billion in carbon-free electricity per plant each year. Keeping our current nuclear reactors online and in operation is the single biggest thing we can do to fight climate change.”
“I saw how Aramco explores every possible avenue to ensure a sustainable, environmentally friendly, energy future and how my own research can find its niche in the industry one day.”
Research on assessing stainless steel components has implications for the nuclear, solar and space industries
Following the success of its inaugural event, in May 2023, KAUST hosted the second Future of Semiconductors Forum in partnership with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA). The annual forum aims to support the localization of the semiconductor industry and build expertise in this emerging sector.
Semiconductors can be found in numerous modern electronic devices, enabling and regulating the flow of electricity through them.
“By localizing the research and production of sensors, e-chips, photovoltaics and a suite of related semiconductor components, the Kingdom is coming to the table prepared to lead in any number of areas, from the energy transition to the digital revolution.”
TONY CHAN President of KAUST
These components, derived primarily from silicon, are aptly named due to their ability to selectively conduct electricity.
Saudi Arabia is actively developing the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of a domestic semiconductor industry. These components are expected to help advance the country’s digital, industrial and energy sectors. The ultimate goal is to position the country as a global leader in semiconductors, and KAUST is one of the Kingdom’s leading research institutions supporting this goal.
KAUST is home to one of the world’s top graduate programs for nanoscience and nanotechnology, both fundamental to semiconductor research. The university recognizes that training and development are key to unlocking the potential of semiconductors and supporting domestic production. KAUST has been working with KACST to develop infrastructure to design and produce domestic semiconductors, in support of the Saudi Semiconductor Program.
During the forum, key players in the industry gathered to discuss the future of the field and Saudi Arabia’s place within it. The event hosted 36 speakers from leading research institutions, universities and companies, as well as Nobel
Laureate Shuji Nakamura. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, HE Khalid Al-Falih, emphasized the significance of semiconductors in everyday electronics and medical devices, and their key role in supporting green transition technologies.
Semiconductors are widely used to power daily activities, and are essential for TVs, smartphones and computers. With the uptake of these technologies increasing, the industry is expected to double in value to more than $1 trillion by 2030. As the world undergoes further rapid digitalization, these chips will be integral.
Beyond their application in consumer electronics, semiconductors are critical in the growth of clean energy technologies like solar photovoltaic cells and enabling smart grids. They also play a pivotal role in improving energy efficiency, reducing energy wastage and optimizing power consumption.
Additionally, semiconductors are seen as key to achieving many of the Kingdom’s major national initiatives, such as the development of new smart cities and special economic zones, in addition to giga-projects, like NEOM. A local semiconductor industry could bring big gains to the national economy. Austria, for example, has seen superior GDP growth compared to other European countries because of its semiconductor industry.
The development of a domestic semiconductor industry could also help reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on other countries for the supply of chips. The recent supply chain constraints caused by the pandemic demonstrated the volatility of the semiconductor market, making the development of local and regional supply chains vital to the Kingdom’s national security.
“This is a galvanizing moment for the Kingdom to advance its semiconductor agenda. We have the skills. We have the will. And we have a network of specialized resources for delivering superior products.”
KACST
KAUST hosts the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress 2023
KAUST brought together global leaders in sustainability for the highly anticipated Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress 2023 over four days from May 29 to June 1.
“We are in a state of climate and sustainability crisis. The congress is a call to action and an invitation to global universities to pivot their educational, research, innovation and outreach programs toward tangible outcomes.”
TONY CHAN President of KAUSTThis inaugural congress addressed pressing sustainability challenges around four pillars of energy and industry, health and demography, sustainable environment, and cities and communities, into which the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals were grouped. KAUST welcomed a diverse and influential group of participants, including 1,385 in-person delegates and an additional 250 virtually, bringing together representatives from 267 universities and 67 countries.
A highlight of the event was the presence of HE Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment. He engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan centered on the topic of investing in transformation within the Kingdom, and the role of strategic investment in driving the sustainable development agenda. Other attendees included ministers, national stakeholders, and international thought leaders.
The congress featured an impressive line-up of keynote speakers, interactive exhibits and roundtable discussions, covering a wide range of topics relevant to sustainable development.
Participants engaged with experts to gain valuable insights into sustainability research and innovative solutions, including those of 12 KAUST faculty members.
The event was bookended by addresses from renowned academic leaders: the President and co-chair of the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation of Arizona State University, Michael Crow, and the Founding Dean of the Climate School and Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, Alex Halliday. Crow is a transformative leader in American higher education, amplifying the university’s societal impact. Halliday’s expertise in paleoclimate offered a long-term perspective on the impact of anthropogenic climate change, concluding the congress with inspiration and motivation for attendees to pursue sustainable solutions in their respective domains.
During their speeches, both speakers emphasized the unique roles of universities, which are characterized by societal trust, demographic diversity, and the ability to pivot quickly and focus the talent of youth. Universities are expected to look beyond what is to what could be. KAUST President Tony Chan invoked a sense of urgency in his opening address, stating that universities cannot wait for the cavalry to show up; universities are the cavalry.
“This congress has shown an inspiring range of innovative approaches and research expertise across the international sustainability landscape. There is a great opportunity that must not be missed for the Kingdom and international partners to collaborate.”
HE Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment
The collaboration between KAUST and Times Higher Education underscored a shared commitment to advancing the global sustainability agenda, and the choice of KAUST as the venue for the event was no coincidence. As a world-class research university with a strong focus on science and technology, KAUST has demonstrated from its founding its dedication to sustainable development. Tours of its state-of-the-art facilities each afternoon highlighted its own cutting-edge research initiatives and collaborative ecosystem.
The congress set the stage for future partnerships and initiatives to promote global sustainable development. Such gatherings are vital in shaping the future amidst complex environmental and social challenges. Hosting the event cemented KAUST’s global leadership in advancing science, technology and innovation for a more sustainable world.
Times Higher Education is recognized as a leading source of news, data, analysis and insights focused on global higher education. Looking ahead, KAUST has been selected to host the World Academic Summit in 2025, which is the organization’s flagship conference.
“As the most innovative international research universities in our respective countries, CUHK-Shenzhen and KAUST are well positioned to collaborate in education and research, and to promote scientific and cultural exchanges between China and Saudi Arabia.”
Professor Tom Luo, Vice President (Academic), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; and Director, Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data
In March 2023, KAUST President Tony Chan and a delegation of 10 university representatives met with leading Chinese business and academic institutions in Shenzhen, China. The aim was to align strengths in research and innovation.
“There is much to learn from Shenzhen on how they created the world’s most effective and efficient innovation ecosystem.
The goal, however, extends beyond just sharpening KAUST’s approach to innovation, but rather to help enable a ‘Shenzhen miracle’ in Saudi Arabia.”
TONY CHAN President of KAUSTThe visit helped to foster relationships between the Kingdom and China, and deepen ties by signing eight memoranda of understanding.
Shenzhen, the third-largest city in China, is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of China, and is a major global technology, manufacturing and research hub. The city has grown from a small village into an economic power over the last four decades, ranking fifth for economic competitiveness in the United Nation’s “Global Urban Competitiveness Report 2018-2019.”
Cheng Buyi and Zheng Hongbo, members of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee who met with President Chan, said that KAUST and Shenzhen have made strides in education, technology and talent, and there is broad space for cooperation. KAUST already has strong connections with China, as 20% of its students, 34% of its postdoctoral researchers, and 9% of its faculty hail from the mainland.
The KAUST visit was aimed at accelerating knowledge sharing and the commercialization of impactful technologies into innovative, market-ready products that can address global challenges. President Chan hoped the meeting would help “to identify mechanisms and platforms to help accelerate innovation at KAUST up to ‘Shenzhen speed’.”
During the trip, President Chan signed agreements with several Chinese partners, including International Digital Economy Academy, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen Innox Academy, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, Southern University of Science and Technology, X-Institute and Xbotpark.
The agreements should leverage complementary strengths intended to expand capabilities in industrial innovation and exchange, technology transfer and incubation, knowledge sharing of talent and materials, joint laboratories and research and development platforms, as well as entrepreneurship training.
The partnerships between KAUST and Shenzhen reflect a greater national effort to develop stronger bilateral links. In December 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with China’s President Xi Jinping to sign a comprehensive partnership agreement covering hydrogen energy, coordination between Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and direct investment opportunities.
KAUST regularly participates in research projects with other healthcare and educational institutions. As part of the Smart Health Initiative, assistant professor and principal investigator in the Stem Cell and Diseases Laboratory at KAUST, Antonio Adamo, collaborated with King
“The Kingdom is benefiting from the world-class collaboration between our three leading research entities. iPSC technology is revolutionizing the study of the molecular mechanisms of disease as it enables researchers to study human cells derived from patients.”
PIERRE MAGISTRETTI Vice President for ResearchAbdulaziz University (KAU) and King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), both located in Jeddah, to undertake a comprehensive study on Klinefelter syndrome.
Klinefelter syndrome is a condition that affects approximately one in every 600 Saudi males. It is characterized by the presence of an additional X chromosome in boys and men. The genetic sex of a baby is determined by two types of chromosomes: X and Y. Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). However, individuals with Klinefelter syndrome have an extra X chromosome (XXY). These individuals are genetically male and the condition’s symptoms may not be apparent until later in life. Common features of the syndrome include infertility, intellectual disability and metabolic syndrome.
In the KAUST-KAU-KAUH study, researchers conducted a comparative analysis of stem
“This work illustrates the partnership between KAUST, KAU and KAUH. Our scientists developed the first Saudi patient-derived stem cellbased model to understand the prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome in the country.”
Amin Noaman, Professor of Computer Science and President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Abdulaziz University
cells derived from a unique cohort of Saudi Klinefelter syndrome patients to a group of individuals of North American and European descent. Previous studies on Klinefelter syndrome have primarily focused on patients from North America and Europe, leading to a limited understanding of the disease within the MENA context.
By utilizing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from samples of skin, blood, hair or urine, the researchers assessed the molecular mechanisms underlying the syndrome. The study successfully reverted the patient’s cells to an embryonic state, allowing them to model the initiation and progression of the disease in a dish. The findings revealed a specific subset of genes on the X chromosome that exhibited dysregulation – the inability to function in a normal way – which was consistent across different ethnicities and genetic compositions.
The Saudi iPSC cohort offers a cellular platform to study more than just chromosomal diseases. Because iPSCs are from patients, they can be used to study diseases of all organs in the body, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. It is also expected to make a major contribution to personalized medicine.
In February 2023, KAUST held the first iteration of Space 2101 with its founding partner, the Saudi Space Agency (SSA). The event aimed to encourage Saudi students to pursue studies related to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), strengthening the future of Saudi Arabia.
Two hundred students between the ages of 12 and 15 from across the Kingdom were chosen to participate in the five-day event. Several renowned STEAM educators and five NASA and SpaceX astronauts delivered the course. KAUST believes that most jobs will soon require STEAM skills and is using events such as this to encourage more youth in Saudi Arabia to develop those proficiencies from an early age. “When we want to raise the innovators and researchers of the future, curiosity is a very strong element into that,” said Frank Salzgeber, Acting Vice Governor for Space at Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission.
The astronaut’s participation in the event attracted students from across the Kingdom who have an interest in space. Their presence was also expected to encourage individuals in the program to pursue a STEAM-related career. Those looking to work in the space industry, particularly astronauts, should develop competencies in a range of STEAM fields, emphasized Susan Kilrain, an aerospace engineer and former NASA space shuttle pilot. There are no specific degrees for astronauts; rather, students must master the foundational STEAM skills required for the role.
As part of the event, students were allowed to visit KAUST’s laboratories and research centers, including facilities such as the Clean Combustion Research Center, the KAUST Solar Center, the Visualization Core Lab, the Microbial Ecogenomics & Biotechnology Lab, the KAUST Smart Home, the Museum of Science & Technology in Islam, and KAUST’s greenhouse.
The event helped the university showcase some of its facilities on a public platform and encouraged youth to choose KAUST for their future STEAM-related studies.
The program culminated in a competition in which teams applied STEAM tools to design habitats capable of sustaining life in space or on Mars. The winning team was awarded a trip to Florida in the United States to watch a live launch at the Kennedy Space Center, making for a competitive event. Several of KAUST’s STEAM professors provided guidance and supported students in their design process. For example, students learned how to use 3D-printed materials to develop their habitats and were taught about electronics that can operate in the kind of extreme conditions found in space.
NAJAH ASHRY Vice President for Strategic National Advancement and Senior Associate to the PresidentWhile the Kingdom is a relatively new player in the space industry, under Vision 2030 the Saudi government is actively developing a space program that is expected to support economic diversification and drive innovation. The SSA was established in December 2018 to help accelerate the Kingdom’s space program, and KAUST hopes its laboratories and research will be central to achieving the Kingdom’s ambitions in the field. In line with this vision, KAUST partnered with Spire Global to develop a CubeSat satellite, which it launched into space in April 2023, to gather high-quality and high-resolution data of ecosystems across the region. The university is home to researchers from around the world that are working on space-related projects that are expected to be central to the Kingdom’s future space industry.
“Space exploration is not only innately valuable to humankind, but it also serves as a tool to inspire young minds toward careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – key disciplines for ensuring a prosperous, sustainable future right here on Earth.”
“Every respectable scientist in the world will tell you: This region has done so much for knowledge and science, and this university is a good example.”
HRHPrince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, first Saudi, Arab and Muslim in space
HRH PRINCE SULTAN BIN SALMAN AL SAUD
Given the growing emphasis on sustainability among governments, organizations and individuals, there is an increasing need to train professionals to be well-versed in the subject. To address the growth in demand for more information on the matter, KAUST and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) have collaborated to deliver a comprehensive training course on sustainability for professionals and ministerial delegates.
KAPSARC
The first of the five sessions was Sustainability in Action, which explored the historical and contemporary context. The second session, Climate Change and Sustainability, covered the changing environment and mitigation strategies. The third session, Socio-Economics of Sustainability, focused on economic growth, responsible sourcing and financing. The fourth session, Sustainability Governance, Ethics and Policy, was centered on integrating sustainability into organizations and policy-making. The final session, Stakeholders and Public Engagement for Sustainability, emphasized stakeholder engagement and effective communication.
Sustainability: Principles and Practice took place across five days in May 2023 on KAPSARC’s campus. KAUST faculty members representing a range of academic specialties, and experts from KAPSARC, the Saudi sustainable development advisory firm Aeon Strategy and the Center for Systems Solutions (CSS) led the sessions. Among the 40 selected participants were delegates from several Saudi ministries and government bodies.
The course helped expand participants’ understanding of what it means to practice sustainability and how the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be applied to their own lines of work, giving them insight into the environmental, social and economic aspects. The key learning outcomes included an understanding of sustainable development models and principles; the ability to critically evaluate the global challenges facing the implementation of sustainable solutions, and identify relevant assessment tools and methodologies for such projects and policies; and the application of a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable project management.
A highlight of the program was CSS’s The World’s Future Social Simulations, during which participants acted as decision-makers addressing real-world challenges, increasing their knowledge, as well as improving their problem-solving skills. The collaboration between KAPSARC and KAUST to deliver the course highlights their commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s sustainability goals.
Every year, KAUST hosts its Winter Enrichment Program (WEP), driven by the motto, “enrichment for all” and aimed at providing students with knowledge and skills beyond their regular curriculum. Held January 7-18, 2023, the theme this year was “Edge: Transform the world you know.”
KAUST has had great success with the WEP, which has run since 2010. Students, faculty members, and the university’s academic
and industrial partners are all encouraged to participate in the many events offered. The WEP 2023 included 1,639 presenters, 4,090 students, 124,150 visitors and 2,090 events. The program not only encourages alternative ways of learning through hands-on activities, ranging from exhibits to workshops, but also helps to foster community.
The event brings together an array of speakers and attendees, including Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, academics, and distinguished local and regional leaders. Among the 2023 keynote speakers were well-known personalities such as retired professional soccer player Didier Drogba and Raha Muharraq, who was the first Saudi woman and youngest Arab to summit Mount Everest.
Throughout the year, the university asks for proposals from its community for speeches, panels, courses, seminars, field trips, events, films and performances. This allows students, faculty members and other KAUST stakeholders to play an active role in shaping the event.
The WEP has been designed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which dovetail with many of Vision 2030’s targets. Some of the subjects covered in 2023 included the future of sustainable mobility, renewable energy and food security. KAUST Provost Lawrence Carin talked about the importance of translating the ideas explored in the WEP into action to define the future of the world and transform lives.
In 2024, the theme of Digital Adventure will explore the topic of artificial intelligence in health and wellness; environment; energy; and the economics of the future. Discussions will address how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to develop a modernized world through smart cities, smart health, quantum computing, virtual reality and the metaverse.
DIDIER DROGBA“I’m excited to be here. As soon as I arrived, I felt the energy of the place, which is extremely immense – it’s big. To have this quality of study, teachers and establishments is inspiring.”
Didier Drogba, Retired Professional Soccer Player“Asking difficult questions of ourselves and others and seeking answers, as we are doing within the WEP, offers paths of discovery, along which we must unite.”
DERYA BARAN
Associate Professor of Material Science and Engineering, and Chair, WEP 2023
“The strategic collaboration between the university and KAPSARC has given us the opportunity to pioneer a unique, interdisciplinary course that provides its participants with the competencies to be forwardthinking leaders.”
ANA MARGARIDA COSTA Head of Sustainability
“KAPSARC and KAUST are committed to working together to create a sustainable future, and this course on the subject is part of a broader mission to advance sustainability research and practices in the Kingdom.”
Ghadah Alarifi, Director, KAPSARC College
“I am honored to have been invited to speak at the WISE workshop. I believe that establishing a network will help us address gaps in our systems. It is very important for women to take advantage of all the opportunities for empowerment ongoing in the Kingdom.”
Sufana AlMashadi, Director of Innovation, Saudi National Institute of HealthThe 2023 workshop highlighted the call to action “Everyone has a role to play in empowering women!”. KAUST’s Women to Impact initiative further underpins this drive by offering women a support framework for pursuing their education, advancing their careers, entering high-tech industries and building STEM startups, through the creation of inclusive programs and partnerships. While previous events have focused on promoting equality by encouraging companies to hire more women and offer fair pay, this year’s workshop highlighted the need for a greater balance between women’s personal and professional lives by promoting strategies for achieving mental wellness.
KAUST holds third annual WISE workshop to support women in STEM
KAUST held the third annual Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) workshop on the university’s campus across three days in February 2023. Female scientists and engineers from Saudi Arabia and representatives from international institutions attended the event, which aims to empower women working in STEM fields. In addition to talks from women in STEM, the event featured panels, outings and networking opportunities.
Women have acted as trailblazers in STEM throughout history, but often lack the recognition given to their male counterparts.
The proportion of girls studying STEM subjects in school in most countries is far lower than that of boys. As governments around the world work toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of quality education and gender equality, KAUST is at the forefront of global efforts to encourage more girls and women to participate in STEM subjects.
KAUST is supporting women’s participation in STEM through events like WISE, in line with Saudi Arabia’s goal of empowering women, raising their level of economic participation, and building on their capacity and knowledge.
DEANNA LACOSTE Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Attendees represented a wide range of backgrounds, including academia, industry and government, and fields such as bioengineering, chemistry, publishing, health administration, computer science and science policy. There was representation across different ethnicities and cultures from the Kingdom and the Middle East, as well as other parts of the world. This encouraged the sharing of a variety of insights from women working in STEM in different cultural contexts.
The conference is the flagship event of WISE, which has a multi-pronged outreach agenda aimed at women in STEM. Lectures, panel discussions, networking opportunities, internships and access to labs and industry mentors are among the activities and resources WISE offers throughout the year. Approximately 1,635 people tuned in to the WISE workshop online, and 140 in-person participants from outside the university joined the attendees from the KAUST community.
“This is an important yearly rendezvous where participants can exchange ideas about how to improve the lives and careers of women in science and engineering.”
The university showcased its technological innovations during the LEAP 2023 expo
In February 2023, KAUST participated in the second annual LEAP Tech Conference in Riyadh, which focused on the kinds of technological innovations and actions that are directly transforming society. LEAP is organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones; and the UAEbased IT services and consulting firm Tahaluf.
“LEAP 2023 illustrates the changes that are happening in the Kingdom and the emphasis on how technology is going to make Vision 2030 a reality.”
JASON ROOS
Chief Information Officer
The official attendance for LEAP 2023 was 172,000, although some estimates put it at closer to 300,000. There were more than 700 speakers during the four days, while companies such as Aramco, Cisco, Dell, HP, Huawei, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft and Oracle had booths in the mile-long conference hall.
The conference provided an opportunity for KAUST to promote 17 different training and educational development programs for students ranging from middle schoolers to post-graduates in the fields of technology and research, as well as showcase its accelerators and training programs that provide support to startups and entrepreneurs.
KAUST’s booth gave visitors the chance to learn about the university’s role in creating ecosystems for research, development and innovation in Saudi Arabia. The university
showcased several of its research projects and initiatives, such as the KAUST Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative, the KAUST-SDAIA Center of Excellence in Data Science and AI, and the KAUST Smart Health Initiative, along with its latest technological infrastructure, such as upgrades to data centers and its new supercomputer, Shaheen III. Visitors also had the opportunity to interact with several prototypes for smart city solutions, such as drone delivery and autonomous vehicles.
During the conference, KAUST signed seven strategic agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to spur collaboration in research, innovation, education and infrastructure. For example, under KAUST’s agreement with the MCIT, the university and ministry will work together to develop communication and information technology, such as the expansion of 5G and 6G networks.
KAUST signed strategic partnerships with Saudi telecom tower company Tawal and the NEOM smart city’s energy, water and hydrogen subsidiary ENOWA to develop telecommunications infrastructure and integrate AI-led technologies in the energy sector, respectively. The university also signed an MoU with multinational technology company Microsoft to develop the capabilities for accessing world-class research and technologies, and accelerating innovation.
In addition, the university signed an MoU with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to advance their collaboration in addressing the challenges Saudi Arabia faces in relation to energy, life sciences, desert agriculture, semiconductors and water. This partnership is in line with the government’s diversification and security goals, as it is expected to lead to innovative solutions.
“Our teams at the California Institute of Technology and our colleagues at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory are proud to be working closely with KAUST, Saudi Arabia’s leading university in science and technology.”
Harvey B. Newman, Professor of Physics, California Institute of Technology
Similarly, KAUST works with international universities, such as the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The current collaboration with Caltech and other partners is focused on researching and developing advanced internet networking technologies.
LEAP 2023 provided KAUST with a global platform to exhibit its capabilities and highlight its latest innovations. The university’s new strategic partnerships with the MCIT and multinational companies are expected to help advance its research and technological innovations in support of the Kingdom’s longterm economic framework, Vision 2030.
“The MEP and UpLink challenge taps into the science-minded talent pools of globally recognized research centers, such as KAUST, supporting early-stage developments and ideas that can help solve the world’s biggest problems.”
HE Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning
In May 2023, KAUST hosted a new marine technology robotics competition in partnership with the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center. MATE’s mission is to inspire and challenge students to learn and creatively apply STEM skills to solve realworld problems and prepare them for the blue economy workforce. Its non-profit arm, MATE Inspiration for Innovation, is responsible for educational activities, including the MATE ROV Competition, for students from middle
KAUST’s leadership in Red Sea research, the MTS Red Sea
school to the undergraduate level. The event challenges participants to design, build and fund underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater tasks. MATE facilitates regional competitions and an annual world championship every year in the United States. Regional competitions have been held all over the world, including in 19 countries last year.
The MATE Red Sea Regional ROV Competition at KAUST was the first in Saudi Arabia. Eight teams participated from schools across the Kingdom, with KAUST staff and students acting as team mentors in the months leading up to the event, as well as volunteering their time to set up underwater obstacles and judge the event.
efforts to become a global leader in this field. The MATE Red Sea Regional ROV Competition was partly the result of cooperation with the Marine Technology Society (MTS), which set up a new chapter, the MTS Red Sea Section, at the beginning of this year in partnership with KAUST.
For more than 50 years, MTS has promoted marine technology as a solution to global challenges. As part of this effort, it recently took responsibility for MATE Inspiration for Innovation. The MTS Red Sea Section is an official partnership with KAUST and will provide a number of programs to promote marine technology in the Middle East.
Also in May, in conjunction with the MATE Red Sea Regional ROV Competition, MTS assisted with RobotoKAUST 2023, a three-day conference that brought leading researchers in academia and industry from 10 countries to exchange their knowledge and expertise of robotics in marine and agricultural science.
In February 2023, KAUST hosted the national launch of the Food Ecosystems in Arid Climates challenge, a collaborative effort between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
The challenge aims to crowdsource innovative and sustainable solutions for food security in arid regions, focusing on availability, access and management of food through low-tech, high-tech or ancestral approaches. Areas of focus included production, sustainable food value and supply chains, the socio-economics of food, data, digital access and technology, as well as community awareness and education.
SandX and CarboSoil solutions, KAUST startup Terraxy Company Inc. was selected as one of the top innovators in the competition.
According to the WEF, over the past three years the availability and affordability of food has declined. Global hunger affected an estimated 828 million people in 2022, with 2.3 billion facing food insecurity and 3.1 billion unable to afford a healthy diet. The growing global challenge of drought is expected to displace more than 700 million people by 2030.
ANDRES
The competition is expected to be held annually, and other schools have already expressed an interest in joining. Based on the experience of other countries, KAUST anticipates many participants will pursue careers in marine technology and contribute to the Kingdom’s
“MATE has had a great effect on growing future talent in marine technology. Working with KAUST, we expect the same to happen in Saudi Arabia.”
Jill Zande, President and Executive Director, MATE Inspiration for Innovation NAJAH ASHRY Vice President of Strategic National AdvancementLed by the WEF’s UpLink platform and funded by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the initiative seeks to unlock entrepreneurial potential and drive systemic change. Selected innovators will have the opportunity to advance their proposals with the support of UpLink and its partners, and will be eligible for funding from the Kingdom. The winning team will receive CHF100,000 ($112,000) to implement and scale their venture in arid regions and gain access to valuable networking opportunities. For its
The launch event featured executives, representatives and food security experts from the Ministry of Economy and Planning, WEF UpLink, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and KAUST. John Dutton, Head of UpLink, emphasized the importance of incentivizing research and innovation in food security. KAUST centers, particularly KAUST Innovation and the Center for Desert Agriculture, were praised for their contributions to this critical field. Dr. Hosam Rowaihy, Head of the Decision Support Unit and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Planning, emphasized the need for collaboration and collective action to combat food insecurity.
The event builds on the existing collaborative relationship between KAUST and the Ministry of Economy and Planning. The Food Ecosystems in Arid Climates challenge is the first of two initiatives focused on food systems; the second initiative, which explores climate-smart agriculture, is set to launch later in 2023.
“Using
Section is expected to become the center for marine technology in the Middle East.”
ESPINOZA
Marine Engineering Lead at KAUST Core
Labs and MTS Red Sea Section Chair
“Through the competition, we have an ideal opportunity to showcase our talent, creativity and resilience, as we strive to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 and build a sustainable future for our country.”
In partnership with Gateway KSA, KAUST is doing its part to dispel misconceptions about the Kingdom
KAUST is working with tour operator Gateway KSA to bridge cultural barriers and reshape global perceptions of Saudi Arabia. In March 2023, KAUST welcomed two Gateway KSA tour groups to its campus to showcase Saudi culture, research opportunities, and the Master’s and PhD courses offered by the university.
Gateway KSA provides future leaders a unique chance to engage with Saudi Arabia. Exceptional students have the opportunity to embark on a personal learning journey, connect with global peers, and forge friendships and contacts within the Kingdom and explore one of the most rapidly changing countries in the world. The tour includes stops in Dammam, Riyadh, Al Ula and Jeddah, the last of which is home to KAUST’s research facilities.
Exceptional professionals can take part in the program as well. For example, 13 of the Washington, D.C.-based Middle East Policy Council’s 40 Under 40 Award winners visited
the KAUST campus with the tour in March 2023. The organization recognized the recipients for their contributions to shaping present and future U.S.-Middle Eastern relations.
Gateway KSA launched in early 2018 after Nelleke Van Zandvoort-Quispel, CEO of Gateway KSA, proposed the initiative to HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal as a way of countering misconceptions about the Middle East. Since
“KAUST is a vital stop on Gateway KSA tours, showcasing the Kingdom’s innovation and high-quality education. Together with the university, we are helping global influencers, policymakers and future leaders see the true, vibrant nature of our country and its awesome potential.”
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal, Chairman, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies
then, KAUST has been a vital stop on the tours, showcasing the Kingdom’s scientific progress and the role of the university’s research in the Vision 2030 economic plan. KAUST has welcomed 180 student delegates from 32 countries affiliated with 51 universities and institutions. A further four groups with 10 to 15 students each are expected later in 2023.
For many participants, KAUST stands out as the most memorable part of the tour. According to Zandvoort-Quispel, the organization plans to offer opportunities for students to study, intern and work in Saudi Arabia, with the tour operator acting as a facilitator for ambitious individuals seeking research opportunities at KAUST.
In December 2022, the MIT Technology Review announced the winners of the fifth edition of its Innovators Under 35 MENA awards. Through the awards, the magazine aims to honor leading innovators with outstanding technical skills who have developed inventions or research that will improve our way of living. Four of the 15 winners are part of the KAUST community, demonstrating the university’s leading role in research and innovation.
Wedyan
Nanotechnology and Materials Innovator
Wedyan Babatain graduated from KAUST with a PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2022 and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab. She is from Saudi Arabia. She was selected for developing a soft, multi-functional wearable platform using graphene and liquid metal-based electronics. Her product can wirelessly monitor movement patterns, temperature, humidity, respiration and other health indicators.
“A global community of innovators, selected by the MIT Technology Review, is changing the future of science and technology.”
MIT Technology Review
Biotechnology and Medicine Innovator
Asmaa Abdallah is a postdoctoral fellow in KAUST’s Communication and Computing Systems Lab and is from Lebanon. She was selected for her pioneering novel machine-learning methods, which can significantly impact emerging wireless systems. This innovation could help reduce costs for the expansion of network coverage in areas with connectivity difficulties, which will support the future rollout of 6G wireless systems.
“As one of a handful of women in my domain, I hope that my efforts will be inspiring enough to motivate and encourage more talented young women to join in, connect the unconnected and make their own unique mark.”
ASMAA ABDALLAH Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Asma Al-Amoodi is a PhD candidate in Bioscience and Molecular Biology at KAUST and comes from Saudi Arabia. Her research focuses on hematopoietic stem cell migration and adhesion, using mouse models and primitive human cells isolated from cord blood provided by the Saudi Cord Blood Bank. She was selected for using these stem cells to treat blood diseases such as leukemia. Her research has helped to advance knowledge in medical and biological sciences and could help prevent the recurrence of leukemia in humans.
Nanotechnology and Materials Innovator
Jehad El Demellawi is a scientist at the Aramco Research Center at KAUST and comes from Egypt. He was selected for his work developing new nanomaterials for an array of real-life applications, including improving the performance of solar cells. These breakthroughs are expected to help solar technology advance at an industrial scale.
“Gateway KSA aligns perfectly with KAUST’s own use of knowledge to bridge gaps between cultures and people for the betterment of humanity.”
NAJAH ASHRY
Vice President of Strategic National AdvancementAsmaa Abdallah Telecommunications Innovator Babatain Asma Al-Amoodi Jehad El Demellawi
In the first six months of 2023, multiple KAUST faculty members have been presented with international prizes recognizing their work. Others have been awarded prestigious new roles at KAUST, following a year of successful research and innovation.
Niveen Khashab Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize in Supramolecular Chemistry
In February 2023, Niveen Khashab, Professor of Chemistry and Chemistry Program Chair, was awarded the 2023 Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize in Supramolecular Chemistry, one of the top international awards in this field. Khashab specializes in the design, synthesis and application of smart programmable nanomaterials for smart vaccination and precision agriculture.
Peter Markowich Institute of Physics
Peter Markowich, Distinguished Professor of Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Physics for his impact on the sector. His research applies differential equations to physics, artificial intelligence, biology and engineering.
Peng Wang
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award
Peng Wang, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, was presented with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award in 2023 by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE). He was awarded for research that uses renewable energy to produce clean drinking water, in response to water scarcity.
Islam Ashry National Academy of Inventors
Islam Ashry, Research Scientist at the KAUST Photonics Laboratory, was included in the National Academy of Inventors’ 2023 class of Senior Members. The academy awarded 95 of the foremost emerging academic inventors from member institutions who have demonstrated innovation-producing technologies that have brought or aspire to bring real impact on society.
In April 2023, Carlos Duarte, Distinguished Professor of Marine Science and Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology, received this year’s MadBlue Five Oceans Award in the research category for his contribution to advancing marine conservation. It recognizes the work of people and institutions to protect the planet and its inhabitants through sustainable development.
Suzana Nunes, Professor of Chemical and Environmental Science and Engineering, and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs, has been named a 2023 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Laureate for Africa and the Arab States. Nunes was recognized for her innovative research aimed at improving water purification.
UNESCO
“She is inspiring the next generation of scientists to pursue research in environmental sustainability through her creative work and leadership initiatives.”
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards
This year, KAUST CESME division professors Jinchao Xu, Peter Markowich and Jurgen Kosel were all invited to join Academia Europaea, alongside 349 international scholars in the four classes of humanities, social and related sciences, exact sciences and life sciences. The Academia Europaea promotes European research, advises governments and international organizations on scientific matters and furthers interdisciplinary and international research.
Qiaoqiang Gan
International Society for Optics and Photonics
Qiaoqiang Gan, Professor of Material Science and Engineering, has been elected a member of the 2023 Fellows Class of the International Society for Optics and Photonics, whose mission is to collaborate with researchers, educators and industry to advance light-based research and technologies.
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boon Ooi was named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in January 2023, in recognition of his contributions in the field of broadband light emitters and visible light communications.
Marc Genton, Distinguished Professor of Statistics, won the Royal Statistical Society 2023 Barnett Award, a prize aimed at recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of environmental statistics. He was recognized for his work in spatial and spatio-temporal statistics in environmental problems, with almost 300 publications garnering over 14,600 citations. The Royal Statistical Society International Conference is one of the premier knowledge-sharing and networking events for those interested in statistics and data science.
“My goal is to pass on the knowledge and expertise
I gain at Harvard to younger generations of Saudis when I return. I hope to inspire others to become great scientists.”
Alhanouf Aljahdali, Ibn Rushd Fellow and Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School
In June 2023, three KAUST PhD students were invited to attend the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, alongside 600 young scientists from around the world. The doctoral students – Asma Al-Amoodi, Walaa Khushaim and Hajar Al-Zarah – were invited to attend in recognition of their excellence in the fields of bioscience and bioengineering.
The event has been held in the small German town of Lindau since 1951, bringing together some of the brightest minds in science over the decades. It assembles Nobel laureates and young scientists to engage and collaborate. The meeting focuses on a different scientific topic each year; 2023’s focus was on physiology and medicine.
Hajar Al-Zarah
Hajar Al-Zarah is working in DNA nanotechnology in KAUST’s Molecular Imaging and Microscopy Lab. Her research focuses on DNA protein hybrid nanostructures using a variety of imaging techniques. Al-Zarah studied clinical pharmacy at Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal University before joining KAUST, where she now contributes to its aim to propel the country to the forefront of the biotech sphere.
“I am thrilled and honored to have been selected for this incredible opportunity, and I am eager to learn from Nobel laureates and engage with other young researchers from around the world.”
HAJAR AL-ZARAH
has two branches. The first is the Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellowship program, which offers funded fellowships for exceptional recent Saudi doctoral graduates and soon-to-graduate candidates to pursue postdoctoral research at top international research universities.
the University of Washington and Stanford University, in the United States; the French National Center for Scientific Research; and the University of Toronto in Canada.
Students are given a unique networking opportunity, with the chance to listen to lectures, talks and panel discussions, as well as enjoy personal exchanges with the Nobel laureates and other young scientists representing various academic institutions around the world. Around 40 Nobel laureates contributed to the wide-ranging program of discussions and activities this year.
KAUST
PhD studentWalaa Khushaim
OSMANKAUST announced the second cohort of fellows for its flagship initiative supporting exceptional Saudi postdoctoral researchers, the Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellowship. The highly competitive program is inspired by and named after Ibn Rushd, a well-traveled and influential 12th-century Islamic philosopher. It supports and enables top scholars to pursue postdoctoral research at leading research universities around the world.
The overarching program, the Ibn Rushd Program for Saudi Scholars and Researchers,
The second branch is the Ibn Rushd Professorship program, directed at established Saudi researchers and academics who are ready to apply to a faculty position at any level. The latter supports KAUST’s mission to diversify its faculty and double the number of Saudi scholars at the institution to create future leaders, thinkers and innovators.
The 2023 cohort of postdoctoral fellows includes 13 Saudi researchers. In May 2023, KAUST welcomed the new fellows to its campus for orientation. The scholars are conducting research at a range of prestigious institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, the University of California San Diego, the California Institute of Technology,
Mentorship is a core component of the program. Scholars taking part in the fellowship are assigned a mentor to support them throughout their experience abroad, keeping them closely involved in the KAUST community. The cohort can also use KAUST facilities when visiting Saudi Arabia, with access to research and leadership development initiatives, entrepreneurship and networking opportunities, and invitations to relevant KAUST seminars and workshops.
For the Ibn Rushd Professorship, Saudi researchers that wish to become faculty members at KAUST are invited to apply for support through the program. It considers positions at a range of levels – from assistant professor to associate professor to full professor – offering established researchers and academics with PhDs the opportunity to pursue a faculty position at KAUST.
“635 young scientists from around the world… will get the chance to listen to lectures, Agora Talks and panel discussions, as well as enjoy personal exchanges with Nobel laureates and the other young scientists.”
Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
Walaa Khushaim is working to develop sensitive biosensors to enable the rapid detection of heart attack biomarkers. These biosensors could reduce mortalities from cardiovascular disease and other timecritical conditions. Khushaim obtained a master’s degree from the University of Oxford after completing her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Queens University of Charlotte in the United States.
Asma Al-Amoodi
Asma Al-Amoodi’s research focuses on enhancing the migration of long-term hematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic purposes. Viewed as ground-breaking research in translational medicine, her work centers around identifying and understanding the sugars and proteins on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells involved in the key mechanistic steps in the migration of cells in circulation. Her ultimate ambition is to establish a research facility dedicated to cancer studies, staffed by some of the world’s most eminent scientists.
KAUST supports and mentors new cohort of Saudi postdoctoral researchers at top universities worldwide
“The Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellowship is a key part of KAUST’s long-term vision to create a world-class research and innovation ecosystem with Saudi faculty at its core.”
BAKR
Vice Provost for Strategy and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
KAUST students join some 600 young scientists from around the world at the 72nd Lindau
“Our collaboration with KAUST will contribute to solving this problem and preserve Saudi Arabia’s most important tree, the date palm.”
“KAUST’s bold approach to research and education produces promising solutions to this planet’s greatest challenges. It also fosters the incoming generation of STEM-skilled problem solvers to carry forward these solutions.”
A decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse unit invented at KAUST has been established at the National Water Company’s (NWC) Wastewater Treatment plant in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. Its use of plug-and-play modular technology to treat and convert wastewater into reusable water for areas not connected to the centralized sewer network is an innovative way to replace traditional techniques.
The first of its kind in the Kingdom, the facility was developed by Environmental Science and Engineering Professor Pascal Saikaly and Muhammad Ali, a former research scientist at KAUST. Its creation stemmed from a fiveyear research project, in partnership with the NWC and the Water Desalination and Reuse Center. The scientists founded KAUST spin-off company Al-Miyah Solutions, which specializes in decentralized water-recycling technologies.
Conventional biological wastewater treatment plants use micro-organisms in the form of small, suspended aggregates known as bio-flocs to break down and remove pollutants in wastewater. Bio-flocs must then be separated from treated water in a separate tank, requiring a large surface area. At present, around 40% of households in Saudi Arabia do not have access to a centralized sewer network, and their wastewater is collected and transported to centralized wastewater treatment plants by trucks – a method that is costly and polluting.
Saikaly and Ali developed a technology that uses an aerobic granular sludge process to enrich the micro-organisms to form large, suspended aggregates called bio-granules that can be separated and removed more efficiently and easily from treated water in a single tank, and with more efficient removal of pollutants. This produces high-quality water, cuts operation costs and reduces the amount of space required for operations. Non-potable water for irrigation, horticulture and industry is also produced through the use of a gravity-driven membrane filtration system and ultraviolet light.
The unit can treat 100 cubic meters per day of wastewater to provide clean water for 1,0001,500 people, reducing energy demand by around 50%. The project aligns with the national aim to achieve 70% energy reuse by 2030 and generate new job opportunities.
MEWA
“In line with Vision 2030, it is important that every household has access to sanitation. This technology will hopefully play an important role in achieving this goal.”
Abdul Aziz bin Muhareb Al-Shaibani, Deputy Minister for Water
“My aim is to make doctors’ jobs easier and diagnosis as fast as possible by providing a new technology to replace conventional laboratory tests. Our goal is to make these sensors available to clinicians so that they can get data to diagnose diseases faster.”
SAHIKA INAL Sahika Inal, Associate Professor of BioengineeringSince the COVID-19 pandemic, a team of KAUST researchers has been collaborating closely with medical professionals to improve their disease detection capabilities. The teams of KAUST professors Sahika Inal and Stefan Arold are now working in partnership with clinicians at the King Faisal Specialist
“We were delighted with the novelty, sensitivity and accuracy of the diagnostic approach brought to us by KAUST researchers. Such technology should also help ensure that the world is better prepared for future pandemics.”
Ashraf Dada, Doctor of Pathology, KFSH&RCHospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) to better understand the hospital’s needs and provide low-cost, accurate and rapid tests for pathogen detection.
Inal’s research at KAUST focuses on the design of sensors using biological components to recognize certain disease biomarkers in a single sample taken from a patient. She aims to make the job of doctors easier and improve diagnoses by replacing conventional laboratory tests with effective new testing technologies. This innovative solution can support rapid disease diagnosis and could be used by healthcare professionals to improve services in low-income countries, as well as in remote communities with limited access to medical care and resources.
During the pandemic, Inal started work with KAUST Professor of Bioscience Stefan Arold to develop electronic chips that can detect the presence of COVID-19 from saliva samples. Their chips are close in sensitivity to
conventional PCR tests and provide results in 15 minutes. To test the technology for its suitability in a clinical setting and to validate the accuracy of their sensors, the professors contacted experts at Saudi hospitals.
Researchers at KFSH&RC provided Inal and Arold with samples and compared the results to those from conventional testing techniques. They then shared their results with their KAUST collaborators, allowing the teams of Inal and Arold to validate the innovative technology.
Following the trials on the COVID-19 sensors, the KAUST team continued to collaborate with KFSH&RC to gain deeper insights into doctors’ needs and provide them with tailored solutions. They hope to expand the potential of bioelectronic sensors to enhance rapid disease detection. By working directly with clinicians, the KAUST researchers can better understand the day-to-day routine of hospital workers and the tools that could improve their workflow. This process has made their research relevant in a real-world setting, helping other researchers respond to widely reported challenges in the healthcare system.
“Ensuring access to reliable sanitation is one of the greatest challenges we face today.
Al-Miyah Solutions’ innovation is an example of a technology being used to solve a very real problem for Saudi Arabia and for the world.”
KEVIN CULLEN
Vice President for Innovation
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has joined forces with KAUST to combat the negative impact of the red palm weevil on the Kingdom’s date industry. This collaboration raises hope for the effective detection and control of the pest, which poses a threat to palm trees.
The red palm weevil, which originated in tropical Asia, entered Saudi Arabia in the 1980s and has since spread to various regions, causing substantial economic losses. The weevil’s infestation cycle is rapid and deadly, with larvae consuming the tree from within, leading to its demise if left undetected. In response to this threat, MEWA sought the expertise of KAUST researchers to help devise innovative safeguards.
Led by KAUST Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Boon Ooi, a team of researchers explored the potential of sensing technology previously used by Saudi Aramco to monitor the flow of oil downhole and gas drill pipes.
They hypothesized that this technology, known as a distributed acoustic sensor (DAS), could be adapted to detect the presence of red palm weevil larvae within palm trees.
Initial tests conducted at a MEWA farm in AlAhsa demonstrated promising results. However, there were challenges deploying the technology in open-air farms due to environmental noise and wind interference. To overcome this hurdle, the KAUST team integrated artificial intelligence and developed a machine-learning algorithm capable of distinguishing the specific sounds produced by munching larvae.
With the system now fine-tuned, the researchers installed optical fibers at TADCO farm, located in Tabuk, with support from NEOM. The data
collected from the optical fibers is being used to further train and refine the algorithm’s ability to filter out background noise. The team plans to expand the technology to Al-Ula city and Al-Qassim province in Saudi Arabia.
The potential applications and benefits of this ground-breaking new detection method are numerous. Unlike existing methods that are impractical, expensive or not sensitive enough, the KAUST sensor offers a scalable and cost-effective solution. The system can cover thousands of trees by leveraging roaming vehicles to pick up signals from the optical fibers, revolutionizing the detection and control of red palm weevil infestations.
Recognizing the significance of this approach, the KAUST researchers and their colleagues from MEWA’s National Center for Palms and Dates were awarded the 2022 International Date Palm Innovative Technology Excellence Prize and the 2023 Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.
Importantly, the applications of this technology extend beyond agriculture. It can also be utilized in earthquake detection, infrastructure and wind turbine monitoring, and homeland security.
The collaboration between KAUST and MEWA aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy and supporting the growth of the agriculture sector. By employing cutting-edge science, the partnership aims to safeguard the Kingdom’s most important tree, ensuring high production efficiency and product quality while mitigating economic losses.
As field deployment continues, the researchers are determined to validate and enhance the sensitivity of their sensor systems in large-scale open-air farms. Through ongoing advancements and the commitment of KAUST researchers, Saudi Arabia’s date industry stands a better chance of overcoming the formidable threat posed by the red palm weevil, demonstrating the transformative power of scientific innovation in driving sustainable development and safeguarding vital agricultural resources.
KAUST sensing technology helps MEWA detect a deadly pest and safeguard date palm trees
“Our technology offers a unique and low-cost solution to protect the large number of date palm trees in the country through early infestation detection.”
BOON OOI Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
“MEWA worked hand in hand with KAUST to employ modern technologies and artificial intelligence to find solutions for early detection of [red palm weevil infestation.”
MEWA
The newest center to launch at KAUST combines leading research in modeling and simulation, data science and artificial intelligence, with predictive guidance for scenario planning to help the Kingdom respond to climate change and environmental emergencies.
Inaugurated in March 2023, in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Meteorology, the KAUST Climate Change Center builds upon 14 years of climate and weather studies and troves of observational and simulation data. KAUST’s supercomputing facilities are essential infrastructure for the center, resourced by data gathered via partnerships with Earth-monitoring organizations at KAUST and around the world.
The new center is part of a raft of initiatives announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Middle East Green Initiative Summit in 2022. It will support policy responses to climate change and help mitigate the effects of climate change environmentally, economically and socially.
“The Climate Change Center will be the new center of gravity and coordinating authority for climate change science in Saudi Arabia and the region.”
TONY CHAN President of KAUST
The center is led by Professor Ibrahim Hoteit, a KAUST founding faculty member and global authority in data assimilation, which is the process of continually updating a computational model with real-time observations to “nudge” the model and prevent it from drifting away from the physical state of interest. Computational models of the Earth’s atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial system –with inputs from the sun, solid earth and human activity – have achieved a high degree of fidelity. However, it is not possible to supply them with the initial state and boundary conditions that their mathematics require, and they contain
“The Climate Change Center represents a pivotal step forward in our country’s commitment to tackle climate change. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration, we will empower the Kingdom towards a sustainable and resilient future.”
parameters that can only be estimated. For predictive power, models must be continually refreshed with observations.
Observational data is available only at selected locations and times and is subject to error, which physics-based models can constrain. KAUST has acquired many petabytes of environmental data and is continuing to build this resource.
Much of this data is unique in the world when it comes to the regional atmosphere and the surrounding Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
As the Kingdom turns to harvesting intermittent forms of renewable energy such as solar and wind to produce electricity, hydrogen or desalinated water, it will increasingly depend on accurate forecasting of timevarying quantities – namely, the supply of renewables and demand for products. The same forecasting tools are useful for planning and resourcing agricultural growing seasons and tourism opportunities. They also play a role in anticipating and containing damage from
disasters like oil spills or fires, whose plumes can span hundreds of kilometers.
The center is charged with developing stateof-the-art tools and user interfaces to help Kingdom planners, who need not become climate or weather experts themselves, understand the environmental forces that affect their domains of responsibility.
During the inauguration of the center, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the National Center of Meteorology Board of Directors, stressed the importance of the Climate Change Center as a strategic initiative to enhance the Kingdom’s environmental performance, and strengthen its role and commitment to the regional and global fight against climate change. Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, CEO of the National Center for Meteorology, underscored that the center will play a pivotal role in helping realize Vision 2030 goals aimed at sustainable development.
Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and AgricultureTelecommunications specialists at KAUST recently collaborated with Alphabet’s Project Taara team to close the connectivity gap in remote locations by deploying affordable, high-speed internet access. Project Taara is a moonshot connectivity project at X (formerly Google X) that aims to enhance wireless access in hard-to-connect locations. The KAUST researchers are seeking to build on the success of their recent trial by conducting a thorough evaluation under real-world conditions. Their objective is to enhance the technology to ultimately support the expansion of internet access across the Kingdom.
Wireless connectivity can help provide internet access to remote areas, such as rural villages and isolated maritime locations like Saudi Arabia’s islands, which are being developed as tourist destinations. At present, fiber optics (FO) are used to deliver high-speed connectivity, but the technology is expensive and not suitable for all locations. Another option is radio frequency (RF), but it often has issues with interference, as well as speed constraints. Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini and a team of researchers at KAUST, led by PhD candidate Fahad Al-Qurashi, are testing the viability of a low-cost, laser-based technology known as free space optics (FSO) in the Kingdom, which is an alternative to FO and RF. KAUST uses a so-called network-in-a-box configuration to package the technology, making it suitable for areas that lack fixed infrastructure.
FSO is a line-of-sight technology that uses light propagating in free space, such as air, outer space or a vacuum, to wirelessly transmit video, voice and data at speeds of up to 20 Gbps. It is typically used in conditions where FO cable connections cannot be used due to cost.
KAUST and Project Taara successfully achieved FSO high-speed connections at 20 Gbps, first between the KAUST shore and Umm Misk
KAUST and Alphabet’s Project Taara test cost-effective ways to bring high-speed connectivity to remote and marine areas
Island, two kilometers away. This was the first use of Project Taara’s FSO technology for maritime communication. It was supported by Saudi Arabia-based telecommunications company Rockvale and approved by the Kingdom’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission.
The recent success of the trial is expected to lead to the rollout of affordable high-speed internet access in last-mile locations, including remote settlements across the Kingdom. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s coastal tourism and development plans. More specifically, FSO pilot deployments are planned in the coming months in the Red Sea Global and NEOM areas.
While the initial KAUST trial has shown great progress, some deployment challenges still need to be overcome. FSO uses lasers to deliver high speeds at a low cost, but, unlike FO, which is protected by cables, FSO is exposed to the atmosphere. To address this issue, the KAUST team is installing weather stations at the pilot sites to monitor and test this technology throughout the coming year. The equipment will assess how different weather conditions might affect system performance, accounting for variables such as duration, distance and outages. The data will be used to refine the system to deploy it more broadly and permanently to other areas across the Kingdom.
“With 71% of the Earth’s surface covered by water, rising oceanic activities have highlighted the importance of dependable maritime communications technologies.”
MOHAMED-SLIM ALOUINI
Al-Khawarizimi Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
“We are delighted to collaborate with institutes of higher education such as KAUST that are not only pioneering research on innovative technologies, but also doing their part to help bring them to market.”
Bhavesh Mistry, Regional Lead in Middle East and Africa, Alphabet’s Project Taara
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
David Keyes
Senior Associate to the President for Strategic Partnerships and Global Branding
EDITORIAL BOARD
Najah Ashry Senior Associate to the President and Vice President for Strategic National Advancement
Lawrence Carin
Provost
Kevin Cullen Vice President for Innovation
Pierre Magistretti Vice President for Research
MANAGING EDITORS
Julie West Science Communications Specialist
Peter Karagiannis Global Branding and Communications
Salah Sindi Senior In-Kingdom Media Advisor
With special thanks Omnia Attallah of Global Branding and Communications for design enhancements.
Produced in collaboration with Oxford Business Group
Readers are welcome to provide feedback on KAUST Impact at kaustimpact@kaust.edu.sa.
To read this and previous issues online, please search for “KAUST Impact” in your search engine or bookmark https://impact.kaust.edu.sa.
