King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

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{{Infobox university

| name = King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

| image_name = KAUST_Logo.svg

| image_size = 205px

| motto = "Through Inspiration, Discovery"

| established = September 23, 2009

| type = Public University

| endowment = $20 billion

| chairman = Mohammed bin Salman

| president = Ed Byrne (neuroscientist)

| undergrad = None

| postgrad = 940 (2016){{cite web |title=Quick Facts |url=https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/ieche/assets/KAUST-Quick-Facts.pdf |website=King Abdullah University of Science and Technology |access-date=21 September 2020}}

| address = 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

| city = Thuwal

| province = Mecca Province

| postalcode = 23955-6900

| country = Saudi Arabia

| coor = {{coord|22.312602|39.11047|region:SA_type:edu_scale:5000_source:Wikimapia|display=title}}

| campus = {{convert|3600|ha|acre}}

| website = {{URL|https://www.kaust.edu.sa/}}

}}

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST; {{langx|ar| جامعة الملك عبد الله للعلوم و التقنية }} {{transliteration|ar|DIN|jāmiʿat al-malik ʿabd al-Lāh li-l-ʿulūm wa-t-teqniyya}}) is a private research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2009, the university provides research and graduate training programs in English as the official language of instruction. It is named after King Abdullah bin Abdulalziz, the ruler of Saudi Arabia from 2005 until 2015.

KAUST is the first mixed-gender university campus in Saudi Arabia.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE58M65R/|title=Saudi Arabia opens first mixed-gender university|website=Reuters.com|date=23 September 2009|author1=Ulf Laessing|author2=Asma Alsharif|access-date=18 April 2024}} In 2013, the university was among the 500 fastest growing research and citation records in the world.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-fanarmedia.org/2013/10/how-saudi-universities-rose-in-the-global-rankings|title=How Saudi Universities Rose in the Global Rankings|website=Al-fanarmedia.org|date=15 October 2013|author=Charles McPhedran|access-date=9 June 2018}} In the 2016 Nature Index Rising Stars, the university ranked 19th in the world of the fastest rising universities for high quality research output.{{cite web|url=https://www.natureindex.com/supplements/nature-index-2016-rising-stars/tables/institutions|title=Top 100 institutions 2016|website=Natureindex.com|access-date=9 June 2018}} In 2019 KAUST is ranked 8th fastest rising young universities (aged 50 and under) for their research output since 2015, as measured by fractional count (FC).{{cite web|url=https://www.natureindex.com/news-blog/top-ten-fastest-rising-universities-under-fifty-twenty-nineteen|title=Top 10 fastest rising universities aged 50 and under|website=Natureindex.com|date=November 2019 |access-date=1 November 2019}}

KAUST is the highest ranking university in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2023.{{Cite web|title=Arab University Rankings|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/arab-university-rankings|access-date=2024-03-03|website=Times Higher Education|date=7 November 2023 |language=en}}

Since September 2024, neuroscientist Sir Edward Byrne has served as KAUST's fourth president.[https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/news/king-abdullah-university-of-science-and-technology-appoints-new-president King Abdullah University of Science and Technology appoints new President]

History

In 2006, Ali Al-Naimi chaired a Saudi Aramco team to undertake the building and planning of the academics. Nadhmi Al-Nasr was chosen to lead the project. They employed the Washington Advisory Group's Frank H. T. Rhodes and Frank Press to design the academic structure, SRI International to develop the four research institutes, and the architectural firm of HOK for the campus master plan, which included wind towers and solar panels. The location of the campus at Thuwal included 16.4 sq km on land and 19.6 sq km of marine sanctuary offshore. Ground breaking took place in October 2007, and 178 scholarships were awarded in January 2008.{{cite book |last1=Al-Naimi |first1=Ali |title=Out of the Desert |date=2016 |publisher=Portfolio Penguin |location=Great Britain |isbn=9780241279250 |pages=250–258}}

KAUST officially opened on September 23, 2009, at an inauguration ceremony, where King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud gave a speech where he stated that places like the university that "embrace all people are the first line of defence against extremists". The university initially received a $10 billion endowment.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120448256|title=Ambitious New University Opens In Saudi Arabia|website=Npr.org|date=16 November 2009|author=Kelly McEvers|access-date=9 June 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/about/Pages/The-King%27s-Speech-at-KAUST-Inauguration-Ceremony.aspx|title=The King's Speech at KAUST Inauguration Ceremony|website=Kaust.edu.sa|date=23 September 2009|access-date=9 June 2018}} Upon opening, the university admitted 400 students from over 60 countries and 70 faculty. The campus is home to Shaheen, Asia's fastest supercomputer at the time of its commissioning.{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/328291|title=KAUST: History in the making|website=Arabnews.com|date=23 September 2009|author=Siraj Wahab|access-date=9 June 2018}}

In September 2018, KAUST signed a 5-year R&D partnership agreement with McLaren.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-04 |title=McLaren Racing - King Abdullah University of Science and Technology partners with McLaren Racing |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/king-abdullah-university-science-and-technology-partners-mclaren-racing/ |access-date= |website=McLaren Racing |language=en}}

Campus

File:KAUST's campus with the mosque appearing on the left.jpg

= Description =

File:KAUST residential street with outdoor sculpture.jpg

The university's core campus, located on the Red Sea at Thuwal,{{Cite web|url=https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/about/map|title = Map}} is sited on more than {{convert|36|km2|mi2}}, encompassing a marine sanctuary, museum, and research facility.{{cite web|title = KAUST general FAQs|publisher=King Abdullah University of Science and Technology|url=http://www.kaust.edu.sa/about/kaustfaq.html|access-date=2 October 2009}}

KAUST is the first mixed-gender university campus in Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities hope the mixed-gender center will help modernize the Kingdom's deeply conservative society.{{cite news|last=Slackman|first=Michael|title=A Saudi Gamble to See if Seeds of Change Will Grow|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/world/middleeast/19saudi.html|access-date=3 April 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=18 November 2009}} The religious police do not operate on-site. Women are allowed to mix freely with men and they are not required to wear veils in the coeducational classes.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8270601.stm|title=Saudis open hi-tech science oasis|website=Bbc.co.uk|date=23 September 2009|access-date=9 June 2018}}

KAUST was Saudi Arabia's first LEED certified project and is the world's largest LEED Platinum campus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-8765-largest-leed-platinum-project-in-the-world|title=Largest LEED Platinum project in the world|website=Construction Week Online Middle East|date=28 June 2010 |language=en|access-date=2020-01-16}} Designed by international architecture firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, it was also chosen by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) as one of the 2010 Top Ten Green Projects.{{Cite web|url=http://www.archdaily.com/57456/2010-aiacote-top-ten-green-projects/|title=2010 AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects|date=2010-04-22|website=ArchDaily|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-16}} The university library received the 2011 AIA/ALA Library Building Award for accomplishments in library architecture.[http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/2011/library-awards/kaust-library/index.htm KAUST Library - 2011 AIA / ALA Library Building Awards]

Research

KAUST organizes its research teams across three academic disciplines, 12 research centers and individual faculty labs. KAUST focuses its research around the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment and the digital domain.{{Cite web |title=Research {{!}} King Abdullah University |url=https://www.kaust.edu.sa/research |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=KAUST |language=en}}

= Academic divisions =

== Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division ==

Research in the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE) is organized around six focal areas: environmental systems; epigenetics; functional biology; genomics; imaging/structural biology; and marine science.{{Cite web |title=Research in Academic Divisions {{!}} King Abdullah University |url=https://www.kaust.edu.sa/research/academic-divisions |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=KAUST |language=en}}

== Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division ==

Research in the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE) is clustered into four main areas:

Electrical engineering, including the development of communication networks; CMOS integrated circuits; electronic and optics/photonics devices; micro-electro-mechanical systems; various types of sensors, measurement and detection devices; as well as functional- and nano-materials.
Mathematical analysis, including modeling and simulations with applications to physical, chemical, biological and environmental processes; materials science; oil exploration and reservoir management.
Computer science and big data, including bioinformatics; and visual and extreme computing.
Statistics and data science, including climate science, environmental statistics, and biostatistics.

== Physical Sciences and Engineering Division ==

Research in the Physical Sciences and Engineering Division (PSE) includes areas such as theoretical physics and physical chemistry; catalysis and bioengineering; polymers and composites; energy production, storage and conversion; water purification and environmental protection; novel materials, nanodevices and systems; sensors and smart devices for the detection of pollutants and the purification of air, water, and food; earth sciences, mechanics and geomechanics; oil exploration and recovery; and {{CO2}} sequestration.

= KAUST Centres of Excellence =

In July 2024, KAUST implemented four new Centers of Excellence (CoEs) aimed at driving research, development and innovation (RDI) to address Saudi Arabia's four RDI priorities: Health and Wellness, Sustainable Environment, Energy and Industrial Leadership, and Economies of the Future. The KAUST centers include the following:

== The CoE for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies ==

This center develops and deploys renewable energy and storage technologies, supporting Saudi Arabia's sustainable energy transition by prototyping and commercializing innovations that enhance industrial competitiveness. KAUST Professor Husam Alshareef, Materials Science and Engineering, is CoE chair, and Professor Zhiping Lai, Chemistry, is co-chair.

== The CoE for Smart Health ==

This center develops and deploys digital and AI-driven technologies aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia through precision medicine, promoting innovation, education and entrepreneurship. KAUST Professor Imed Gallouzi, Bioscience, is CoE chair, and Professor Xin Gao, Computer Science, is co-chair.

== The CoE for Generative AI ==

This center develops innovative general-purpose AI models tailored to meet the unique demands of Saudi Arabia's RDI priorities, pursuing Generative AI research and driving advancements across multiple sectors. KAUST Professor Bernard Ghanem, Electrical and Computer Engineering, is CoE chair, and Professor Jürgen Schmidhuber, Computer Science, is co-chair.

== The CoE for Sustainable Food Security ==

This center develops agricultural technologies to enhance resource efficiency, crop improvement and sustainable biosystems, aimed at strengthening both Saudi and global food security. KAUST Professor Mark Tester, Plant Science, is CoE chair. Professor Peiying Hong, Environmental Science and Engineering, and Associate Professor Brande Wulff, Plant Science, are co-chairs.

= Clarivates Highly Cited Researchers =

Salim Al-Babili - Professor of Plant Science
Mohamed-Slim Alouini - Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Husam Alshareef - Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Thomas Anthopoulos - Adjunct Professor, Material Science and Engineering
Osman Bakr - Professor of Material Science and Engineering
Hylke Beck - Assistant Professor of Earth Science and Engineering
Stefaan De Wolf - Professor of Material Science and Engineering
Carlos M. Duarte - Professor of Marine Science
Mohamed Eddaoudi - Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
Abdel Hamid Emwas - Staff Scientist of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Jorge Gascon - Professor of Chemical Engineering
Mohamed Nejib Hedhili - Lead, Senior Staff Scientist of Surface Science
Frédéric Laquai - Professor of Applied Physics
Matthew McCabe - Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering
Omar Mohammed - Professor of Material Science and Engineering
Yoshihide Wada - Professor of Plant Science and Environmental Science
Peng Wang - Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering
Huabin Zhang - Assistant Professor of Chemistry

{{Infobox university rankings

| ARWU_W = 201-300 | ARWU_W_year = 2024 | ARWU_W_ref = {{Cite web| title=ARWU Rankings| date=2024| url=http://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819135344/http://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2024 |archive-date=2024-08-19}}

| CWTS_W = | CWTS_W_year = | CWTS_W_ref =

| QS_W = | QS_W_year = | QS_W_ref =

| THE_W = | THE_W_year = | THE_W_ref =

| USNWR_W = 100 | USNWR_W_year = 2024-2025 | USNWR_W_ref = {{Cite web | title=US News & World Report 2024-2025 Rankings |access-date=Aug 21, 2024| url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/king-abdullah-university-of-science-technology-510489 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803035435/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/king-abdullah-university-of-science-technology-510489 |archive-date=2024-08-03}}

}}

Postgraduate programs

= Master's =

The Master of Science (M.S.) program at KAUST can be taken in one of the 16 available disciplines. It is expected that students complete the degree in 18 months and may be completed with or without a thesis component.

Admission to the M.S. program requires the satisfactory completion of an undergraduate science degree in a relevant or related area, such as engineering, mathematics or the physical, chemical and biological sciences.{{Cite web |title=Masters Program {{!}} King Abdullah University |url=https://www.kaust.edu.sa/study/masters-program |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=KAUST |language=en}}

= Doctor of Philosophy =

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program at KAUST can be taken in one of the 16 available disciplines. It typically takes three to four years to complete.

Admission to the Ph.D. program requires the satisfactory completion of a master's degree in science in a relevant or related area, such as engineering, mathematics or the physical, chemical and biological sciences.{{Cite web |title=Ph.D. Program {{!}} King Abdullah University |url=https://www.kaust.edu.sa/study/phd-program |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=KAUST |language=en}}

= M.S. / Ph.D. Program=

The M.S./Ph.D. program allows students to apply for the Ph.D. program after completing a bachelor's degree. The program typically takes four to five years to complete.

= Postgraduate Diploma =

KAUST offers a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Industrial Design, Physical Science and Engineering, and Bioscience. Each program is made up of soft skill, experimental, theoretical and entrepreneurship courses as well as a capstone experience.{{Cite web |title=King Abdullah University of Science and Technology |url=https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/PGDip.html |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=admissions.kaust.edu.sa}}

= Internship programs =

== Visiting Student Research Program ==

The VSRP is a three to six-month internship program available for 3rd/4th year undergraduate or master's students. During the program, students will work under the guidance of KAUST faculty mentors on a current research project. Students accepted into the program receive a monthly stipend as well as having their accommodation, health insurance and travel costs covered.{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://vsrp.kaust.edu.sa/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=KAUST-VSRP |language=en}}

== Visiting Student Program ==

The Visiting Student Program (VS) is a flexible program allowing 3rd/4th year undergraduate or master's students to work directly with KAUST faculty members. Its length can range from a few days to several months. Students accepted into the program normally receive a monthly stipend as well as having their accommodation, health insurance and travel costs covered.{{Cite web |title=The Visiting Student Research Program {{!}} KAUST |url=https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/research-program.html |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=admissions.kaust.edu.sa}}

=== Program disciplines ===

Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
Applied Physics
Bioengineering
Bioscience
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science and Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
Environmental Science and Engineering
Marine Science
Material Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Plant Science
Statistics

Admissions

While there is no minimum academic entry requirement, those admitted typically have strong grade profiles and clear research interests. Applicants are also required to meet English language requirements for entry unless they qualify for an exemption.{{Cite web |title=Graduate Admission - Masters and Ph.D. Programs {{!}} KAUST |url=https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/admission-requirment.html |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=admissions.kaust.edu.sa}}

Fellowship

Every student who is admitted receives the KAUST Fellowship. This fellowship covers the cost of a student's tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation costs as well as giving the student a monthly stipend.{{Cite web |title=Fully-funded M.S. and Ph.D. Fellowships {{!}} KAUST |url=https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/phd-fellowship.html |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=admissions.kaust.edu.sa}}