History
In 2006, Ali Al-Naimi chaired aCampus
Description
The university's core campus, located on theResearch
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.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.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 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 ChemistryPostgraduate 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.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.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.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.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.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 * StatisticsAdmissions
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.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.See also
*References
{{DEFAULTSORT:King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Universities and colleges in Saudi Arabia 2009 establishments in Saudi Arabia Educational institutions established in 2009 English as a global language Private universities and colleges in Saudi Arabia Science and technology in Saudi Arabia Scientific organisations based in Saudi Arabia World Digital Library partners Mecca Province Postgraduate schools