King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a pioneering public research university situated in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Established in 2009, the university is dedicated to providing research and graduate training programs, with English as the official language of instruction. Named after King Abdullah bin Abdulalziz, who ruled Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2015, KAUST holds a significant place in the academic landscape of the region.
An emblem of progress, KAUST stands as the first mixed-gender university campus in Saudi Arabia. The university gained global recognition for its research endeavors, securing a position among the 500 fastest-growing research and citation records in the world in 2013. Notably, in the 2016 Nature Index Rising Stars, KAUST ranked 19th globally among the fastest-rising universities in terms of high-quality research output. In 2019, KAUST further solidified its standing by being ranked the 8th fastest-rising young university (aged 50 and under) for research output since 2015, as measured by fractional count.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) traces its roots to a pivotal moment in 2006 when Ali Al-Naimi, leading a Saudi Aramco team, initiated the planning and construction of the academic institution. Nadhmi Al-Nasr was appointed to lead the project, which enlisted the expertise of the Washington Advisory Group's Frank H. T. Rhodes and Frank Press for academic design, SRI International for the development of four research institutes, and the architectural firm HOK for the campus master plan, featuring innovative elements like wind towers and solar panels. The chosen location at Thuwal spanned 16.4 sq km on land and 19.6 sq km as a marine sanctuary offshore. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in October 2007, and by January 2008, 178 scholarships had already been awarded.
KAUST marked its official opening on September 23, 2009, with a significant inauguration ceremony attended by King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. During the ceremony, King Abdullah emphasised the importance of institutions like KAUST, which "embrace all people" as a crucial defense against extremism. The university, backed by $10 billion endowment, admitted an inaugural class of 400 students from over 60 countries, accompanied by a faculty of 70. Notably, the campus housed Shaheen, recognised as Asia's fastest supercomputer at the time of its commissioning.
As KAUST continued to establish itself as a global center for science and technology, in September 2018, it entered into a significant 5-year research and development partnership with McLaren, underscoring its commitment to cutting-edge innovation and collaboration on the international stage.
KAUST's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its diverse range of courses and programs. Notable offerings include: MSc Plant Science: A program designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of plant growth and function, particularly under challenging environmental conditions found in Saudi Arabia. The duration of the course is 12 months, and the entry month is September.
MSc Marine Science: Addressing the biology and ecology of marine life forms, this program intentionally focuses on the local Red Sea system. The course duration is 12 months, and it begins in September.
MSc Applied Mathematics and Computational Science: This program equips students with both conceptual and practical knowledge to address modern scientific challenges. The course duration is 12 months, with entry in September.
PhD Plant Science: Geared towards developing a profound understanding of plant growth and function, this Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program prepares students for research careers in academia and industry.
PhD Environmental Science and Engineering: This program prepares students to address pressing challenges related to water security and the environment. It focuses on the intersection of water, energy, and food nexus, and sustainable processes.
Master of Science in Applied Physics: This program is designed to impart a strong foundation in fundamental scientific principles essential for understanding physics phenomena at the nanoscale. It equips students with the necessary tools to leverage this understanding for driving technological and scientific advancements in applied physics. Emphasising areas such as device physics, photonics, and quantum electronics, students receive comprehensive training covering key concepts in condensed matter physics, electrodynamics, and statistical physics.
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Physics: Candidates pursuing a Ph.D. engage in pioneering research aimed at pushing the frontiers of knowledge in applied physics. Graduates of this program find employment opportunities spanning academic research institutions to roles in research and development within high-tech industries or entrepreneurial ventures.
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