WEP 2025 Opening Night
Join us on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., in Building 20, Auditorium, for the Opening Night of WEP 2025. The evening features an inspiring Opening Keynote by Sir Edward Byrne AC FMedSci, KAUST President. Concluding the night, enjoy a unique and captivating performance by Tim Blais, the creator of A Capella Science. Blending music and science, his performance promises to be both engaging and inspiring.
Be part of this exceptional start to WEP 2025, where innovation meets inspiration!
Explore the Week One Agenda (January 13–16)
Monday, January 13
Panel Discussion: Red Sea Reefs Outliers
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Dive into groundbreaking marine research as experts discuss the unique ecosystems of the Red Sea.
Speakers:
- Jodie Rummer, James Cook University, Professor of Marine Biology
- Sam Purkis, University of Miami, Professor and Chair of Marine Geosciences
- Andrew Temple, KAUST, Postdoctoral Fellow
- Maggie Johnson, KAUST, Assistant Professor
Tuesday, January 14
Fireside Keynote: Arabia’s Ancient Green – A Desert’s Hidden History
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Discover Arabia’s hidden environmental history in this compelling keynote by Sam Purkis, University of Miami, Professor and Chair of Marine Geosciences.
Wednesday, January 15
Open Talk by Mohammed Sqalli
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Lobby
Join Mohammed Sqalli, a distinguished expert in cybersecurity and technology, as he explores emerging trends and innovative approaches to tackling the most pressing challenges in digital security. As an academic and professional leader, Sqalli brings a wealth of experience in ensuring data integrity and safeguarding systems in the modern digital era.
Panel Discussion: Environmental Outliers
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Explore bold solutions for sustainability and climate challenges with leaders in environmental research and strategy.
Speakers:
- Peter Baenziger, University of Nebraska, Presidential Chair and Professor Emeritus
- Howard Alpern, Southeast Swim School Holdings, CEO, Diver, Instructor
- Gus Gonzalez, Dive Talk, Co-Host, Producer
- Elizabeth A. Goergen, KAUST, Head of Monitoring and Visualization
- H.H. Princess Mashael Al-Shalan, Aeon Strategy, Founding Partner
- H.H. Princess Noura Al-Saud, Aeon Strategy, Founding Partner
Improv Show!
7:00 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Enjoy a lively evening of improvisation with performers Tim Orr, Regina Saisi, and Basel Alnaffoui.
Thursday, January 16
Fireside Keynote: Higher Education, Science, and Technology
5:30 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Join Professor Atta-ur Rahman FRS, a renowned organic chemist and transformative leader in science and education. Known for synthesizing cancer-fighting alkaloids and his pioneering role in Pakistan’s scientific advancement, Professor Rahman has received numerous global honors, including the UNESCO Science Prize and Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian award.
Don’t miss this inspiring keynote from a global leader in innovation and education!
Talk & Performance: Sounding the Future with Quantum AI
6:15 p.m. | Building 20, Auditorium
Explore the intersection of science and music in this engaging session with David Keyes, KAUST, Eduardo Miranda, University of Plymouth, and Harry Kumar, Moth, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer.
Join the Journey!
Join us for an extraordinary week of thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynotes, and captivating performances. Attend in person at Building 20, Auditorium, or join via live stream on KAUST’s YouTube channel.