The 2016 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) is now in full swing, and our second week is packed with must-see events. Here’s a small selection of the many highlights of our coming week’s program:
A Physicist in Hollywood: The Science of “Interstellar”
A Keynote Lecture by Kip Thorne
Sunday, January 17
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Building 20
Co-author of the seminal textbook ‘Gravitation’, astrophysicist Kip Thorne has mentored dozens of top scientists. In this keynote, Professor Thorne will look at his work in Hollywood as science advisor for the blockbuster film “Interstellar.”
Quinoa: Modern Improvements for an Ancient Crop with Eric Jellen
Sunday, January 17
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Level 2, University Library
Quinoa is growing in worldwide popularity and appearing on more and more dinner tables. Eric Jellen will look at the latest research and possibilities for this very popular ‘new food.’
60 Years of DNA
A Keynote Lecture by Dr. James Watson
Monday, January 18
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Building 20
Dr. James Watson is a Nobel prize winner who is best known for being part of the team that first uncovered the double helical structure of DNA in 1953. Join him as he looks at the influence of his work in our lives in the 60 years since the discovery of DNA.
Stripping Down Science
A Keynote Lecture by Dr. Chris Smith
Tuesday, January 19
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Building 20
Dr. Chris Smith is a pioneering science podcaster. Join him as he looks at his work and how to communicate big ideas to wide audiences.
Seafaring in the 21st Century: Exploration, Innovation and Discovery
A Keynote Lecture with Carlos Duarte, Eric Karsenti and Francis Waldvogel
Wednesday, Jan 20
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Building 20
We venture to the high seas for tonight’s keynote, with a joint keynote lecture from Professor Carlos Duarte of the Malaspina 2010 Circumnavigation Expedition, Dr. Eric Karsenti of the TARA OCEANS expedition and Professor Francis Waldvogel of MS Tûranor PlanetSolar. Join them and witness how their global explorations are driving a wave of new discoveries on the oceans.
KAUST Energy Lecture Series
With Pedro De Costa, Udaya Gunturu and Emre Cenker
Thursday, January 21
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Lecture Hall 2325, Building 9
Join three KAUST speakers as they look at energy and its impact on climate change with lectures on carbon, black smoke and wind energy.
KAUST Catalysis Center discusses Energy and Environment Challenges
With Kazuhiro Takanabe, Wei Xu, Jean Basset, Kuo Wei Huang, Valerio D’Elia and Paul Lucchese
Thursday, January 21
2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Lecture Hall 2322, Building 9
The KAUST Catalysis Center presents a special lecture series on energy research featuring two international speakers, three KAUST speakers, and a speaker from Aramco.
Business Leadership Series: Creative Industries through the prism of the Saudi National Creative Initiative
With Sofana Dahlan
Thursday, January 21
Sofana Dahlan is a top Saudi lawyer and leader of Tashkeil, a Saudi-based social enterprise that has incubated 30 Middle Eastern designers, organized 42 events, hosted over 16,000 visitors and launched 2 initiatives. Learn about Sofana’s role as part of the Saudi National Creative Initiative as they work to develop and rehabilitate Saudi’s creative scene.
Photography Exhibition: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Monday, January 18 – Saturday, February 20
Opening ceremony on Wednesday, January 20
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Lobby, Building 16
In this special exhibition, photographers with scientific and non-scientific backgrounds collaborate to highlight the similarities and differences in their photographic work.
Tasabeeh: An Arabic Calligraphic Art Exhibit
Tuesday, January 19 – Thursday 21
Museum of Science and Technology in Islam
Visit the KAUST Museum of Science and Technology in Islam and view a very special temporary calligraphy art exhibit by Dr. Nader Yehia Azab.
Discover Saudi Arabia: Experience Asir
Wednesday, January 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and
Thursday, January 21 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Special opening on Wednesday, January 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Level 2, University Library
Experience the amazing beauty of Asir architecture and painted mural art in this exhibition showcasing the rich culture of the Asir region.
Science Fair
Tuesday, January 19
12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Discovery Walk
Come witness the imaginations of KAUST students of all ages at work through a range of inspiring and informative science demonstrations, as well as an eye-popping Science Show by Dr. Chris Smith. Prepare to be amazed!
Final WEP Gala: A Night of Performance and Awards
Featuring Khusugtun
Thursday, January 21
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Building 20
Join us as we celebrate the close of our seventh annual Winter Enrichment Program with a night of music and awards. We close our evening with a stunning performance by the traditional Mongolian folk group Khusugtun, performing in their traditional throat-singing style. A cocktail reception will follow.
Beach Day
Friday, January 22
1:30 – 6:00 p.m.
South Beach
Join us for a day of sports and fun at South Beach, with soccer, volleyball, a drone race, food, games and much more!
This selection is only a small part of this week’s program. You can learn more about all our events and register by visiting wep.acadox.com.
We’ll see you at the events!
Be sure to like our Facebook page and check The Lens every day during WEP for daily event information.
The Enrichment team
WEP 2016 would not be possible without the help of our principal sponsors Saudi Aramco and Sabic, with additional support from Saudi Oger. We thank them for their support. We would also like to thank the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) for their support in presenting our cocktail reception.