Last month, more than 300 KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) undergraduates from leading U.S. universities gathered in Washington, D.C. for Convocation 2026—a flagship academic symposium designed to reconnect the Kingdom’s most promising STEM talent with the University that champions their future: KAUST.
Held from January 16–18, the annual Convocation is a cornerstone of the KGSP experience. It serves as a vital bridge between students’ undergraduate journeys abroad and the advanced research ecosystem awaiting them in Saudi Arabia. The event convenes KAUST faculty, executive leadership, distinguished alumni, and external partners for three days of insight, inspiration, and scientific exploration.
Distinguished Participation
Convocation 2026 welcomed HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, whose participation and inspiring remarks resonated deeply with students and attendees alike. Her engagement reflected the Kingdom’s ongoing dedication to empowering Saudi talent through education and global experience.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Tahany Aleisa, Saudi Cultural Attaché to the USA, Canada, and South America, whose presence further underscored the importance of supporting Saudi students abroad and strengthening the pathways that connect them to the Kingdom’s research, innovation, and future opportunities.
At its heart, Convocation reinforces the unique academic community KAUST has cultivated since the Program’s establishment. As the only segment of the KAUST community studying abroad, KGSP students rely on this gathering as a touchstone—an opportunity to reconnect with peers, deepen their relationship with KAUST, and reflect on how their academic paths align with the Kingdom’s ambitious innovation agenda.
This year’s agenda highlights KAUST’s commitment to empowering future scientific leaders. Students will engage in research breakouts, a Student Research Fair, faculty mentoring sessions, and The KAUST Experience, an interactive showcase of research pathways and graduate opportunities. Alumni return to share professional insights, while KAUST faculty introduce cutting-edge research across the University’s three divisions—Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE), and Physical Science and Engineering (PSE).
“Convocation is where students begin to envision themselves not only as scholars, but as future contributors to Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem,” says Sultan Albarakati, Associate Vice President, Saudi Talent Development. “It is a moment where they see the impact their education can have on national progress.”
As Vision 2030 drives unprecedented investment in science and technology, the KGSP pipeline—now more than 650 alumni strong—continues to shape the Kingdom’s knowledge economy. Convocation celebrates this momentum, uniting the next generation of researchers, engineers, and innovators as they prepare for graduate study, professional careers, and leadership roles across Saudi Arabia.
By the close of the event, students left with renewed purpose, enriched academic insight, and strengthened ties to KAUST—a University deeply committed to their growth and their future contributions to the world.
