Location: Building 20, Auditorium and online
Date: September 15, 2024
Time: 14:00 to 16:00
Join us as we celebrate the official launch of KAUST’s Centers of Excellence (CoEs), marking a pivotal milestone in advancing our Accelerating Impact Strategy, underscoring our commitment to aligning research with the Kingdom’s 2022 RDI priorities and contributing to Vision 2030.
The CoEs are designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive pioneering research with tangible, real-world applications, closely integrated with KAUST’s National Transformation Institute (NTI). These centers are set to elevate our academic excellence while delivering significant economic and social benefits.
The event will commence with welcoming remarks from Vice President for Research Pierre Magistretti, followed by an address from our new President, Professor Sir Edward Byrne, who will share his vision for this exciting new chapter at KAUST.
Attendees will also hear detailed presentations on each CoE from their respective Chairs, culminating in a panel discussion. The event will conclude with closing remarks from Pierre Magistretti and a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony.
Agenda
| 14:00-14:15 | Welcoming remarks by Pierre Magistretti, Vice President for Research |
| 14:15-14:20 | Prof. Sir Edward Byrne, KAUST President, addresses KAUST community |
| 14:20-15:20 | Overview of the new CoEs: • CoE for Generative AI by Bernard Ghanem, Center Chair • CoE for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies by Husam Alshareef, Center Chair • CoE for Smart Health by Imed Gallouzi, Center Chair • CoE for Sustainable Food Security by Mark Tester, Center Chair |
| 15:20-15:55 | Panel Discussion with CoE Chairs Moderator: Samir Hamdan, Associate Vice President for Research |
| 15:55-16:00 | Closing remarks by Pierre Magistretti followed by a cake-cutting ceremony |
Overview of the CoEs
- CoE for Generative AI: Chaired by Professor Bernard Ghanem, Electrical and Computer Engineering, this center advances generative AI technologies to solve complex challenges across industries. It focuses on machine learning, deep learning methodologies and neural network architectures to foster technological innovation and support sustainable economic growth.
- CoE for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies: Professor Husam Alshareef, Material Science and Engineering, chairs this center focused on developing cutting-edge renewable energy and storage technologies. It sees experts in materials, chemistry, physics, engineering and system integration drive academic excellence, economic impact and industrial collaboration, ensuring innovative sustainable energy and storage solutions.
- CoE for Smart Health: Chaired by Professor Imed Gallouzi, Bioscience, this center focuses on AI-driven healthcare solutions. It integrates advanced biotechnologies and fosters industry partnerships while enhancing the Kingdom’s healthcare ecosystem through innovative platforms and its first M.D./Ph.D. program.
- CoE for Sustainable Food Security: Professor Mark Tester, Plant Science, chairs this center addressing arid regional food challenges through interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships. It focuses on resource efficiency, resilient crops and sustainable practices. Its main projects involve advanced breeding technologies, sustainable aquaculture and ecofriendly food production, driving industry and jobs growth, and innovation.
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