The primary goal of this awards scheme is to support talented scientists and encourage technology development in the Saudi Arabia, according to a SABIC statement.
The inaugural awards went to 15 outstanding post-doctoral fellows from across KAUST’s three academic divisions: Chemical and Life Sciences and Engineering; Mathematical and Computer Sciences and Engineering; and Physical Sciences and Engineering.
The winning fellows’ research interests span the critical areas of new and renewable energies, water research, advanced materials, catalysis, scientific computational services, renewable feedstocks, materials engineering, and nanotechnologies. Candidates for the awards were nominated by their research supervisors, while the winners were selected by a specialized committee comprised of experts from SABIC and the university.
SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO Mohamed Al-Mady said that they are an expression of the company’s support for identifying and developing talent in science, and expanding academic experience.
“We are supporting outstanding research that is not only related to our business and future plans, but also relevant to the development and expansion of knowledge for the benefit of humankind,” he said.
“Most of these investigative areas are long-term, blue-sky, and are intended to serve the interests of the Kingdom, the region and the world,” he added.
KAUST Provost Prof. Stefan Catsicas said: “We are truly proud of our young scientists and grateful that their post-doctoral research has been endorsed by SABIC in this way. These fellowships represent more than just financial support to these 15 researchers, they represent an understanding that true solutions to the greatest challenges of our time — food, water, energy, and the environment — are multi-dimensional and require the input and collaboration of all sectors.”
