KAUST researchers convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12 to take part in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28).

From sustainable construction to coral restoration, 20 KAUST faculty were invited to share their expertise at the 10-day conference, illustrating the importance of the University’s research for accelerating positive environmental impact in both in Saudi Arabia and the wider world.

KAUST participated in both the Saudi Green Initiative and the Saudi Pavilion, showcasing many scientific developments and breakthroughs across both Zones. For example, on display was research from Professor William Roberts on cryogenic carbon capture, which can remove CO2 from the exhaust gases of fossil power plants and industrial plants, such as cement or any process that releases CO2 in the exhaust. Professor Hussein Hoteit demonstrated carbon dioxide removal using enhanced mineralization into reactive formation and underground hydrogen storage.

Raquel Peixoto speaking at COP28.

Recognised as the premier research-based university in the region, ranked first in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings 2023, KAUST also showcased its climate research credentials in the Innovation Zone. Associate Professor Raquel Peixoto used a VR headset to demonstrate how KAUST is using microbiology to build resilience in corals in the Red Sea, while Professor Mark Gillan showed how such technology can be implemented at scale with the KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative. Professor Carlos Duarte spoke at multiple events on issues including the importance of public-private partnerships in coral restoration efforts.

“Nurturing the next generation of research excellence has always been part of the KAUST DNA, and the research on display in Dubai in these last two weeks has shown our faculty are the region’s leaders in climate solutions,” said KAUST President Tony Chan. “This is an incredible milestone for us. With over 20 KAUST experts invited, we have demonstrated the need for our research in helping resolve some of the world’s most urgent environmental issues.”

A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the latest KAUST spinout. ClimateCrete™, founded by four KAUST researchers – Jorge Gascon, William McDonough, Anastasya Bavykina, and Juan Manuel Colom – has developed technology that can make local sand suitable for use in making concrete. This process requires less transportation and less cement, reducing carbon emissions by up to 60 per cent.

ClimateCrete at the KAUST booth.

To find out more about how KAUST research is accelerating impact in both the Kingdom and globally, please visit our website. For more about KAUST at COP28, go here.