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​​​Research in Academic Divisions​


Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE)

The BESE Division at KAUST is dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of marine, terrestrial and human biology to ensure food, water and soil security within healthy communities. Research in the BESE Division is grounded in fundamental discovery and guided by an impact-driven approach to tackle some of the world’s most pressing biological and environmental challenges.

BESE's research spans six core fields, combining fundamental, translational and applied research:
  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Epigenetics, Genomics and Genetics
  • Biophysics and Biochemistry
  • Microbiology, Biodiversity and Ecology
  • Sustainable Water Use
  • Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering
The BESE Division integrates diverse disciplines to address complex global challenges —from ensuring sustainable food and water resources to driving innovations in healthcare and environmental resilience. Through advanced technologies and collaborative partnerships, BESE contributes to impactful solutions that support sustainable development locally, regionally and globally.

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Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division (CEMSE)

Research in the CEMSE Division clusters into four main areas:

  • Electrical engineering, including the development of communication networks; CMOS integrated circuits; electronic and optics/photonics devices; micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS); various types of sensors, measurement and detection devices; as well as functional- and nano-materials.
  • Mathematical analysis, including modeling and simulations with applications to physical, chemical, biological and environmental processes; materials science; oil exploration and reservoir management.
  • Computer science and big data, including bioinformatics; and visual and extreme computing.
  • Statistics and data science, including climate science, environmental statistics, and biostatistics.
Research in the CEMSE Division is driven by independent faculty labs and three Research Centers with which Faculty can affiliate to perform applied, goal-oriented research. Centers affiliated with the Division include:​
  • Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC)
  • Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC)
  • Resilient Computing and Cybersecurity Center (RC3)
  • Visual Computing Center (VCC)
In addition, from time to time, the Division undertakes special exploratory and collaborative research initiatives, currently in Sensors and Uncertainty Quantification.

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Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)

The mission of the Physical Science and Engineering Division is to create knowledge pertaining to matter at all scales (nano, meso, macro) and in all forms (from bulk to divided colloids to fluids) and to seek understanding of the interaction of matter with external stimuli to design new materials/technologies addressing the issues of our times.

Research in the Division includes areas such as theoretical physics and physical chemistry; catalysis and bioengineering; polymers and composites; energy production, storage and conversion; water purification and environmental protection; novel materials, nanodevices and systems; sensors and smart devices for the detection of pollutants and the purification of air, water, and food; earth sciences, mechanics and geomechanics; oil exploration and recovery; and CO2 sequestration.

Research in the PSE Division is driven by independent faculty labs and five Research Centers with which Faculty can affiliate to perform applied, goal-oriented research. Centers affiliated with the Division include:​
  • Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Research Center (AMPMC)
  • Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC)
  • Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC)
  • KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC)
  • KAUST Solar Center (KSC)

Go to Division Website

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