Noreddine Ghaffour is a Professor at KAUST with over 30 years of experience in drinking water treatment technologies, focusing on membrane and thermal desalination. He holds a Ph.D. from Montpellier University, France. Professor Ghaffour has over 500 publications, holds numerous patents, and has received various recognitions, including the 2019 Brains for Brine Challenge Award and the 2024 RDIA Sustainable Environment Research Excellence Award. He is the editor of the Desalination Journal and Solar Compass. At KAUST, he leads the DESAL research group. His work focuses on sustainable, low-energy desalination that integrates renewable energy, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and fostering global collaboration. 

Professor Ghaffour's research focuses on advancing drinking water treatment technologies through the development of membrane and thermal desalination processes. His work aims to create sustainable, low-energy desalination methods that integrate renewable energy sources, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. This research aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, contributing to a knowledge-based economy and addressing both global and local freshwater challenges.