Celebrating 15 Years of Women and Girls in Science at KAUST
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nation’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It also marks 15 years since King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) was established as the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia. Since then, KAUST has been a pioneer in championing women and girls in science in the Kingdom and across the Middle East. Today we celebrate all KAUST’s female graduates and scientists, many of whom have achieved remarkable success in their careers, such as becoming professors at leading universities worldwide, taking leadership roles in Saudi ministries and giga-projects, and founding tech companies that drive investment and create jobs in the Kingdom.
KAUST's world-class research and education, supported by initiatives and projects like the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP), the Ibn Rushd fellowship program and the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center, have been instrumental in this success. These programs nurture talent, foster innovation and empower women to excel in science and technology.
Leaders in Science
Niveen Khashab, a KAUST professor who was granted Saudi citizenship by royal decree for her extraordinary contributions to the Kingdom, exemplifies the impact of KAUST's women in science. Her groundbreaking research and dedication to mentoring future generations of scientific leaders have made a lasting impact.
"What has impressed me most is how so many talented women, both from Saudi Arabia and around the world, have passed through KAUST to go on to do great things, be it in science, business or in government," she said.
Jawaher Almutlaq
Jawaher Almutlaq, an Ibn Rushd assistant professor at KAUST who is leading the new Quantum Photonics Laboratory, is another shining example of a KAUST-supported female scientist. Jawaher is both a KGSP and an Ibn Rushd alumna. KGSP is a scholarship program that supports Saudi Arabia’s most gifted high-school students to carry out their undergraduate studies in the world’s top universities. The Ibn Rushd postdoctoral fellowship is awarded to the Kingdom’s most promising graduates to continue their research careers in top universities worldwide. Jawaher carried out her undergraduate studies at Penn State University in the United States before returning to KAUST to carry out her Ph.D. She was then awarded the Ibn Rushd fellowship to carry out her postdoctoral research in MIT.
"KAUST has been more than just an academic institution for me. It has been my home, my mentor and the foundation of my journey in science. From a young Saudi student in the KGSP program to becoming the first KAUST graduate to join the faculty, I have experienced firsthand how King Abdullah's vision is shaping generations of scientists and innovators. KAUST is a beacon of excellence and ambition, empowering minds across the region and the world," she said.
Translating science into real-world solutions
Batool Albaar
Batool Albaar, a fellow KGSP beneficiary who is currently a doctoral student at KAUST, has expanded beyond her research investigating materials that enhance plant growth in desert environments. She is also the general manager of the KAUST startup Terraxy, which she co-founded with KAUST Professor Himanshu Mishra. Their startup develops products that increase soil moisture and sequester carbon, leading to larger crop yields with reduced carbon emissions.
"I joined KAUST's ecosystem in 2015 as a Saudi Research Science Institute high-school student; getting the KGSP scholarship changed my life. I was exposed to so much, and it was my first taste of research. Now, not only can I pursue graduate school and research, but also translate my research into scalable and impactful solutions for the Kingdom", she said.
Leadership in National Initiatives
Lina Eyouni, the first Saudi woman to earn a doctorate in physical oceanography, is now the senior manager of environmental quality and monitoring at Red Sea Global. She uses her expertise to develop environmental monitoring programs for giga-projects like the Red Sea and Amaala, contributing to a sustainable tourism economy that both protects the Kingdom's biodiversity while creating jobs for local communities.
Last year, she became the first Saudi representative to UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Group of Experts on Capacity Development. The commission coordinates cooperation between its 150 member states on ocean science, ocean observations and ocean development. Her membership allows her to highlight the remarkable ocean science happening in the Kingdom to global oceanographic institutions and the increased opportunities for Saudis to enter marine science and join international projects.
Maha Al Juhani, Director of Partnerships for Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), is another KAUST graduate making a difference. She focuses on bridging the gap between academic and industry research to ensure the sustainable use of the Kingdom's water and food resources. In December last year, she was named one of the 20 MIT Innovators Under 35 in the MENA region, a list that includes another KAUST alumna, Asrar Damdam, co-founder of IoT startup Uvera.
KAUST: A Catalyst for Change
KAUST's commitment to advancing science and technology extends beyond its campus, with programs that benefit scientists, students and the broader community. The university's impact is evident in the achievements of its graduates, who are making significant contributions to the Kingdom's development and global scientific progress.
"When I think of where we were when we began and where we are today... it took a great deal of hard work, teamwork and a big imagination. And I am only more excited as our students reach midcareer to really show their abilities and make their impact felt," reflects Khashab.
As KAUST celebrates 15 years of empowering women and girls in science, the university has already established itself as a driving force for positive change. By fostering talent, promoting innovation and creating opportunities for women to excel, KAUST is shaping a brighter future for Saudi Arabia and the world.