As a child, Nazek El-Atab watched with fascination her father fixing any electrical appliance. His ability to repair things was not all that she admired, it was the satisfaction and joy he created through each job, no matter how small.

“I aspired to emulate him, to be adept at troubleshooting issues, solving problems and finding fulfilment in such tasks,” says El-Atab. “Now, I do this through my research, where my goal is to make our lives easier, healthier and safer.”

Encouraged by both parents, El-Atab initially started out in computer engineering, but found that she was missing a deeper fascination for the subject. That changed when she enrolled in an elective course in nanotechnology.

“Learning about nanotechnology's pivotal role in technological advancements and recognizing that this field bridges multiple disciplines – I was hooked,” says El-Atab. “My mother often spoke about how studying science can empower you to change the world. I suddenly understood how I could be a part of that.”

El-Atab is now a highly successful microelectronics engineer and faculty member at KAUST. Her team’s current focus is on developing multifunctional smart memory devices that can sense external stimuli and process data in-situ. Their approach facilitates real-time data analysis while also lowering power consumption and minimizing the potential for e-waste, thus contributing to sustainable electronics.

“This research area is particularly thrilling as it serves as a crucial enabler for numerous state-of-the-art applications, such as autonomous cars, AI and augmented reality,” says El-Atab. “KAUST’s unwavering support, both professionally and personally, has been instrumental in realizing my achievements to date.”

An innovative, inclusive institution

At the heart of KAUST is a commitment to multidisciplinary research, innovation and strong leadership. At its foundation in 2009, KAUST became the first mixed-gender university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and it remains a national leader for women’s education.

The inception of KAUST opened doors for women in science and technology in KSA – around 40 percent of its student population are women, and its entrepreneurship programs have an average female participation rate of 51 percent. The university, together with its associated research and technology park and affiliated companies, form an inclusive and forward-thinking suite of organizations that encourage equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, background or career focus.

KAUST actively endeavors to recruit female faculty members and appoint them to leadership positions. The university hosts regular workshops and networking events, including the annual workshop for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), a hybrid event featuring talks by world-renowned female scientists and engineers. Additionally, KAUST provides ongoing support to its alumni and equips them with the necessary skills to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Curiosity leads innovation

Reem Philby first came to work at KAUST as a business operations officer 14 years ago and was drawn to the professional opportunities and practical support offered to women, and to the healthy lifestyle on campus. She now heads the KAUST Research and Technology Park, where she oversees the translation of scientific discoveries into state-of-the-art technologies.

“It’s inspiring to watch as ideas from the university and other places are developed into high-value products that enrich the market and boost KSA’s economy,” says Philby. “Our research park is part of a vibrant ecosystem that supports this cycle and provides a test bed for these technologies. KAUST offers a rich variety of careers for women, providing opportunities in scientific research, entrepreneurship and management.”

Philby hones her skills beyond the workplace as an avid explorer. In 2023, Philby was one of four participants on the Heart of Arabia expedition, a coast-to-coast trek from east to west across Saudi Arabia, largely on foot and following the pioneering route taken in 1917 by her grandfather, the British explorer Harry St. John (Abdullah) Philby. The Heart of Arabia team gathered data on local biodiversity, including elusive nocturnal species like bats and also trialed a new app that monitors human health in extreme environments.

“Expeditions are a great way to sharpen one’s leadership and teamwork skills while inspiring others, especially young people,” says Philby. “I think it’s vital to journey with purpose through the world, stepping out beyond one’s daily routine and being forever curious.”

Philby loves encouraging other women to venture out of their comfort zones. “Sharing my stories has inspired many to think differently, to prioritize their wellbeing and overcome barriers they may have subconsciously created,” she adds.

A unique role model

KAUST’s Chief Audit Executive, Safaa Baawad, began her career in the Saudi banking sector back in 2006 as a junior auditor at Riyadh Bank.

“This was in the days when women working in auditing in Saudi Arabia were so rare that often I was the only woman at the table in meetings,” says Baawad. “Conferences and events were still segregated, so there was no option for me to attend and learn in the same way as my male colleagues. Accessibility was a real challenge, and professional networking was simply not available to women. I had no female role models.”

Rather than feeling daunted by this, Baawad became more determined to challenge the accepted norm and become the female role model for others that she had wished for. She jumped at the chance to join KAUST during its foundation year, when the university was still a construction site.

“In those initial five years with KAUST, I gained the equivalent of 10 or 15 years of experience at other more well-established organizations,” says Baawad. “In a start-up situation, you have to be a focused, resilient risktaker. Those early years at KAUST were invaluable to my career.”

At the start of 2024, Baawad moved back to KAUST after 11 successful years with Saudi Aramco and is heading an audit team which is over 50 percent female. Her advice to women keen to work in her field is simple: always be yourself.

“You are unique, and you shouldn’t have to change yourself to fit in,” she says. “Don't copy anyone. Always look for opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills, embrace your failures and learn from them.”