Three researchers from the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Hamed Albalawi, Hend Mohamed, and Walaa Khushaim – have been distinguished by the MIT Technology Review as Innovators Under 35 for the MENA region. This accolade is a testament to their significant contributions in their respective fields of study, which hold the potential to profoundly impact our future.
The trio’s inclusion in this year’s list of 15 honorees highlights the cutting-edge nature of their work. Albalawi is at the forefront of a novel project, developing a calcium carbonate photo-initiated ink. His research is currently examining the ink’s viability for producing 3D-bioprinted scaffolds, which have promising applications in both coral ecosystem restoration and the medical field of bone regeneration.
In the realm of sustainable energy and environmental conservation, Mohamed has made strides by inventing new catalysts and catalytic processes. These innovations aim to transform renewable sources, carbon dioxide, and wastewater into sustainable aviation fuel, valuable chemicals, and electricity, thereby promoting a greener, more sustainable future.
Khushaim’s work, meanwhile, concentrates on the critical area of healthcare. She has developed sophisticated multiplexed biosensors utilizing functionalized nanomaterials. These sensors are designed for the early detection of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, potentially saving countless lives through prompt diagnosis.
This recognition from MIT Technology Review is not new territory for KAUST scientists. In 2022, another trio from the university was similarly honored, and since the inception of the Innovators Under 35 MENA awards in 2018, several KAUST researchers have been recipients. This pattern of recognition underscores the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovative research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time.