Research Centers

Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) will develop innovative knowledge discovery and data integration platforms for the biomedical field through graduate-level research in systems and integrative biology. In so doing, it will build human capacity for a knowledge-based economy through the training of future leaders in Computational Biology, by challenging them with novel solutions to difficult problems. It will provide a leading role in the Kingdom in the search for bioactive molecules for use in agriculture, aquaculture, medicine, as well as the biotechnology and bioprocess industries, and will facilitate utilization and conservation of local ecosystems. As the pivotal force for international collaborative computational life science research in the Kingdom, and following a core concept of KAUST, the Center will unite academic and commercial partners through collective local and international projects of significance.

​The center will develop new catalysts, new catalytic reactions, and new catalytic technologies which are crucial to meet these future challenges. The center will move from "catalyst discovery" to "catalysis by design."

​The primary focus of the Red Sea Research Center is developing a scientific basis for sustaining and conserving coral reef environments along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.

The Center’s mission is to have a direct impact not only on the science and engineering discoveries in the area of renewable energy, but also on preparing the future workforce in this exciting field. According to a recent report by the United Nations Environment Program, alternative energy employment is projected to rise noticeably in the renewable energy sector - more than eight million jobs will be created by 2030. Our mission also will involve an active engagement with local and non-local communities in the Kingdom in order to raise the awareness about benefits of alternative energy to the quality of life and economy in the Kingdom, and the world. The mission will be accomplished by adopting an aggressive Center outreach plan as detailed below.

​The mission of the KAUST Center for Water Desalination and Reuse is to contribute research and development toward the integrated and sustainable exploitation of impaired-quality drinking water sources with a minimization of energy use, chemical use, waste residuals, environmental impact and carbon footprint. This mandate will serve Saudi Arabia, deprived of sufficient fresh water supplies and already heavily involved to desalination, as well as the proximate region spanning the Arabian Gulf/Peninsula, the Middle East, Northern/Eastern Africa, and South Asia. The Center will help thrust Saudi Arabia to the global forefront of desalination/reuse technology research, development, adaptation, and dissemination.