At KAUST, the Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division is where rigorous science meets national ambition. We build on strong academic traditions while staying closely aligned with the Kingdom’s evolving priorities. Our goal is simple: to bring together faculty, students, researchers, and partners to turn fundamental research into real knowledge, real capability, and lasting impact.

Across the division, we take an inclusive approach—one that values people, encourages collaboration, and creates the right conditions for excellence in research, education, and student success. PSE is a place where ideas are supported, talent is nurtured, and ambition is matched with opportunity.

Talent is the engine of everything we do. We are deeply committed to recruiting and supporting world-class faculty, because exceptional researchers and educators are essential to strong programs, meaningful discovery, and a resilient national talent pipeline. 

We strive to create an academic environment where education, discovery, and translation are closely connected—what I often describe as the resources of a modern “House of Wisdom,” where ideas move naturally from the classroom to the laboratory and into society.

Beyond talent development, our academic priorities align closely with the Kingdom’s needs. We focus on strengthening industry-relevant research, building partnerships with Saudi stakeholders, and enabling the growth and localization of emerging startups. Environmental sustainability is a core part of this effort, supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2060.

At its heart, PSE is a global academic community—one where people from around the world work together to push the boundaries of science and engineering, and to educate the next generation of engineers and scientists who will help shape the Kingdom’s future.