The mission of the Physical Science and Engineering Division is to advance science and technology through education, interdisciplinary research, and innovation. Our goal is to contribute to the preservation of the planet and accelerate the impact on the Saudi economy.
Our educational programs and research initiatives are aligned with Saudi national RDI priorities and Vision 2030. We aim to provide the Kingdom with the next generations of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs capable of understanding and devising innovative solutions to global challenges. These challenges are encapsulated in the four RDI Pillars: Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs, Health and Wellness, Energy and Industrial Leadership, and Economies of the Future.
Within this strategic framework, PSE fundamental and applied research addresses environmental protection, climate change, energy, and smart cities. We strive to achieve this by developing green fuels and renewable energies, creating novel materials and health applications, and providing solutions for better utilization and protection of our natural resources.
Chak Chan
10 September, 2024
KAUST’s PSE Division is excited to welcome Anqi Wang, a rising star in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Europe, Wang joins the division with a clear mission: to advance the global transition to net-zero carbon emissions through the innovative application of polymeric materials.
Wang's work is at the forefront of polymer science, focusing on the design and synthesis of materials that have the potential to revolutionize the future of energy storage. His research explores the fundamental properties of polymers, investigating how their structures—from the atomic to the macroscopic scale—can be engineered to optimize energy storage and conversion. His numerous accolades, including the Energy Sector Award and the Horizon Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry, are a testament to his significant impact in the field.
At KAUST, Wang will establish the Microporous Materials for Electrochemical Energy and Sustainability (MEES) group, which will focus on the development of ionic polymers and charge-storage organic materials, the creation of functional material forms, and mastering multiscale structural control to enhance electrochemical performance. The group's research will explore these materials’ applications in batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen production technologies.
In his first year, Wang plans to concentrate on creating more sustainable, cost-effective solutions that surpass current technologies. He plans to focus on the development of organic redox flow batteries for long-duration energy storage and electrolyzers for green hydrogen production, both of which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the energy system.
Wang’s work sits at the intersection of polymer chemistry and electrochemistry, a combination that promises exciting advances in clean energy solutions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and global sustainability goals. For this reason, he chose to affiliate with the Chemistry Program at PSE, recognizing its potential to drive breakthroughs in materials science and energy technology.
Outside of his scientific pursuits, Wang is a passionate hiker. Having explored trails in China and the UK, he looks forward to discovering the unique landscapes around KAUST and Saudi Arabia, particularly the volcanic fields in the Medina area and the enigmatic Neolithic desert structures known as "kites" in the Harrat Khaybar region.
“I believe my enthusiasm for exploration and discovery mirrors my approach to research—constantly seeking new horizons and new ways to see our world,” states Wang.
PSE eagerly anticipates the innovative contributions Professor Wang will bring to our community and the global scientific landscape.
Please join us in welcoming Professor Wang to KAUST!
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Upcoming Events
Oct 2024
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seminar
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Oct 2024
Earth Science and Engineering and Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering Graduate Seminar
From DALL-E to ChatGPT: How could we use generative models to discover the Earth?Professor Tariq A. Alkhalifah
Oct 2024
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Welcome to the PSE post-graduate studies area!
At PSE, students embark on a journey of discovery as they pursue careers in science, industry, and academia. Surrounded by cutting-edge facilities and supported by our international team of faculty and staff, KAUST is today's best destination for students to explore the leading edge of science and earn a post-graduate diploma recognized worldwide.
Our division currently offers seven programs at the post-graduate level, including both Master's and Ph.D. options. Under expert advisors' guidance, students can design personalized course paths and research projects tailored to their career goals. Each program combines lectures, seminars, and laboratory classes, empowering students to transform their ideas into research projects independently.
Beyond academic pursuits, PSE students at KAUST enjoy a LEED-certified campus situated on the shores of the Red Sea, enveloped in pristine surroundings. The campus hosts a rich program of scientific and business events organized by KAUST and its top-tier industrial partners like ARAMCO, Sabic, Dow, Boeing, Bruker, Hewlett Packard, and more. This lively atmosphere provides students with ample networking avenues and the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities, while maintaining a well-balanced personal life.
KAUST is an exceptional place to study, work and thrive.
If you aspire to a career in science and technology, our programs provide an excellent starting point. Both Master's and Ph.D. programs are fully funded by the university, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend for the duration of the degree. Please explore the links below to learn more about our programs and begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in your chosen field of expertise.