PSE Hero Bar Orientation April-May 2025 (765 x 475 px)

Welcome to the Physical Science and Engineering Division of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

 

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.

 

PSE research areas contributing to the Kingdom RDI Pillars and Vision 2030

 

PSE Research Aligning with Vision 20230's RDI pillars

 

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
Dean, Physical Science and Engineering Division


The new PSE Report 2024 is out!

KAUST Student Chapter wins SPWLA award

23 June, 2025

The Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division is pleased to announce that the KAUST SPWLA Student Chapter has been awarded the 2025 Outstanding Student Chapter Award by the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA).

Presented annually to a single student chapter worldwide, this prestigious award recognizes KAUST for its active engagement and meaningful contributions to the field of petrophysics and well logging.

The award highlights the sustained efforts of our students in fostering a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and outreach in the discipline. The recognition was officially presented during the 66th SPWLA Annual Symposium, held from May 17 to 21, 2025, in Dubai.

As the chapter’s Vice President, Zhilei Han attended the event and received the award on behalf of KAUST. Han is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in numerical simulation of compositional fluid flow, under the supervision of Prof. Bicheng Yan. He is also an experienced petrophysicist with 14 years of academic and industry experience.

“It’s an honor to represent KAUST and our KAUST SPWLA chapter at the annual symposium. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the strength of our research community in advancing subsurface energy technologies.”

Founded in 1959, SPWLA is a globally respected organization committed to the advancement of petrophysics, formation evaluation, and well logging in the oil and gas industry. It serves as a dynamic platform for professionals and students to exchange knowledge, build technical expertise, and collaborate across disciplines.

Upcoming Events

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Jul 2025

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Jul 2025

PSE Post-graduate Programs

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.

Earth System Science and Engineering (ESSE)
Materials Science and Applied Physics (MSAP)
Chemical Engineering (CE)
Chemistry (CHEM)
Mechanical Engineering (ME)