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!

Welcome to Professor Cunqi Jia: Subsurface Engineering for a Space Vision

21 July, 2025

Professor Cunqi Jia has recently joined the PSE Division at KAUST, bringing his expertise in subsurface modeling and high-performance reservoir simulation to the Earth System Science and Engineering (ESSE) Program. His work offers an interdisciplinary lens on underground science and engineering - ranging from hydrocarbon recovery to forward-looking concepts like in-situ resource utilization beyond Earth.

At KAUST, Jia will lead the UltimateSpace Lab - a name that reflects the breadth of his research ambitions.

“Although my current focus is on petroleum engineering, I believe science should not be confined by boundaries,” he explains. “UltimateSpace is about thinking big, exploring boldly, and continually pushing the limits.”

His research covers compositional reservoir simulation, enhanced recovery, geological carbon sequestration, and underground energy storage - including hydrogen and ammonia. This aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting both the diversification and innovation of the Kingdom’s energy sector, and reinforcing its position as a global hub for advanced energy technologies. His work directly contributes to energy transition, environmental stewardship, and the pursuit of next-generation energy solutions.

Professor Jia is also developing interests in reactive mining for critical minerals such as lithium, and in integrating life-cycle assessment into broader energy system design.

In the early phase of his KAUST tenure, Jia plans to consolidate strengths in petroleum engineering while expanding into areas like geothermal energy and subsurface storage, applying established tools to new challenges.

“These aren’t just scientific opportunities,” he notes. “They’re strategic pathways for building collaborations, attracting funding, and contributing to national priorities.”

His approach is inherently collaborative. With a primary appointment in the ESSE Program, he is actively seeking partnerships across chemical engineering, environmental science, and applied mathematics.

“Subsurface systems are naturally interdisciplinary,” he says. “Breakthroughs often emerge where fields intersect.”

Asked what he plans to do first at KAUST, Jia said that professionally, his first goal is to set up his lab and equip his team with top-tier infrastructure. Personally, he looks forward to continuing his structured lifestyle - fast walking, exercising, reading, and enjoying life by the Red Sea.

He carries a quiet, almost Zen-like principle:

“Understand the underlying patterns, prepare in advance, and let things unfold naturally.”

It’s a formula that reflects both scientific depth and personal clarity.

To his future students and collaborators, Jia offers a message of support and trust:

“Everyone has their own rhythm. My role is to help students discover it, grow into it, and thrive. One thing my own advisor told me that I’ve never forgotten is: ‘You’ll never leave our group.’ That spirit of support has stayed with me, and I’m happy to carry it forward at KAUST.”

A warm welcome to KAUST, Professor Jia.

 

Upcoming Events

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.