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.