WEP 2021: Connectivity as a universal language

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Connectivity is a word that underscores the kind of world we live in today. Without access to technologies that enable us to connect with each other, surviving a year of physical distancing due to COVID-19 health prevention measures would have been extremely difficult.

The theme of the KAUST Winter Enrichment Program (WEP 2021), taking place January 10-21, is "connectivity" in every shape and form. More than 60 speakers will participate. Even though the theme was picked before the wake of the global pandemic, discussing connectivity could not be more timely.

WEP 2021 Chair Khaled Nabil Salama, a KAUST professor of electrical and computer engineering, finds connectivity to be important and relevant to his work with engineers in building a network infrastructure for connecting people through the Internet.

"This is where it all started. It sounded like an interesting concept that many of us are working on through our research," Salama said. "But connectivity has other aspects beyond our research. For example, personal relationships are all about connections, as we are all connected to each other in one way or another. Humans are social animals. We created language from day one. Connectivity touches every aspect of our lives. You can think of connectivity in so many different ways."

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