Stochastic Numerics and Statistical Learning: Theory and Applications Workshop 2025 May 18 - 25, All day Auditorium 0215 between B2 & B3 stochastic algorithm statistical learning machine learning Explore the latest in stochastic algorithms, statistical learning and optimization at KAUST’s Stochastic Numerics and Statistical Learning Workshop 2025.
Perturbation Methods in PDE: from Heuristics to Breakthroughs in Regularity Theory - Part 3 Dr. Eduardo Teixeira, Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of Central Florida, USA May 15, 16:15 - 17:30 B1 L4 R4102 This mini-course presents a powerful perturbative framework tailored to tackle critical regularity issues in nonlinear diffusion PDE.
Perturbation Methods in PDE: from Heuristics to Breakthroughs in Regularity Theory - Part 2 Dr. Eduardo Teixeira, Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of Central Florida, USA May 14, 16:15 - 17:30 B1 L3 R3119 This mini-course presents a powerful perturbative framework tailored to tackle critical regularity issues in nonlinear diffusion PDE.
The Internet of Fiber-Optic Things and Smart Sensing Juan Manuel Marin Mosquera, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering May 14, 10:00 - 11:30 B1 L3 R3119 This dissertation introduces the Internet of Fiber-Optic Things (IoFOT)—a new concept where a single optical fiber handles data, power, and smart sensing simultaneously. Demonstrated applications include pipeline monitoring and marine life tracking, paving the way for the development of a worldwide smart observation network.
Topological Phenomena in Artificial Materials Xiujuan Zhang, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Department of Material Science and Engineering, Nanjing University May 12, 10:00 - 11:00 B1 L3 R3119 topological phenomena artificial materials This talk will cover the design and realization of novel topological states and effects in acoustic artificial materials, focusing on higher-order topological states, non-Hermitian physics, and acoustic spin- and orbital angular momentum-related topological phenomena.
Xiujuan Zhang, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Department of Material Science and Engineering, Nanjing University
Perturbation Methods in PDE: from Heuristics to Breakthroughs in Regularity Theory - Part 1 Dr. Eduardo Teixeira, Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of Central Florida, USA May 11, 16:15 - 17:30 B1 L3 R3119 This mini-course presents a powerful perturbative framework tailored to tackle critical regularity issues in nonlinear diffusion PDE.
Structuring Sound and Vibration by Metasurfaces Badreddine Assouar, Professor, Director of Research at French National Center of Scientific Research (CNRS), University of Lorraine, France May 11, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 This seminar provides an overview of recent research on acoustic and elastic metasurfaces and metamaterials, covering their fundamentals, applications in wave and vibration control, including low-frequency absorption, BIC physics, and phonic skyrmions.
Optimization Methods and Software for Federated Learning Konstantin Burlachenko, Ph.D. Student, Computer Science May 8, 19:00 - 21:00 B5 L5 R5209 This dissertation identifies five key challenges in Federated Learning (FL), including data and device heterogeneity, communication issues, privacy concerns, and software implementations. More broadly, our work serves as a guide for researchers navigating the complexities of translating theoretical methods into efficient real-world implementations, while also offering insights into the reverse process of adapting practical implementation aspects back into theoretical algorithm design.
Modeling and Simulation of Carbon Dioxide Storage in Geological Layers Shuai Lu, Ph.D. Student, Computer Science May 8, 12:00 - 14:00 B5 L5 R5220 This dissertation advances large-scale simulation of carbon dioxide storage by developing a novel mathematical model and numerical schemes, which are validated by benchmark and real-world cases.
Vecchia Approximations of Gaussian Processes on GPUs for Scalable Spatial Modeling and Computer Model Emulation Qilong Pan, Ph.D. Student, Statistics May 8, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 machine learning Geospatial Data GPU Computing This seminar introduces GPU-accelerated Vecchia approximations to overcome Gaussian Process computational limits, enabling scalable applications for large geospatial datasets and high-dimensional computer model emulations.
High-Mobility Back-End-of-Line Compatible Indium Oxide Thin-Film Transistors for Monolithic 3D Integration Na Xiao, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering May 6, 16:00 - 18:00 B2 L5 R5209 advanced semiconductors thin-film transistors This dissertation develops strategies for fabricating high-performance, low-temperature processed indium oxide thin-film transistors for monolithic 3D integration, achieving record mobility and stability through optimized annealing, passivation, and channel engineering techniques.
Current and Future Challenges and Solutions in AI & HPC System and Thermal Management Dr. Gamal Refai-Ahmed, Senior Fellow & Chief Architect, AMD Member of U.S. National Academy of Engineering Life Fellow, Canadian Academy of Engineering Fellow, Engineering Institute of Canada Fellow & Distinguished Lecturer, IEEE Life Fellow, ASME May 6, 13:00 - 17:00 B4 L5 R5209 Led by expert Dr. Gamal Refai Ahmed, this course explores innovative thermal management and packaging solutions for AI and HPC systems, addressing current and future challenges with cutting-edge techniques and next-generation design principles.
Data Centric Engineering: Hype or Transformation and Engineering the Future? Mark Girolami, Sir Kirby Laing Professor of Civil Engineering University of Cambridge, United Kingdom May 6, 12:00 - 13:00 B 2/3 L0 R 0215 This talk will highlight the role of recent advances in the Data Sciences and related Artificial Intelligence technologies and how they are transforming the study and practice of the natural, physical, and engineering sciences.
A Statistical Construction of the Finite Element Method Mark Girolami, Sir Kirby Laing Professor of Civil Engineering University of Cambridge, United Kingdom May 5, 12:00 - 13:00 B 2/3 L0 R 0215 This talk will present a formal statistical construction and mathematical analysis of the FEM which systematically blends both mathematical description with observational data and provides both small and large scale examples from 3D printed structures to working rail bridges currently operated by the United Kingdom Network Rail.
First-Order Mean-Field Games with Entry-Exit Flow Constraints and Contact-Set Conditions AbdulRahman Alharbi, Ph.D. Student, Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences May 4, 12:30 - 14:30 B9 L4 R4225; Zoom Meeting 95071981979 mean-field models free boundary problems This dissertation develops and rigorously analyzes first-order mean-field game models incorporating novel mixed boundary conditions to realistically represent population dynamics in bounded domains by eliminating unrealistic entry phenomena that are typically induced by standard Dirichlet conditions.
AI for Chips and Chips for AI Mehdi Saligane, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brown University, USA May 4, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 artificial intelligence AI semiconductors innovation LLM This seminar presents a unified "AI for Chips & Chips for AI" approach, demonstrating how AI enhances semiconductor design while specialized silicon accelerates AI computation, creating a rapid innovation cycle.
Relations between Decision Trees and Decision Rule Systems Kerven Durdymyradov, Ph.D. Student, Computer Science May 4, 11:00 - 13:00 B5 L5 R5220 decision trees machine learning This thesis investigates the complex transformation of decision rule systems into decision trees, establishing bounds on tree depth, developing polynomial-time path-finding algorithms and an optimal dynamic programming algorithm for minimum depth, and analyzing time-space complexity trade-offs for trees over infinite binary information systems.
Autonomy at the Edge of Capabilities: Uncertain Environments, Limited Resources, Difficult Missions Melkior Ornik, Assistant Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign May 4, 10:30 - 11:30 B5 L5 R5209 This seminar introduces a planning strategy for complex autonomous systems that integrates machine learning with structure-driven abstraction and mission decomposition to achieve computationally tractable, scalable, and high-performing policies despite environmental and agent constraints.
On Complexity of Decision Trees for Decision Tables from Closed Classes Azimkhon Ostonov, Ph.D. Student, Computer Science May 4, 09:00 - 11:00 B5 L5 R5220 decision trees machine learning This thesis considers classes of decision tables closed under operations of removal of attributes (columns) and changing of decisions and study for the tables from these classes relationships among the minimum complexity of deterministic and nondeterministic decision trees and the complexity of the set of attributes attached to columns of the table, while also analyzing the algorithms for constructing decision trees for these decision tables.
Future of Semiconductors Forum 2025 | KAUST May 4, 08:00 - May 5, 17:00 Building 20 semiconductor advanced semiconductors smart health photonics Join global leaders at KAUST to shape the next era of semiconductor technologies.
Towards Trustworthy News Recommendation Systems Manal A. Alshehri, Ph.D. Student, Computer Science May 1, 17:00 - 19:00 B3 L5 R5209 machine learning artificial intelligence personalized recommendations Generative Adversarial Networks This thesis enhances the trustworthiness of news recommendation systems by addressing the cold start problem for new users/items, enabling efficient user data removal for privacy, and mitigating multi-dimensional filter bubbles to improve diversity.
Retraction Maps, Feedback Linearization and Nonholonomic Integrators Ravi Banavar, Professor, Systems and Control Engineering, IIT Bombay May 1, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 This talk will introduce the utility of retraction maps on Riemannian manifolds to two applications in applied mechanics and control.
Efficient Antenna-on-Chip with Optimized Artificial Magnetic Conductor Performance for 6G mm-Wave Applications Yiyang Yu, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 30, 15:30 - 17:30 B3 L5 R5209 Electrically Small Antenna Design antenna design on-chip antennas 6g wireless systems This dissertation introduces innovative Artificial Magnetic Conductor structures and a reconfigurable superstrate to overcome profile thickness, illumination efficiency, and radiation pattern limitations in CMOS-integrated Antennas-on-Chip, thereby enhancing their performance and versatility for future 6G wireless communication systems.
Control and Estimation Designs Using Model-Based and Model-Free Approaches for Water Quality Monitoring in Process Systems Fahad Aljehani, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 30, 10:00 - 12:00 B1 L4 R4214 machine learning algorithm optimal control Control Theory Reinforcement Learning This dissertation develops and evaluates advanced control and estimation strategies to address complex dynamics and measurement limitations in water-related applications, specifically optimizing fish growth in aquaculture and estimating bacterial concentration in wastewater treatment plants.
Design and Process Development of Graphene-Based Geometric Diodes for Enhanced Performance Heng Wang, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 29, 14:00 - 16:00 B2 L5 R5220 Thz rectennas Graphene geometric diodes semiconductors nano devices artificial intelligence This thesis advances graphene geometric diodes (GGDs) by addressing fabrication, performance, and design challenges using innovative nanofabrication techniques and artificial intelligence-enhanced computational methodologies.
On Singular Equations Modeling Electrostatic MEMS Katerina Nik, Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences Apr 28, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 MEMS free boundary problems This talk introduces mathematical models for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), focusing on the existence and behavior of solutions to equations describing the MEMS device's instability due to electrostatic forces that can lead to singularities in the mathematical equations.
Harnessing Multi-modal AI and Machine Learning for Next-Generation 6G Networks Asmaa Abdallah, Research Scientist, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 27, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 LLM machine learning 6G Wireless communication Digital signal processing This seminar explores how multi-modal AI and large language models can optimize future 6G wireless networks by integrating diverse data sources to enhance reliability, efficiency, and overall performance.
Metasurface Based Optical Metrology Systems: Design, Fabrication, and Implementations Arturo Burguete Lopez, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 27, 11:00 - 13:00 B3 L5 R5209 Metasurfaces integrated optics This dissertation introduces a framework to advance optical metasurfaces from individual components to integrated optical instruments, it presents demonstrations of metrology techniques that combine machine learning and nanophotonic technologies for remote sensing that outperform methods based on conventional optics, thus advancing the next generation of optical instrumentation.
Linear Solvers for Large-Scale Bayesian Modeling Lisa Gaedke-Merzhäuser, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Statistics Apr 24, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 In this talk we explore what it means to perform Bayesian inference and introduce the methodology of integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA).
Advancing Security Red-Teaming in Cyber-Physical Systems via AI-Driven Side-Channel Analysis Tao Ni, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Apr 23, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L3 R3223 cybersecurity IoT cyber-physical systems This talk will systematically reveal security and privacy vulnerabilities in cyber-physical systems by characterizing contactless side-channel attacks on various components and proposing effective defense methods using hardware-software co-design and AI-driven techniques, while also outlining future research directions for developing secure and privacy-preserving CPS platforms.
Bridging the Digital Divide Gap: Next-G Approach Towards Connecting the Unconnected Fahad Salem Alqurashi, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 21, 13:00 - 14:30 B 4/5, L0, R0215 This dissertation investigates next-generation technologies, including hybrid free-space optics (FSO) and radio frequency (RF) communication systems, to bridge the digital divide in underserved remote areas, addressing multifaceted constraints like economic viability, technical feasibility, and socio-economic inequalities, with a focus on real-world applications.
The Earliest Arrival of Quantum Utility David Keyes, Senior Associate to the President, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Apr 21, 12:00 - 13:00 B9, L2, R2325 The earliest advantageous uses of quantum computing will take the form of a quantum processing unit (QPU) attached to a traditional supercomputer. Supercomputers of the not too distant future will have thousands of GPUs and thousands of CPUs as today, along with one or more QPUs with thousands of qubits.
Towards Full Information Transformation in Deep Learning: A Study in Neural Machine Translation and Vision on Next-Generation Language Foundation Models Dr. Liang Ding Apr 20, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L3 R3223 This seminar will present LLM advancements to address alignment and efficiency challenges in neural machine translation, aiming to balance decoding speed and translation quality towards building sufficient, efficient, and trustworthy next-generation language models for diverse real-world applications.
Adaptive Unbound Resilient Electronics for Organic and Reconfigurable Architectures Realizing Fully Flexible 3D-IC Systems for Extreme, Evolving, and Embedded Environments Muhammad Hussain, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, United States Apr 20, 12:00 - 13:00 B2 L5 R5220 This talk reviews recent advances across flexible electronics, dissolvable packaging, liquid metal-enabled systems, NFC-powered devices, wearable sensors, and swarm-capable microsystems.
GaN-based VCSELs and Future of Semiconductor Lasers Tatsushi Hamaguchi, Professor, Innovation Center for Semiconductor and Digital Future Apr 20, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 This lecture covers the history, breakthroughs, and future of nitride-based blue and green surface-emitting lasers, from both industry and academic viewpoints.
Homogenization and Wave Functional Materials Ying Wu, Professor, Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences Apr 17, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 Wave functional materials Homogenization In this talk, I will give a brief review on the progress from on homogenization and its impact on achieving unusual wave functional materials, such as zero-index materials in which the effective refractive index is vanishing.
Towards Safe, Factual, and Empathetic Human-AI Interaction Yuxia Wang, Postdoctoral Researcher, Natural Language Processing department, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence Apr 16, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L3 R3223 This talk will explore the challenges of evaluating and improving LLM factuality, safety, and cultural sensitivity, addressing questions about hallucination rates, retrieval-augmented generation efficacy, fact-checking limitations, regional policy alignment, and the necessity of machine-generated content detection.
Frequency-Domain Description of Semiconductor Mode-Lock Lasers Weng Chow, Single Photon Sources, Sandia National Laboratories, United States Apr 16, 10:30 - 11:30 B9 L2 R2322 This talk presents a frequency-based theoretical framework utilizing multimode laser theory to explain the diverse dynamical behaviors of semiconductor mode-lock lasers by analyzing mode competition and multiwave mixing through a generalized Alder's equation, with direct connection to the semiconductor bandstructure.
Silicon Photonic Integrated Circuits with Integrated Lasers John E. Bowers, Distinguished Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Stanta Barbara, United States Apr 16, 09:30 - 10:30 B9 L2 R2322 Tremendous progress is being made at silicon photonic foundries around the world to improve the performance, yield and capability of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and that is opening up new markets, including quantum computing and sensing. These results will be described with an emphasis on integrating lasers to PICs and the improvements in laser and system performance that are possible.
Advancing Optoelectronics and Power Electronics: From Ultrawide-Bandgap Semiconductors to Silicon-Integrated Plasmonic Heterojunctions for Next-Generation Applications Nasir Alfaraj, Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellow, The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto Apr 15, 11:30 - 12:30 B3 L5 R5209 Addressing critical challenges in on-chip communication, this presentation details the development of silicon-integrated plasmonic heterojunction devices within the broader context of energy-efficient, high-performance electronic and photonic systems. We emphasize material innovations (e.g., transparent conductive oxides) and architectural advancements aimed at enhancing efficiency and minimizing optical losses.
Nasir Alfaraj, Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellow, The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
Strategies for Improving Communication Efficiency in Distributed and Federated Learning: Compression, Local Training, and Personalization Kai Yi, Ph.D. Student, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Apr 14, 18:00 - 20:00 B5 L5 R5209 This dissertation advances communication-efficient distributed and federated learning through novel algorithms for model compression, local training optimization, and personalization, validated by theoretical analysis and empirical results.
Making LLMs Agentic: How Tool Use and Synthetic Data Drive Real-World Intelligence Ibrahim Abdelaziz, Senior Research Scientist, IBM Apr 13, 16:00 - 17:00 B2/3 L0 R0215 LLM machine learning artificial intelligence AI This talk presents advancements in agentic AI, focusing on creating and utilizing datasets and models that enable Large Language Models to effectively interact with external tools for real-world applications.
Enhancing Solar Fuel Production Performance through Catalyst Design and Device Engineering Fei Xiang, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 13, 14:00 - 16:00 B2 L5 R5209 This thesis integrates catalyst design and device engineering to enhance solar fuel production performance. Our work focuses on expanding the scope of solar fuels beyond hydrogen in PV-EC systems and improving the efficiency and long-term stability of the photoanode in PEC water splitting, thereby enhancing solar energy utilization.
Gallium Oxide Diodes: Past , Present and Future Applications Jose Manuel Taboada Vasquez, Ph.D. Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering Apr 13, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 This talk will explore recent advancements in gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃) diode technology, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective ultra-wide bandgap material for high-power electronics despite challenges in electron mobility and thermal conductivity.
The Earliest Arrival of Quantum Advantage David Keyes, Senior Associate to the President, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Apr 10, 12:00 - 13:00 B9 L2 R2325 quantum computing quantum processing unit supercomputers This talk outlines a "quantum first" strategy for future supercomputers, integrating QPUs, GPUs, and CPUs to optimize energy efficiency and accelerate scientific computing while addressing the current challenges and projecting the maturation of quantum computing by leveraging classical supercomputing advancements.
Helmholtz–Korteweg Equations: Modeling, Analysis, and Applications Umberto Zerbinati Apr 8, 15:00 - 16:00 B1 L4 R4102 Korteweg fluids Helmholtz–Korteweg equation This talk presents a derivation and analysis of Helmholtz-Korteweg equations, extended to nematic-Korteweg fluids, including well-posedness proofs, numerical methods, and predictions for wave propagation and scattering phenomena with experimental implications.
Architecture and System Co-Design for High-performance LLM Inference and Training Jingwen Leng, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Apr 7, 11:00 - 12:00 B9 L2 R2325 This talk explores the advantages and challenges of integrated training and inference architectures for AI, which are becoming increasingly necessary due to the evolving nature of AI models and the growing demand for efficient computing power.
Workshop on Analysis and PDEs Apr 7, 08:00 - Apr 10, 17:00 B3, L5, R5220 PDEs Analysis of PDE's fluid dynamics free boundary problems energy minimization Mathematical Biology Join us for the Workshop on PDEs to explore advances, challenges and methods in the analysis and computation of partial differential equations.
Rising Stars in AI Symposium 2025 Apr 7 - 10, All day Building 19, Halls 1, 2 and 3 AI Join KAUST's Rising Stars in AI Symposium 2025, bringing together exceptional emerging talent shaping the future of AI research and innovation.
SAAI Factory 3 Apr 6, 08:00 - Apr 14, 14:45 Buildings 20 and Buildings 19 artificial intelligence AI art machine learning Hackathon SAAI Factory 3 brings together artists, researchers and youth to explore AI and art at KAUST.
