Raul Tempone
- Professor, Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
- Principal Investigator, Stochastic Numerics Research Group
Professor Raul Tempone is an worlwide recognized researcher in numerical analysis and uncertainty quantification. Professor Raul Tempone at KAUST leads the stochastic numerics research group, significantly contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals through advancements in computational science. His work in adaptive algorithms, Bayesian inverse problems, and scientific machine learning drives forward critical applications in technology and sustainability, embodying KAUST's commitment to global scientific leadership and economic diversification.
Biography
Professor Tempone received his Ph.D. in numerical analysis in 2002 from the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. The next phase of his career took him to the United States, where he completed his postdoc at the University of Texas Institute for Computational and Engineering Sciences (ICES), before joining Florida State University as an assistant professor of mathematics.
Tempone joined KAUST in 2009 as a founding faculty member, as an associate professor of applied mathematics, and became a full professor in 2015. He is also principal investigator of the Stochastics Numerics Research Group.
A variety of fields, such as computational mechanics, quantitative finance, biological and chemical modeling, and wireless communications, are driving his research. More specifically, his research contributions include a posteriori error approximation and related adaptive algorithms for numerical solutions to deterministic and stochastic differential equations. His honors include the German Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (2018–2025), the first Dahlquist Fellowship in Sweden (2007–2008), and being elected program director of the SIAM Uncertainty Quantification Activity Group (2013–2014).
Research Interests
Tempone's expertise and research interests lie at the intersection of applied mathematics, computational science, and stochastic analysis, with a strong focus on developing and analyzing numerical methods for stochastic and deterministic problems. His work emphasizes adaptive algorithms and hierarchical and sparse approximation, Bayesian inverse problems and data assimilation, optimal experimental design, scientific machine learning, stochastic optimization, optimal control, and uncertainty quantification, aiming to push the boundaries of computational efficiency and accuracy in simulations.
At the helm of the Stochastic Numerics Research Group at KAUST, Tempone is particularly interested in the development and analysis of numerical methods to advance applications spanning computational mechanics, quantitative finance, renewable energy sources management, biological and chemical modeling, and wireless communications.
His approach is theoretical and highly applicable, addressing real-world problems across various domains while grounded in solid foundations of mathematical and computational techniques. His work is instrumental for those interested in the practical application of mathematics to solve complex, real-world issues, making his research group an ideal place for potential collaborators, postgraduate students, postdocs, and research scientists looking for cutting-edge projects at the nexus of uncertainty quantification and computational science.
Professional Profile
Service Contributions
- Service to the Discipline or Profession
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Program Director of the SIAM Uncertainty Quantification Activity Group, 2025
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Awards and Distinctions
- Thomson Reuters highly cited researcher, 2016
- the Alexander von Humboldt professorship, RWTH Aachen, 2018
- The Dahlquist Research Fellowship (first awardee), KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 2007 - 2008
- Most Cited Author 2005-2008, Elsevier, 2009
Professional Memberships
- Fellow, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Priority Program “Extraction of Quantifiable Information from Complex Systems”, 2014
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Numerical Analysis, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, 2002
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Engineering Mathematics, University of the Republic, Uruguay, 1999
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, University of the Republic, Uruguay, 1995
Quote
Working in mathematics is an adventure. I seek the thrill of discovery—always visiting new places with the mind, searching for simplicity, beauty and truth. Developing theory and problem-solving are essential; keeping applications present gives meaning to our excursions.
Questions and Answers
Why KAUST?
KAUST has understood the importance of numerical and stochastic analysis as fundamental disciplines for optimizing industrial processes and controls, offering me the opportunity to work and break new ground.
Throughout his tenure at KAUST, Prof. Tempone successfully supervised ten PhDs until completion, directed the KAUST Strategic Research Initiative in Uncertainty Quantification (2012-2016), and served as the Program Director of the SIAM Uncertainty Quantification Activity Group (2013-2014). In 2016, Thomson Reuters recognized him as a highly cited researcher, and in 2018, Prof. Tempone was awarded the Alexander von Humboldt professorship hosted by RWTH Aachen. His research group placed a dozen faculty members in Germany (Uni. Karlsruhe), Norway (Uni. of Oslo), Saudi Arabia (KFUPM), the United Kingdom (Dundee, Heriot-Watt, Leeds, Nottingham), and the USA (University of New Mexico). Some of his research team members have also obtained positions in the industry, including, among others, Bain & Company in Finland, Baker Hughes, Enel Group in Italy, G-Research hedge fund in the UK, Honeywell, InConcert Spain, McKinsey & Company, Saudi Aramco, UK Meteorological Office and United Technologies (Raytheon). He has also collaborated with Saudi Aramco through multiple projects.
