King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Vision

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is a graduate research university of science and technology renowned by global benchmarks and rooted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. KAUST is characterized by: Merit – attracting and developing top talents from the Kingdom and worldwide. It invests in people, the proven and the promising, helping them fulfill their intellectual potential through scholarship and discovery. KAUST is dedicated to best academic and professional practices in recruitment and advancement. Excellence – KAUST embraces global benchmarks for performance, creates opportunities to excel, and rewards achievement. KAUST will root and grow a culture of excellence embracing openness with purpose, passion with focus, debate with respect, and diversity with respect. Through the pursuit of knowledge as a unifying and energizing force, KAUST will bridge peoples and cultures. Rootedness – KAUST supports the Kingdom’s aspirations and contributes to Saudi society and economic development. At KAUST, rootedness will involve commitment of both Saudi and international talent to work together, as well as leveraging global partnerships in pursuit of excellence and in support of the aspirations of the Kingdom.

Mission

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has a three-part Mission. KAUST integrates research and education, leveraging the interconnectedness of science and engineering, and works to catalyze the diversification of the Saudi economy through economic and technology development. Research and Education KAUST pursues fundamental and goal-oriented research as well as bold collaborative partnerships in its Academic Divisions and Research Centers.

• Academic Divisions invest in people, providing continuity and developing depth and breadth in relevant areas. They produce fundamental knowledge sustained by secure funding for long-horizon research. They transfer knowledge through graduate degree programs underpinned by cutting-edge research. They develop deep scientific and engineering capabilities through Principal Investigator-led work.
• Research Centers invest in projects, providing thematic focus and critical mass to create vigor and opportunities. They pursue focused goal-oriented research that addresses significant challenges for the Kingdom and beyond. They invigorate graduate education through creative and problem-solving approaches to significant projects. They develop innovative solutions through interdisciplinary, team-based research, and galvanize knowledge-based industry development.

KAUST takes on significant challenges – to excel and make a difference – by leveraging talents and integrating capabilities in science and engineering, innovation and enterprise. Four thrust areas of strategic importance to the Kingdom – Water, Food, Energy, and Environment – provide focus and bring together KAUST’s core missions of research, education and economic development. The dedicated efforts of KAUST’s talents, both Saudi and international, working together to pursue and achieve excellence in the four thrust areas will bring benefit to the Kingdom and foster rootedness. Economic Development KAUST enables technology development and transfer, spin-offs and job creation. It promotes a spirit of enterprise encompassing innovation and opportunity, passion and vision, risk and reward. KAUST seeks to produce future leaders in science, technology and industry who can create economic and job opportunities for Saudi Arabia. It strives to catalyze the development of a significant knowledge and innovation-driven sector to diversify the Kingdom’s economy. KAUST provides talent to local industry along with problem-solving and technology transfer capabilities, and creates spin-off companies in the Kingdom. Its Research Park offers an environment where technology-based businesses can collaborate with KAUST faculty and students, enjoying access to labs, facilities and services. Its Innovation Cluster offers laboratory and office space for technology companies and start-ups.

Values

Members of the KAUST community are committed to the values of Achievement, Passion, Inspiration, Diversity, Openness, Integrity and Citizenship. At all times, KAUST community members need to behave in ways that uphold these values, both as individuals and as representatives of the University.

• Achievement: Determination to advance science and engineering for the welfare of all mankind.
• Passion: Pursuit of the KAUST mission with enthusiasm and confidence and seeking individuals who share that passion.
• Inspiration: Commitment to stimulate inspiration and celebrate those with the ability to inspire others.
• Diversity: Collaboration among scientists, researchers, and students from different disciplines, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Openness: Openness which allows students and faculty to think clearly, study freely, and examine complex problems though the clear light of reason
• Integrity: Commitment to uphold the highest standards of moral, ethical, and professional conduct.
• Citizenship: Be a good neighbor and strive to make a positive impact on the University’s surroundings.