Introduction

KAUST Global Collaborative Research (GCR) advances KAUST’s mission to become a world-class research university. KAUST research relationships with renowned universities and research institutions in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America were established in 2007 and 2008. The GCR was created in early 2009, merging three external and collaborative research programs under a unified management structure.

The three programs that are managed by the GCR -- the Global Research Partnership (GRP), the Academic Excellence Alliance (AEA), and Special Academic Partnerships (SP) – accelerated and continue to support KAUST's on-campus research ramp-up, the development of collaborative educational programs, and the creation of unique and synergistic opportunities for KAUST to participate in a robust global research enterprise.

The GCR Programs

Global Research Partnership: The GRP is a competitive, peer-reviewed awards program that enables exceptional university-based scientists and researchers at institutions other than KAUST to collaborate on challenging global issues of particular importance to Saudi Arabia and the region. This research program is a primary mechanism by which high-caliber research and graduate education are connected and engaged to support KAUST’s development as a world-class 21st century global research university.

Academic Excellence Alliance: Academic Excellence Alliances are partnerships between KAUST and specific academic departments at leading institutions. These partnerships engage the partner institutions in developing the University’s curriculum, as well as recruiting and preparing a core group of research-active professors who will form the nucleus of a high-quality, permanent KAUST faculty.

Special Academic Partnerships (SP): Special Academic Partnerships between KAUST and select academic institutions worldwide are designed to rapidly develop the laboratories and facilities on campus, and to quickly initiate world-class research and related graduate education at those facilities. These complementary research programs are a powerful accelerator, joining KAUST with world-class universities in record time.

In May 2008, KAUST hosted the GRP Technical Symposium, the first global gathering of the GRP award recipients. Symposium participants presented their latest findings in various fields, shared ideas, and established a truly global network of scientific collaboration.