Arab-led research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is advancing real-world solutions with regional and global impact. 

Professor Basem Shihada has received the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers in the field of basic sciences for his contributions to intelligent mathematical modeling and its applications. He won for work spanning AI-powered models, digital health, intelligent wearable systems, and intelligent connectivity — including underwater and non-terrestrial networking systems. 

“This award confirms the research philosophy that I have maintained throughout my career, namely that rigorous mathematics and theory should always result in actual, working systems which serve people,” said Shihada, chair of the Computer Science Program. “Our models are not only mathematically rigorous but have been tested using datasets and put into use in operational systems, such as wearable sensing platforms and new communication networks.” 

Shihada added that the honor shows how research at KAUST and in Saudi Arabia is delivering global impact in support of national ambitions for a knowledge-based future. “KAUST has offered world-class facilities, excellent students and collaborators, and the opportunity to freely pursue different ideas.” 

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Award recognizes distinguished scientific work by Arab researchers across a range of fields. It supports and advances science in the Arab world by honoring research that contributes to scientific and applied knowledge, addresses priority issues at the local, regional, and global levels, and promotes a culture of scientific research. This year’s basic sciences topic is “intelligent mathematical modeling and its applications.” 

Shihada’s win continues a tradition of KAUST researchers receiving the award, with past winners recognized for work spanning machine learning and big data, materials research and mathematical modeling, energy research, and engineering sciences. 

For KAUST, the latest Abdul Hameed Shoman Award recognition reinforces the University’s strengths across mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence, and advanced computing to address regional and global challenges. Shihada said such an honor also helps develop a research culture and inspire a new generation of Arab scientists. 

“The fact that such awards are given to researchers sends a message that the Arab world generates original, world-class science and encourages researchers to imagine for themselves a future based on discovery.”