Scientific excellence and real-world impact are hallmarks of leading research institutions globally.  

Three professors from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have been elected to the 2027 class of Fellows of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), an international scientific academy and program unit of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  

Professors Husam Alshareef, Tariq Alkhalifah, and Raquel Peixoto join four previously elected KAUST-affiliated Fellows, reflecting the University’s international recognition for its research achievements.  

Alshareef, dean of the Physical Science and Engineering Division, was elected in the physics, astronomy, and space sciences category. He has pioneered the use of MXenes, a class of extremely thin materials, to develop advanced electronic devices and sensors.  

His contributions have earned him several honors, including the Kuwait Prize in Clean and Sustainable Energy Technologies and the A.H. Shoman Prize for Excellence in Energy Research.   

Meanwhile, Alkhalifah and Peixoto were both elected in the earth, climate, and environmental sciences category. Geophysicist Alkhalifah has developed advanced methods that improve scientists’ ability to study and understand Earth’s subsurface. His research combines seismic imaging techniques with machine learning to produce more accurate images of underground structures for energy exploration, subsurface monitoring, and environmental applications.  

His work has earned him several prestigious honors, including the Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal and J. Clarence Karcher Award from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and the Conrad Schlumberger Award from the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers.  

Microbiologist Peixoto has pioneered the use of beneficial microorganisms to improve coral health and resilience to environmental stresses, including rising ocean temperatures. She also established the world’s first underwater experimental laboratory for testing microbial treatments on corals in their natural environment.  

Named to the Explorers Club 50 class of 2026, which recognizes exceptional researchers and explorers, Peixoto has also received the International Coral Reef Society Mid-Career Award, Saudi National Champion recognition in the Frontiers Planet Prize, and a gold medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.  

With the latest elections, at least seven TWAS Fellows have been affiliated with KAUST. The four previously elected Fellows are Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi (2026) and Professor Suzana Nunes (2025), both recognized in chemical sciences; Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini (2022), recognized in information and data sciences; and Professor Takashi Gojobori (2013), recognized in biological sciences.  

A total of 87 new regular TWAS Fellows from around the world were elected this year, with their memberships taking effect January 1, 2027. Election to the Academy is an acknowledgement of outstanding scientific achievements and contributions to advancing research globally.  

KAUST’s growing presence in prestigious international scientific academies underscores its standing as a research leader, advancing discoveries that benefit Saudi Arabia and the world.