The world-leading Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has named Professor Omar Knio to the 2026 class of SIAM Fellows for his outstanding research and service. 

Knio, dean of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and professor of applied mathematics and computational science, received the honor in recognition of his leadership in uncertainty quantification and multiscale mathematics, with applications to combustion, energetic materials, and geophysical fluid dynamics. 

“I am honored to join my global peers as a SIAM fellow,” Knio said. “This recognition reflects KAUST’s role as a global hub for scientific talent and interdisciplinary research, where applied mathematics and computational science are connected to real-world challenges. My research, spanning multiple fields and applications, is emblematic of the University’s collaborative environment, which enables discovery and impact at scale.” 

His academic areas of expertise include uncertainty quantification, Bayesian inference, combustion, oceanic and atmospheric flows, physical acoustics, energetic materials, microfluidic devices, renewable energy systems, high-performance computing, optimization under uncertainty, and data-enabled predictive science. 

The vice president of academic affairs joins 25 newly appointed members of the SIAM community, who will be recognized during a reception at the 2026 SIAM Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S., in July 2026. 

SIAM is a global network of more than 14,000 members from nearly 500 academic, manufacturing, research and development, service, consulting, government, and military organizations. Its mission is to build cooperation between mathematics and the worlds of science and technology through publications, research, and engagement. 

Knio’s recognition highlights KAUST’s collaborative and mission-driven role in advancing science in Saudi Arabia and contributing to solutions for global challenges.