Riyadh:Two King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) graduates, Dr. Rawan Alghamdi and Dr. Banan Alhazmi, have been awarded the MIT-KACST Ibn Khaldun Fellowship for Saudi Arabian Women. Alghamdi and Alhazmi are engaged in postdoctoral research focusing on next-generation wireless communications and membrane science, respectively.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Alghamdi's research is centered on enhancing non-terrestrial wireless network signal reception. Her work aims to develop energy-efficient signal-processing methods to deliver cost-effective and reliable connectivity, extending coverage to remote areas and ensuring communication continuity when traditional infrastructure is compromised.

Alhazmi's research is dedicated to creating advanced membranes that efficiently separate molecules and gases with reduced energy consumption compared to traditional industrial methods. This work supports the sustainability and efficiency of critical sectors in Saudi Arabia, such as energy, water, and chemicals.

Both scholars acknowledged KAUST's significant contribution in fostering an environment that promotes international collaboration and encourages students to seek opportunities beyond the university.

The MIT-KACST Ibn Khaldun Fellowship for Saudi Arabian Women is designed to support exceptional Saudi women in advanced research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), thereby enhancing their presence in the fields of science, technology, and engineering.