We measure our progress against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that the solutions we create improve lives and communities. Our mandate is to pursue novel knowledge and insights that lead to practical applications for society.
Our strategy is deeply connected to the national and global context in which we operate. It aligns with the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) and supports Saudi Arabia’s 18 national priorities, addressing 44 grand challenges.
To navigate these complex demands, we identified 12 emerging research fields and grouped them into five themes that guide our work:
Energy, Utilities & Sustainability
Industrials & Infrastructure
Digitization & Technology
Healthcare & Biotech
Business, Finance & Economics
In addressing these topics, multidisciplinary collaboration is essential. Our postgraduate fellows, students, and faculty collaborate closely to solve problems that cannot be addressed from a single perspective.
Across more than 20 dedicated research centers, KFUPM provides a setting where curiosity drives discovery. There, scholarly work evolves into innovations with real-world relevance. Every project is an opportunity to make a scientific contribution that leaves a legacy.
Our innovative research has placed us 5th worldwide in US-granted patents, driving global change
Generating knowledge starts with asking the right questions and pursuing answers through structured investigations
Diversity in thoughts aids discovery as new perspectives uncover possibilities that a single one might overlook
KFUPM’s research centers link scientists, industry experts, and policymakers to address sustainability challenges collaboratively. Our efforts span across knowledge sharing, joint investigations, and advisory roles. Examples include:
KFUPM has signed three agreements with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development aimed at promoting volunteering practices and elevating public understanding of the non-profit sector. Furthermore, faculty contributions to Saudi Arabia’s National Communications (NCs, in 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2022) and the 2018 Biennial Update Report (BUR) have served to inform and raise national awareness on UNFCCC climate‑reporting requirements, greenhouse gas inventories, adaptation, mitigation education, and public awareness.
In partnership with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), we established the Technical Innovation Center for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), which has already led to measurable outcomes in emissions research. Also, through the Al Fozan Academy, a framework jointly launched with Al Fozan Social Foundation, KFUPM supports programs for leadership training in the third sector, such as Raed that trains youth to manage volunteer initiatives professionally. Such partnerships bring us a step closer to practical, scalable solutions for reducing emissions.
The KFUPM Institute for Knowledge Exchange (KIKX) center hosts lectures, seminars, and forums during the academic year, many led by experts from around the world, encouraging active dialogue around emerging topics. Finally, our participation as panelists, presenters or exhibitors in regional conferences such as the MENA Climate Week or COP16 (UNCCD) allows us to both showcase our latest research and learn from peers and other experts in the field of sustainability.
