Division of Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)

The mission of the Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) division is to create knowledge pertaining to matter at all scales (nano, meso, macro) and in all forms (from bulk to divided colloids to fluids) and to seek understanding of the interaction of matter with external stimuli to design new materials/technologies addressing the issues of our times.

Research in the division has three main focus areas: energy (including alternative energy), environmental sustainability, and advanced components. These research thrusts are addressed through various research themes, like catalysis, photovoltaics, new materials, membranes, porous materials, nano-composites, mechanics, spintronics and advanced opto-electronics, complex fluids, clean combustion, geophysics, climate & atmospheric studies, enhanced oil recovery, CO2 sequestration.

Research in the PSE division is driven by independent faculty labs and five research centers with which faculty can affiliate to perform applied, goal-oriented research. Centers affiliated with the division include:

Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Research Center (AMPMC)
Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC)
Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC)
KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC)
KAUST Solar Center (KSC)

Division Contacts

Gilles H. Lubineau, Interim Dean
Udo Schwingenschloegl, Associate Dean of Students

More information can be found on the PSE website here.

PSE Programs