Ideas worth spreading and innovation go hand in hand. Mix in the incredibly unique community we have at KAUST, and we’ve got a perfect setting for TEDx. TEDx is a spinoff of TED talks, where speakers engage with community on subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations.

The popular event, sponsored by our Innovation & Economic Development team and brought together by students and staff at KAUST, showcased nine speakers hand picked to discuss a theme: Impact Factor. From scientists to teachers to supermoms, there was compelling takeaway and deeply personal stories from people making up our beautifully diverse campus.

We’ve got all the talks in one place here, so scroll on down and get inspired!

 

Itsikiantsoa Randrianantenaina: Give Them a Smile

After years abroad, she couldn’t believe what she saw when returning home. See KAUST student Itsiki’s emotional story on educating children in Madagascar.

 

Mark Tester: Unlocking Salt Water

Tough tomatoes, wild grains, salt tolerant quinoa; plants are superheroes of nature! KAUST Professor Mark Tester on the discoveries that could turbocharge future food production.

 

Cabby Tennis: Learning Dangerously

What is a collective adventure and how do we open ourselves up to it? Educator Cabby Tennis shares his globe-trotting lessons in risk-taking.

 

Manuel Aranda: Corals, Climate and Time

What are corals? What makes them so special, and how does coral bleaching even happen? Professor Manuel Aranda talks about what we can do to save this beautiful ecosystem.

 

Amal Dokhan: Impact of Human Experience

Design thinking expert Amal Dokhan shares personal stories that led her to a life of impact and innovation.

 

Nadhmi Al Nasr: A Mountain of Impact

Nadhmi Al Nasr, interim President at KAUST, shares his formula for leadership and valuable lessons from his early days working at Aramco.

 

Claire Sale: Communicating Science in the Post-Truth Era

Calling all scientists: the gap between your research and the public is easier than ever to bridge! The new ways to make research shareable, accessible and benefit your own work.

 

Muhammad Mustafa Hussain: Why We Do What We Do?

KAUST Professor Hussain on the simple observations of everyday life, that engineer game changing technologies:

 

 Andy Vasily: Transformative Moments

He saw the dark road to his family’s history, and decided to define his own narrative. How staying active helped Andy shape his own journey.