Frequently Asked Questions



Frequently Asked Questions

Awards Dinner

Where is event being held?

The dinner will be held in the Auditorium foyer on the KAUST campus.

Who may attend?

This is an invitation only event.

May I bring a guest?

Yes, guests are welcome. Please indicate the number in the registration form.

May I bring my family?

Yes, your family is welcome, although no childcare will be provided.

Leadership and Impact

The award recognizes KAUST alumni making extraordinary contributions in their profession in Saudi Arabia or internationally. The recipients are leaders and pioneers whose professional and personal impact is advancing their field, community, nation or organization. These alumni are:

  • Exemplary role models and inspiring leaders
  • Shaping sustainable businesses through their leadership and influence
  • Paving the way for those they inspire through mentoring and supporting the next generation


Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This award recognizes alumni making an impact in research and discovery, and/or innovation and entrepreneurship. They may be working on groundbreaking research that will make a significant contribution to tackling global issues, or they have launched a startup that is (or will) address pressing social challenges. These alumni are:

  • Making significant, positive change, or influencing change, through their research or startup innovation
  • Are exemplary role models and inspiring researchers or entrepreneurs


Social Impact

The award recognizes alumni who have made an exceptional commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others through volunteering, social enterprise, corporate social responsibility and community development. It may be in the areas of environmental work, education, health, sustainability or poverty elimination. These alumni are:

  • Making significant, positive changes in areas that address pressing social challenges
  • Demonstrating positive impact on a community, nation or organization (including KAUST)


What should I wear?

The event is business or business casual.

What food will be served?

A menu will be selected to account for all tastes. We have done our best to accommodate a variety of food needs, which includes vegetarian options.

Who can I contact if I have a question?

Please send an email to Alumni Affairs at alumni@kaust.edu.sa if you have any questions.

Nominations

(Closed June 8, 2022)
Who is eligible for nomination for the KAUST Alumni Change Makers Awards?

KAUST alumni are eligible for nomination.

Who can nominate an alumnus for the KAUST Alumni Change Makers Awards?

Anyone can nominate a KAUST alumnus for one or all three award categories. However, self-nominations will not be accepted.

As a nominator, do I need to ask approval from the alumnus before submitting a nomination?

It is recommended that your nomination of an alumnus is confidential. We suggest that you DO NOT inform your nominee. Once you submit the nomination, all deliberations are kept confidential.

Can KAUST staff and students be nominated for the awards?

Yes. As long as the staff member or student is a KAUST alumnus.

What are the award categories?

An alumnus can be nominated for more than one award category (each through a separate nomination form). The selection committee reserves the right to grant an award for which the nominee has not been nominated. The categories are: 

  1. Leadership and Impact
  2. Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  3. Social Impact

Leadership and Impact

The award recognizes KAUST alumni making extraordinary contributions in their profession in Saudi Arabia or internationally. The recipients are leaders and pioneers whose professional and personal impact is advancing their field, community, nation or organization. These alumni are:

  • Exemplary role models and inspiring leaders
  • Shaping sustainable businesses through their leadership and influence
  • Paving the way for those they inspire through mentoring and supporting the next generation


Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This award recognizes alumni making an impact in research and discovery, and/or innovation and entrepreneurship. They may be working on groundbreaking research that will make a significant contribution to tackling global issues, or they have launched a startup that is (or will) address pressing social challenges. These alumni are:

  • Making significant, positive change, or influencing change, through their research or startup innovation
  • Are exemplary role models and inspiring researchers or entrepreneurs


Social Impact

The award recognizes alumni who have made an exceptional commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others through volunteering, social enterprise, corporate social responsibility and community development. It may be in the areas of environmental work, education, health, sustainability or poverty elimination. These alumni are:

  • Making significant, positive changes in areas that address pressing social challenges
  • Demonstrating positive impact on a community, nation or organization (including KAUST)


I plan to nominate an alumnus - must I complete a nomination form?

Yes - nomination forms must be completed. If you nominate an alumnus for all three categories, three separate nomination forms must be completed. You are also encouraged to submit additional supporting materials that demonstrate your nominee's achievements, which might include press or media clippings, reviews or recommendations.

What is the process for selection and announcement of the 2022 KAUST Alumni Change Makers?

The selection process is via a committee. After their decision is made, Alumni Affairs will notify nominees of the outcome. Recipients will be announced at an awards gala in Riyadh on November 10, 2022, as well as through KAUST and external media channels.

Who can I contact if I have a question?

Please send an email to Alumni Affairs at alumni@kaust.edu.sa if you have any questions.