KAUST Researchers Embark on Groundbreaking OceanQuest Expedition Around Africa
A team of researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) participated in the inaugural OceanQuest expedition — a major scientific journey led by the Saudi non-profit foundation aboard the cutting-edge research vessel RV OceanXplorer .
This landmark mission highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to building national scientific capacity and strengthening global research partnerships, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Launching from Moroni in the Comoros, the expedition traveled south through the Indian Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the study of marine biodiversity across key seamounts. A second leg of the journey — tailored for early-career oceanographers — continued northward to Walvis Bay, Namibia, and concluded in Mindelo, Cabo Verde.
KAUST's team included three PhD students: two from the Marine Microbiome Lab and one from the Earth Science and Engineering program. Additionally, their work centered on biodiversity assessments, seamount research, and chemical analyses — offering valuable, hands-on field experience.
The researchers also investigated seamount formation in the Indian Ocean, aiming to draw parallels with geological features in Saudi Arabian waters. Finally, through ocean depth mapping and sample collection, the team gained practical insights with direct relevance to marine research within the Kingdom.
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