Adaptation
Reshaping, for a fluctuating future
WEP 2026
January I 13-22
The future we face is uncertain and dynamic. Climate events, health crises, and economic shocks—these disruptions are no longer rare; they’re constant. But in times of upheaval, innovation emerges.
WEP 2026 will spotlight individuals and ideas that are rethinking how we live, learn, and thrive in a world of change. From cutting-edge technology to nature-based solutions, we will explore the bold and brilliant ways people are preparing for an unpredictable tomorrow.
WEP 2026 is chaired by Deanna Lacoste, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST and Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Program, and is co-chaired by Atif Shamim, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering at KAUST and Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Program.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Performances
(Bldg. 20, Auditorium)
Experience live artistic showcases during WEP — a celebration of creativity, culture, and expression that brings the theme of Adaptation to life through music, movement, and storytelling.
Keynote Lectures
(Bldg. 20, Auditorium)
The keynote lectures are signature WEP events featuring international guest speakers, Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, and academics, offering insights that align with the WEP theme.
Workshops
Join the workshops during WEP – a chance to learn about different topics.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
WEP 2026 hosts prominent academics from leading universities, eminent speakers, industry leaders, elite athletes, artists, and officials.
PARTNERS
ABOUT KAUST
Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university dedicated to addressing major scientific and technological challenges. It is recognized globally for excellence, ranked #1 worldwide in citations per faculty, #1 in Saudi Arabia and #1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for both 2023 and 2024, and #4 in Western Asia according to Nature Index 2022. With a community representing over 120 nationalities, KAUST fosters international collaboration and advances research in health, environment, energy, and digital technologies, serving as a leading global center of knowledge. The university is ranked #112 globally, has achieved 17 years of excellence, and maintains Top-20 supercomputing performance.
CONTACT US
WEP is an annual signature program for KAUST that brings together the world’s greatest thinkers and leaders at the intersection of academia, research, culture, and innovation.
STAY TUNED!
Join the conversations on social media and interact with other attendees! #WEP2026
Enrichment Team
Bldg. 16, Level 3
4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email: wep@kaust.edu.sa
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