WEP 2017 Keynote Speaker H.E. Ali Al-Naimi 

About WEP

The annual Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) is one of the hallmarks of KAUST. WEP is a two- week program whose primary purpose is to enrich and inspire the University's students and KAUST community members, as well as academic and industrial partners who are all invited to join. It is mandatory for KAUST students to register for WEP once during their degree studies.​

The whole University becomes involved in one of the most exciting programs of the year, including lectures, courses, workshops, seminars, field trips, and special events in the main categories of Academic, Skills, Personal & Professional Development, Cultural and Recreational. The program hosts KAUST speakers, eminent international guest speakers, Nobel Laureates, entrepreneurs, academics, as well as distinguished local and regional leaders and decision-makers. 

WEP for Students

WEP is a two-week mandatory program especially designed to inspire the students to be creative and to think outside the box. While the program themes differ from year - to - year, it must include both technical and artistic components. WEP requires students to experience fields far different from their own, which helps them to understand how their work is connected to the problems around them. It shows them how they can impact others and how others can impact them, often in surprising ways.

All students (MS & PhD) must participate in WEP for credit at least once during their studies at KAUST. Students who do not complete WEP do not graduate.

How we Choose our Themes

WEP's theme is different from one year to another and is built in collaboration with KAUST students, faculty, community members, alumni and industrial partners who are invited to submit proposals each year. During a very competitive selection process the WEP Review Committee, chaired by the WEP Chair, considers the scientific and technological aspects of the proposals, as well as their enriching and inspiring nature. It is mandatory for KAUST students to register for WEP once during their degree studies.​

In line with KAUST mission to be a source of inspiration and innovative thinking for aspiring scientists, academics, scholars, and entrepreneurs, both nationally and internationally, the Chair of the program, together with the Enrichment Office, strives to choose a stimulating theme that opens new perspectives to the future.

Previous themes:

• International Year of Chemistry
• International Year of Light
• Pulse Food
• Sustainability and Climate Change
• Big Marine Animals on the Move
• Food for All
• Pushing the Limits:  Challenging Engineering & Science
• Pioneers
• Human-Machine Future
• City of the Future

Students for Credits

All students (MS & PhD) have to participate in the KAUST Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) for credits once during their studies at KAUST.

Credits will only be granted during a single WEP program and students must register for 30 credit offerings and all mandatory keynote lectures.

Students who do not complete their attendance requirements for WEP do not graduate. 

WEP 2019

Will take place in January 13-24, 2019

The theme of this program will be ' TIME' and will be chaired by Professor Valerio Orlando from the Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering.