Besides being a great experience to meet new people in my field of research, learn new analytical methods, and learn how to use new equipment, this was also a great opportunity to make friends and improve my English. The food here is good, it's safe, and the apartments are well-equipped (the apartment is shared, but we have a private bedroom and bathroom, in addition to weekly cleaning in the shared area). Plus, there are many recreational activities offered, many of them free, such as the swimming pool and the gym.

My KAUST VSRP internship was an outstanding, genuinely immersive research experience. What makes it unique is how fully supported the program is: housing and essential services are already arranged, so you can focus almost entirely on research from day one instead of spending time on logistics. That structure really boosts productivity and makes the experience feel like real graduate-level research. The scientific environment is excellent, with strong mentorship, access to high-quality facilities, and a campus culture that encourages learning through seminars, collaborations, and international networking. I also appreciated how easy it was to integrate into the community and stay focused on my project. For future participants, I would recommend arriving with clear goals, communicating expectations early with your supervisor, and taking advantage of seminars and discussions across labs. Overall, VSRP is a top-tier program for anyone looking for serious research training abroad.

During my internship at KAUST, I contributed to a project focused on developing more sustainable methods for chemical synthesis and purification, particularly for pharmaceutical applications. The work involved modifying an organic photocatalyst to allow easy recovery using organic solvent nanofiltration membranes, with the long-term goal of integrating photoredox reactions with continuous-flow processes. This approach reduces waste, avoids toxic metals, and improves efficiency—supporting cleaner and safer production of pharmaceutical compounds.

Beyond the lab, the internship offered many opportunities to explore new experiences. I tried golf, climbing, and tennis for the first time, enjoyed the art studio where anyone can get creative with a variety of materials, and loved spending time at the beach. The program also organized events that enriched my cultural experience, such as an Arabic calligraphy workshop and visits to Al Balad and Jeddah, which allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture, learn more about the religion, and enjoy the diversity of nationalities on campus. I also discovered amazing local food, especially samboosa and kunafah.

My advice for future interns: don’t forget to socialize — there is life beyond the lab!

During my time at KAUST, I worked as a Visiting Student in the Human Genetics and Therapeutics Lab, where my project focused on molecular and cellular biology approaches to study gene function. I gained hands-on experience with techniques such as cell culture, CRISPR-based gene editing, qPCR, protein extraction, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation, while working in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

Daily life at KAUST was both stimulating and enriching, combining intensive lab work with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse international community. The supportive research culture and strong mentorship made this experience particularly impactful, both scientifically and personally.

My advice to future interns is to be proactive, ask questions, and fully engage with the KAUST community, both inside and outside the lab. Taking initiative and making the most of the resources available will greatly enhance your learning and overall experience.

My experience as a visiting student was absolutely great! I've learned how to be independent in a research laboratory, I have improved my skills, learned new topics and protocols.

I also had the possibility to see the university and research system in a country different than the one I come from. In the laboratory that I'm working actually, the Professor Adamosboratory in KAUST Saudi Arabia, I had the possibility to work with stem cells, to participate to meeting, to present my laboratory updates.

My time at KAUST was an incredible journey for both my research and personal life. Academically, starting Machine Learning from scratch was stimulating. The bi-weekly meetings motivated me to work hard, and I learned a great deal from the dedicated, supportive attitude of my professors and colleagues.

Socially, I cherished the time spent with fellow VSRP students. The campus events made it easy to make friends, creating a welcoming community. Although the food and culture were different from my home country, this program offered the perfect balance to experience them comfortably. It went by fast, but I am truly glad I came.

My internship at KAUST was an incredible journey of learning and discovery. During this time, I gained hands-on experience in research, data analysis, and system design, which allowed me to deepen both my technical skills and understanding of biomedical engineering. I had the opportunity to work closely with a passionate, interdisciplinary team, where collaboration, mentorship, and open exchange of ideas were constant. This environment not only challenged me to think critically and solve problems creatively but also inspired me to pursue innovation and excellence in every project. The experience strengthened my confidence in contributing meaningfully to cutting-edge research and reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

I had a wonderful and productive experience at KAUST. Other than improving my research skills and knowledge in my field, I also made amazing connections! The experience left a great impact on me and I believe that it will greatly help my future research career. Kaust not only provides amazing research facilities and opportunists, but also offers many social activities to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy doing in their free time. Overall, I’m very pleased and grateful for my time here.