We are delighted to announce that Professor Noreddine Ghaffour, a distinguished professor of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and leader of the DESAL Research Group, has been honored as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide in the fields of Chemical and Environmental Engineering for the fourth consecutive year. This prestigious recognition comes from a list compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier.

Professor Ghaffour's inclusion in this list is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field of water desalination and treatment technologies. With over 28 years of experience, he has significantly advanced our understanding and development of membrane and thermal desalination processes. His work focuses on creating sustainable, low-energy desalination methods that are crucial for addressing both local and global freshwater challenges—a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Under his leadership, the DESAL Research Group has pioneered several innovative technologies that integrate renewable energy sources, significantly reducing the energy footprint of desalination processes. His research has yielded over 500 publications and numerous patents, setting benchmarks for the industry and contributing to global water sustainability efforts.

"This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a collective triumph that reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team, our collaborators, and co-authors across the globe," Professor Ghaffour stated. "I am immensely grateful for their support and collaboration, which have been instrumental in advancing our research and achieving our goals."

This recognition underscores Professor Ghaffour's role as a global leader in water science, reflecting his dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental engineering and chemical engineering. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of KAUST and the DESAL Research Group to attract and nurture top talent in support of a knowledge-based economy.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Professor Ghaffour on this remarkable achievement and look forward to his continued leadership and innovations in the field of desalination and water treatment technologies.