Noreddine Ghaffour is a Professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) with over 30 years of expertise in drinking water treatment technologies, specializing in membrane and thermal-based desalination processes. He holds an Ing./M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Energy & Process Engineering from Montpellier University, France. Since joining KAUST in 2010, Professor Ghaffour has made significant contributions to the field, authoring over 500 publications, holding numerous patents, and receiving multiple awards, including the Brains for Brine Challenge Award in 2019. Professor Ghaffour is also editor of the Desalination Journal and Solar Compass. A frequent speaker at global conferences and a member of leading water science organizations, he is dedicated to advancing water science internationally. 

At KAUST, he leads the Desalination Research Group (DESAL), which focuses on developing sustainable desalination solutions to address freshwater challenges locally and globally. His research focuses on reducing desalination costs and enhancing the sustainability of water supplies by advancing existing technologies and pioneering low-energy desalination processes that integrate renewable energy sources.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to develop a knowledge-based economy and attract global talent, Professor Ghaffour’s work involves collaborations with various global industry partners and academic institutions, further solidifying KAUST’s status as a leader in water research.