Dr Majed Alghamdi | Micro-electromechanical System | Best Researcher Award

General Manager , King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) , Saudi Arabia

Majed S. Alghamdi is a technology executive based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with over 13 years of experience in leading innovation and research in electronics, MEMS, and sensor technologies. He holds a PhD in System Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and has worked extensively on technology transfer and product development. As General Manager at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), he leads national security and defense projects and collaborates with global partners. Dr. Alghamdi has over 20 publications and four patents, and he has led pioneering work on gas sensors, inertial measurement units, and advanced electronics systems. He has also been actively involved in mentoring researchers and guiding industrial partnerships. His leadership extends beyond research, having organized major conferences and contributed to shaping the technology ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

Profile

• Scopus
• Orcid

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Academic and Professional Experience:
   • Dr. Alghamdi has over 13 years of experience, with significant contributions in both academic research and technology development, particularly in the areas of MEMS, sensors, IoT, and wireless sensor networks.
   • His academic background includes a Ph.D. in System Design Engineering and multiple other degrees, backed by visiting professorships at prestigious institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Waterloo, Canada.
2. Innovative Contributions to Research and Technology Development:
   • Dr. Alghamdi has authored over 20 publications, with several being cited in high-impact journals such as Physics Reports, Sensors, and Scientific Reports. His research covers a wide range of topics, including MEMS actuators, gas sensors, inertial measurement units, and electrostatic MEMS devices, which are highly relevant in today’s technological landscape.
   • His involvement in over 10 research and development projects, such as the Inertial Navigation System (INS) with SAMI and the design of high-performance IMUs, demonstrates his technical expertise and innovation in advancing cutting-edge technologies.
3. Leadership and Mentorship:
   • As General Manager of the National Security Program and Director at KACST, Dr. Alghamdi has shown exemplary leadership in managing teams of over 120 researchers, fostering innovation, and creating synergies between local and global partners.
   • He has been instrumental in shaping the direction of research in electronics, photonics, and defense systems in Saudi Arabia, acting as both a team leader and a speaker at high-profile forums such as the Future Semiconductor Forum.
4. Patent Portfolio and Real-World Impact:
   • With four patents to his name, Dr. Alghamdi has made tangible contributions to advancing technology, further solidifying his status as a leader in applied research.
   • The smart gas sensor and optical sensor for analyzing milk quality are examples of his work having direct applications to industry and society, impacting both safety (toxic gas detection) and health (milk quality monitoring).
5. International Collaboration and Recognition:
   • His role in projects like the collaboration with Berkeley University on autonomous trucks, and with Saudi Aramco on hydrogen sensors, highlights his ability to lead international research initiatives and bridge gaps between academia, government, and industry.
   • His recent achievements, such as the KACST Values Award and recognition in leadership training programs (e.g., HEC Paris Leadership Course), underscore his commitment to continuous professional growth and leadership excellence.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Public Engagement:
   • While Dr. Alghamdi’s work has significantly advanced technical research, there could be an opportunity to increase his public engagement, particularly in the dissemination of his research to a broader audience. Engaging more actively in science outreach, policy advocacy, and public speaking could enhance the visibility of his work.
2. Cross-disciplinary Collaboration:
   • Dr. Alghamdi’s focus on electronics, MEMS, and sensors is highly specialized, but there might be additional value in collaborating across even more diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or sustainability technologies, to further expand the potential applications of his work.
3. Increasing Citation Impact:
   • While Dr. Alghamdi’s research is cited, expanding the visibility of his work in even more high-impact journals or conferences could further enhance the recognition of his contributions in the global research community.

Education 

Dr. Majed S. Alghamdi earned a Ph.D. in System Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 2018, after completing a M.A.Sc. in the same field at the same university in 2014. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Electronics and Communication) from King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in 2009, Saudi Arabia. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Alghamdi has received advanced training and has been a visiting researcher and professor at top institutions. In 2014, he participated in the Winter Enrichment Program at KAUST, KSA, and served as a Visiting Professor at Solar Junction Corp. in Arizona, USA, and the Center of Excellence for Green Nanotechnologies at UCLA in 2019. His education has laid a robust foundation for his leadership in technology research, especially in electronics, sensors, and MEMS technology.

Experience 

Dr. Majed S. Alghamdi has a distinguished career spanning over 13 years, with significant leadership roles in research and technology development. Since 2009, he has been a key figure at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), where he currently serves as General Manager of the National Security Program (since 2022). Previously, he held directorial roles at the National Center for Electronics and Defense Systems and the National Center for Electronics and Photonics Technology, where he led over 120 researchers, developing cutting-edge technologies in electronics, IoT, and sensor systems. Dr. Alghamdi’s work spans both technical and managerial responsibilities, including overseeing R&D projects, developing industrial partnerships, and driving national technology strategies. He has also collaborated with Berkeley University, Saudi Aramco, and SAMI on high-profile projects such as autonomous trucks and hydrogen gas sensors. Additionally, he has contributed to academia as a Research Associate Professor at KACST.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Majed S. Alghamdi’s career is marked by several prestigious awards and honors. He received the KACST Values Award in 2022, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the Kingdom’s technological advancement. He has completed several notable executive leadership programs, including the Building Your Leadership Skills Course from HEC Paris (2023), the Effective Leadership Program (2023), and Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Management (2023). These achievements highlight his commitment to continuous professional development. Dr. Alghamdi has been recognized for his role as a speaker at the Future Semiconductor Forum in 2022, further solidifying his status as a thought leader. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Saudi Arabia’s technological ecosystem, particularly in defense, electronics, and green nanotechnology. These accomplishments showcase his excellence not only in research but also in fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry.

Research Focus 

Dr. Majed S. Alghamdi’s research spans several high-impact fields, including MEMS technology, sensor systems, electronics, and nanotechnology. He has pioneered advancements in Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), gas sensors, and wireless sensor networks, developing cutting-edge solutions for both industrial and defense applications. His work has significant practical applications, such as in hydrogen detection for energy sectors in collaboration with Saudi Aramco, and gas sensors for detecting harmful gases in various environments. He has also been a key investigator in the Inertial Navigation System (INS) with SAMI and in projects involving autonomous vehicles in partnership with Berkeley University. Dr. Alghamdi’s research also extends to the development of optical sensors for milk quality analysis and green nanotechnology initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability. Through his work, he continues to push the boundaries of electronics and sensor technology, addressing real-world challenges with innovative solutions.

Publications

1. Dynamics of large oscillations in electrostatic MEMS – Physics Reports (2024) 📚🧪
2. Nano Groove and Prism-Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerators – Micromachines (2023) 💡🔬
3. Experimental construction of force- and frequency-response curves of nonlinear resonators – Chaos (2023) 📉⚙️
4. A low-power differential readout interface for capacitive accelerometer-based SHM applications – Analog Integrated Circuits and Signal Processing (2022) 🛠️📊
5. Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds by Using MEMS Sensors – Sensors (2022) 🌱⚡
6. An overview of sensors and sensing materials for heavy metals in aqueous environments – Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering (2022) 🧪🌍
7. An Electrostatic MEMS Roll-Pitch Rotation Rate Sensor with In-Plane Drive Mode – Sensors (2022) 🔄🔧
8. Prospect of New AFM Probe Design Enabled by Stress Gradient – TRANSDUCERS 2021 🧲🔬
9. Quasi-Static Pull-in: an Instability in Electrostatic Actuators – Scientific Reports (2020) ⚡📐
10. Large oscillation of electrostatically actuated curved beams – Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering (2020) 📏💥

Conclusion

Dr. Majed S. Alghamdi is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional leadership, innovative research, contributions to the development of advanced technologies, and strong academic background make him a standout figure in the fields of electronics and sensor technologies. His ability to manage large-scale projects, mentor teams, and contribute to impactful technological advancements positions him as a leading researcher not only in Saudi Arabia but internationally.Awarding him this honor would acknowledge his significant achievements in both applied and fundamental research, and his ongoing influence in shaping the future of technology and innovation.