Dr. Eng. Basma El-Zein's Journey as a Leading Figure in Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, and Sustainable Development Embodies Dedication and Innovation

Dr. Eng. Basma El-Zein stands as a luminary figure in the field of scientific research, distinguished by her profound contributions to the field. With an illustrious background as a research scientist at eminent institutions such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and through collaborative ventures with the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics, and Nanotechnology (IEMN), Dr. El-Zein has left an indelible mark on various fronts of scientific inquiry. At the forefront of her endeavors lies a fervent exploration of advanced materials with diverse applications. Dr. El-Zein's pioneering research explores the field of nanomaterials, including kesterite and perovskite, harnessing their potential to augment the efficiency of solar cells and other energy conversion devices. By pushing the boundaries of material science, her work lays a formidable foundation for the development of more efficient and sustainable technologies, thus propelling the world towards a greener future. Dr. El-Zein's research focus is centered around her dedication to renewable energy technology. Her creative methods, including Printed Metal Oxide Batteries and Solid State Sensitized Solar Cells, highlight her commitment to improving the scalability, longevity, and efficiency of renewable energy sources. Through collaborative efforts at KAUST and IEMN, Dr. El-Zein fosters interdisciplinary exchanges, catalyzing synergistic advancements and novel solutions to complex scientific challenges.

Beyond her research pursuits, Dr. El-Zein is a guiding force in sharing knowledge and mentoring others. Her prolific publications in esteemed international journals, coupled with her patent titled ‘ZnO Nanostructure by Low-Pressure Pulsed Laser Deposition’, attest to her innovative prowess and practical contributions to the field. Moreover, her dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers through mentorship and outreach activities underscores her commitment to fostering a vibrant scientific community. Dr. Eng. Basma El-Zein's tenure as a research scientist at prestigious institutions and her collaborative ventures exemplify her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, driving innovation, and shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.

In Conversation with Nanotechnology Expert Dr. Eng. Basma El-Zein

Congratulations on being selected as one of the ‘10 Inspiring Nanotechnology Experts to Watch 2024’! How does it feel to receive this recognition?

Receiving this recognition as one of the 10 inspiring Nanotechnology Experts to Watch in 2024 is truly an honor and a humbling experience. It validates the hard work, dedication, and passion I have poured into my research and career in nanotechnology. Knowing that my contributions are being acknowledged and valued by peers in the field is incredibly rewarding and motivating. It also brings a sense of responsibility to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and making meaningful contributions to the advancement of nanotechnology. Overall, I feel deeply grateful and encouraged by this recognition.

How has your expertise in Micro-Nanotechnology influenced your professional career and contributions to the field?

My expertise in nanotechnology has been pivotal in shaping my career and driving impactful contributions to the field. Through innovative research initiatives, I have addressed global challenges, particularly in energy conversion, leveraging nanomaterials to enhance the efficiency of technologies like solar cells and batteries. This expertise has not only advanced my career but also positioned me as a thought leader, shaping the future of nanotechnology. Moreover, my nanotechnology proficiency has led to leadership roles, such as Director General of Techno-Valley and Dean of Scientific Research at the University of Business and Technology (UBT). At esteemed institutions like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), I have fostered collaborations and mentored future scientists, influencing the direction of nanotechnology research and catalyzing innovation.

Engagement in global scientific communities further amplifies the impact of my expertise. Whether as a grand judge at Intel ISEF-USA, speaker at international conferences, or contributor to prestigious journals, I actively contribute to nanotechnology's advancement globally. Overall, my nanotechnology expertise has been transformative, driving innovation, addressing societal challenges, and advancing scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity.

In your tenure as the founder and the Dean of Scientific Research at the University of Business and Technology, what innovative approaches did you implement to foster research excellence?

In my role as the founder and Dean of Scientific Research at the University of Business and Technology (UBT), I embarked on a mission to cultivate a culture of research excellence and innovation. My strategic approach encompassed the initiation of several pivotal initiatives, all aimed at propelling UBT to the forefront of research and development, particularly in areas vital to the economic progress of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cornerstone of these initiatives was the creation of specialized research centers, or Flagships, within UBT. Each Flagship was dedicated to exploring avant-garde research domains, fostering an interdisciplinary approach by bringing together scholars from diverse fields. This collaborative environment was crucial for pursuing groundbreaking projects and tackling intricate challenges head-on.

Understanding the indispensable role of interdisciplinary collaboration in sparking innovation, I actively promoted and facilitated partnerships across various academic spectrums. This effort was pivotal in merging distinct expertise, allowing us to address complex research questions with fresh and comprehensive perspectives. To further fuel research activities, I introduced robust mechanisms for research funding and grants. This involved not only establishing internal grant programs but also nurturing industry partnerships and enhancing access to external funding avenues. Such financial support mechanisms were instrumental in empowering our faculty to undertake ambitious research endeavors and achieve significant breakthroughs in their fields. Emphasizing the creation of a vibrant research culture was also at the top of my agenda. This meant organizing seminars, workshops, and symposiums to stimulate knowledge exchange and foster a community of intellectual curiosity and scholarly pursuit. Celebrating research accomplishments became a tradition, with initiatives like Researcher of the Month awards, among others, instituted to honor outstanding research contributions.

Investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure marked another critical area of focus. Upgrading our facilities and laboratories ensured that our researchers had access to the latest technologies and resources, a fundamental aspect of conducting high-impact research. Moreover, I was passionate about developing graduate research programs, aiming to nurture a new generation of researchers equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead future innovations. This focus on educational development was integral to sustaining a thriving research ecosystem at UBT. Overall, through these comprehensive strategies, I aimed to transform UBT into a beacon of research excellence and innovation, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge and societal progress.

What distinguishes you as a mentor, and how has your mentorship impacted the professional development of individuals within academia and research?

Drawing upon over two decades of experience in academia, research, and leadership at esteemed institutions, my approach to mentorship is characterized by a blend of knowledge, commitment, and practical guidance. Rooted in a deep understanding of complex subject matters and enriched by real-world insights, my mentorship endeavors aim to empower individuals within academia and research to reach their full potential. Central to my mentorship philosophy is a profound dedication to the growth and development of mentees on both personal and professional fronts. By investing time to grasp their aspirations, strengths, and areas for improvement, I tailor mentorship experiences to align with their unique goals. Through constructive feedback, encouragement, and provision of resources, I strive to equip mentees with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields. Leading by example is integral to my mentorship approach. Through my own achievements and resilience in overcoming challenges, I inspire mentees to aspire to greatness and pursue excellence in their academic and research pursuits. My example serves as a beacon of possibility, illustrating the rewards of dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of scholarly endeavors.

Furthermore, I leverage my extensive network and connections within academia, research institutions, and industry to create opportunities for mentees to expand their horizons. Whether through facilitating collaborations, recommending funding opportunities, or extending invitations to conferences, I provide avenues for mentees to broaden their academic and research horizons and advance their careers. Beyond academic and research guidance, I offer holistic support to mentees, addressing their personal and professional development needs comprehensively. From mentoring on work-life balance to stress management and career planning, I strive to foster a supportive environment that enables mentees to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

The impact of my mentorship reverberates profoundly within academia and research, with many mentees achieving remarkable success in their careers. Through guidance, inspiration, and unwavering support, I play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scholars, researchers, and leaders, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship in academia and beyond.

Could you elaborate on your role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, particularly in Saudi Arabia?

In my capacity as the Director General of UBT Techno Valley, and in previous roles such as the Dean of Scientific Research and director of the international relations department, my mission revolves around bridging the gap between academia and industry in Saudi Arabia, a task vital for nurturing innovation, stimulating economic growth, and fostering societal progress. At the core of my responsibilities lies the facilitation of collaborative partnerships between academia and industry stakeholders. Actively engaging with companies, government bodies, and research institutions, I strive to identify shared interests, forge strategic alliances, and foster knowledge exchange. By promoting collaborative research endeavors, joint initiatives, and technology transfer agreements, I create avenues for academia and industry to collaborate towards common objectives. Moreover, I prioritize the development of industry-relevant research initiatives within UBT. By aligning research priorities with the needs and challenges faced by industries in Saudi Arabia, I ensure that academic research directly contributes to solving real-world problems and driving innovation. Through targeted funding opportunities, research grants, and incentives, I encourage faculty and researchers to pursue projects with practical applications and commercial potential.

A significant aspect of my role involves nurturing an entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem within UBT Techno Valley. This entails providing support and resources for budding entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to transform research outcomes into viable products and services. By offering incubation facilities, mentorship programs, access to funding, and networking opportunities, I empower innovators to commercialize their ideas, thereby contributing to economic diversification and job creation in Saudi Arabia. Collaboration with industry partners extends to informing curriculum development, ensuring that academic programs offered by the University are aligned with industry needs and trends. By integrating industry-relevant skills, knowledge, and experiences into the curriculum, I equip students with the competencies required to excel in their chosen fields. This includes facilitating industry internships, cooperative education programs, and industry-sponsored projects to provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges. Additionally, I oversee initiatives aimed at facilitating the transfer of technology and intellectual property from academia to industry. This encompasses establishing technology transfer offices, patent licensing programs, and fostering industry collaborations to commercialize innovations developed within UBT. By bridging the gap between research and commercialization, I drive economic impact and promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the marketplace.

Overall, as the Director General of UBT Techno Valley, my role is pivotal in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advancing economic development by bridging the gap between academia and industry in Saudi Arabia. Through strategic partnerships, industry-relevant research, entrepreneurship support, curriculum development, and technology transfer initiatives, I contribute to building a vibrant ecosystem where academia and industry flourish together for the betterment of society.

Dr. Eng. Basma El-Zein | The Nanotechnology Expert

Dr. Basma El Zein is a distinguished Inventor, Research Scientist, Nanotechnologist, Consultant, Leader, Advisor, and Researcher, renowned for her expertise in nanotechnology, renewable energy, sustainable development, and innovation. 

With a PhD in nano-optoelectronics from the University of Lille, France, and a Master’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Lebanese University, she boasts over two decades of experience characterized by remarkable achievements and influential contributions to academia, research, and economic development. Dr. El Zein has held various leadership roles, notably as Director General of the University of Business and Technology (UBT) TechnoValley, where she spearheaded innovation and economic growth. She founded and led the Governance and Sustainability Center at UBT, aligning policies with UN SDGs. Previously, she played pivotal roles in establishing research ecosystems and fostering interdisciplinary programs at UBT as the founder and the Dean of Scientific Research. Her journey also includes impactful stints at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) and the University of Lille, France. Dr. El Zein's pioneering research in nanotechnology for energy conversion and storage, particularly for 3rd generation solar cells, has led to significant advancements and garnered attention in esteemed journals. Her patent on "ZnO Nanostructure by Low-Pressure Pulsed Laser Deposition" underscores her innovative contributions. She has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women Leaders in Nanotechnology and the Most Influential Women Leaders in Sustainability. Dr. El Zein has been featured by organizations like WIPO as one of the first Arab women from Saudi Arabia to hold a patent on Nano for solar energy, and Women World Magazine. She has received prestigious awards such as the Excellence in Quality Management Bizz Award.

Dr. El Zein's personal motto, "Discover, Transfer, Impact," encapsulates her approach to economic development, emphasizing the importance of research, knowledge transfer, and societal impact. Her illustrious career embodies a commitment to advancing science, innovation, and sustainable development, positioning her as a beacon of inspiration and innovation in the fields of nanotechnology, renewable energy, and academia.

“By offering incubation facilities, mentorship programs, access to funding, and networking opportunities, I empower innovators to commercialize their ideas, thereby contributing to economic diversification and job creation in Saudi Arabia.”