The highly anticipated Makeathon Day 2024 was an exhilarating event!
Hosted by the Materials Science and Engineering Department, KFUPM , the inaugural Makeathon Day embraced the theme “Explore the Materials Science and Engineering,” offering a thrilling day of exploration and learning.

Preparatory year students plunged into the world of Materials Science and Engineering through three exciting challenges. Guided by senior students Bader Alghamdi, Osama Alharbi, and Khalid Alfaleh, participants pushed the boundaries of their knowledge and skills, competing for prizes totaling over SAR 20,000.

The first challenge had participants design and build their own stiffest and lightest beams, followed by defending their design and material choices before the judges. The second challenge allowed students to delve into the role of Materials Science and Engineering in Hydrogen production, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Their depth of knowledge and impressive presentation skills were remarkable. In the final challenge, participants raced against the clock to answer mind-bending scientific questions, connecting Materials Science and Engineering to everyday life.

Special appreciation goes to Ms. Buthaynah Alaqil for her commendable efforts in leading this successful event. Our esteemed faculty members, Abduljabar Alsayoud, Qasem Drmosh, and Maged Abdelsamie, evaluated the challenges. The winners will be announced on the second day of the event! Much appreciation to King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals - KFUPM for funding this fantastic event. The event would not been this successful without the guidance of our Chairman Dr. Nayef Alsaifi.

On the second day of the Makeathon 2024 held on May 11th, the MSE Event delivered knowledge, experience, and insights in an exceptionally enriching manner. The audience gained a deeper understanding of Materials Science and Engineering through a series of inspiring talks and discussions.

Our esteemed chairman, Dr. Nayef Alsaifi, kicked-off the day by sharing his valuable insights. Following him, Hessa M. Alaradi, an outstanding Master's student and the deputy manager of materials development at Amiantit Group, discussed how her academic journey has positively impacted her career. Additionally, Bader Alghamdi, a senior undergraduate student shared his inspiring story, showcasing his current achievements and future opportunities.

During the 'Meet Our Professors' segment, students engaged with MSE faculty, asking insightful questions that demonstrated the passion of KFUPM students. An online panel discussion titled 'Why MSE?' moderated by Alaa Alyousif explored the future of materials scientists in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the role of women in MSE. Panelists included Abdulrahman Alzahrani and Hadeel Alomrani, both pursuing bachelor’s degrees in MSE at Manchester University, as well as Loay Altowaijri, an MS student at Cambridge.

The event concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Makeathon Day 2024 competition, and the prizes were graciously distributed by the honorable Dean of the College of Chemicals and Materials, Dr. Mamdouh A. Al-Harthi. Congratulations to the winners, and we look forward to Makeathon Day 2025!