Gulf University for Science and Technology

A new study examines the academic effectiveness of hybrid learning in Kuwait’s private universities, revealing both its advantages and challenges. Conducted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s shift toward blended education, the research analyzes the experiences of 245 students and 66 faculty members, highlighting key trends in academic performance and satisfaction. While 63% of students praised the flexibility of hybrid learning—especially the ability to review recorded lectures—many first-year students felt disconnected from the traditional campus experience. Faculty, on the other hand, were more skeptical, with 82% believing in-person instruction remains more effective due to challenges in assessment and student engagement. To enhance hybrid learning, the study recommends better faculty training, increased student interaction, and improved assessment methods. As hybrid education continues to shape learning worldwide, these findings provide valuable guidance for universities looking to refine their teaching strategies.

A comprehensive bibliometric study analyzes two decades (2000–2020) of work-life balance (WLB) research, tracing its evolution, impact, and emerging trends. Reviewing 1,190 articles from Scopus, the study identifies key knowledge clusters, influential works, and gaps in the field, offering a foundational understanding of WLB’s scholarly trajectory. Findings show that WLB research has grown exponentially since 2015, with leading contributions from the USA, UK, Australia, India, and Canada. The study highlights influential works, including Greenhaus et al.’s (2003) research on work-family conflict, and notes increasing attention to human sustainability, social equity, and technology’s role in work-life dynamics. The article calls for future research on WLB’s impact on employee turnover, digital workplace shifts, and policy interventions, particularly in developing nations. As WLB research becomes more interdisciplinary, it is poised to shape management theory and workplace policies in the years ahead.

The Functional Materials Group (FMG) at GUST, led by Prof. Dr. Bassam Alameddine, has developed advanced porous materials capable of capturing carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and iodine gases—offering new possibilities for environmental sustainability and clean energy. Their research, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, is drawing global attention for its potential impact. These newly engineered materials efficiently trap CO₂, a major contributor to climate change, while also demonstrating exceptional hydrogen storage capabilities, supporting the shift toward carbon-neutral energy. Additionally, their ability to adsorb radioactive iodine presents a promising solution for nuclear waste management. With sustainability challenges growing worldwide, FMG’s pioneering work—carried out in collaboration with Northwestern University—positions GUST as a leader in scientific innovation. This research marks a significant step toward a cleaner future, where cutting-edge materials play a crucial role in mitigating environmental threats.

A new study provides an in-depth analysis of offshore, floating, and onshore wind turbines, highlighting their role in sustainable energy production. Offshore turbines, benefiting from stronger and more consistent winds, show immense promise but face challenges like high costs and complex maintenance. Floating turbines offer a solution for deep-water deployment, expanding wind energy access despite added technical hurdles. Meanwhile, onshore turbines remain the most established but must address land use, noise, and visual impact concerns. The research underscores the need for advancements in aerodynamics, materials, and grid integration to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental effects. It also highlights policy mechanisms, such as subsidies and feed-in tariffs, that support large-scale wind energy adoption. As the world moves toward decarbonization, this study advocates for continued innovation to make wind energy a foundational pillar of a sustainable global energy future.

A groundbreaking global study highlights that less affluent nations bear the brunt of damage caused by invasive species, despite having lower trade volumes. While wealthier countries experience more biological invasions due to higher economic activity, they also have the means to invest in prevention and management—ultimately reducing long-term costs. Led by Professor Corey Bradshaw from Flinders University, the research emphasizes that lower-income countries struggle to allocate sufficient resources, making them more vulnerable. Co-author Dr. Danish Ali Ahmed from GUST underscores the need for international collaboration, suggesting that wealthier nations could benefit by supporting their less-prepared neighbors in managing invasive species. Published in Ecological Economics, this study sheds light on the urgent need for equitable global strategies to curb the rising economic and environmental toll of biological invasions.