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'Academy 32' Launched in Saudi Arabia to Qualify National Cadres in Research and Development

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) logo
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) logo
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'Academy 32' Launched in Saudi Arabia to Qualify National Cadres in Research and Development

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) logo
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) logo

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) inaugurated on Sunday "Academy 32" to provide training programs in accordance with international best practices to develop the skills of specialists in the research, development and innovation sector, along with workers in the fields of science and technology.

The academy also trains students interested in research, development and innovation.

The CEO of "Academy 32", Dr. Saud Al-Fadhel, explained that the academy aims to enhance awareness, spread knowledge, invest in energies and talents to achieve national goals and contribute to building an economy based on innovation as the central pillar of scientific renaissance and economic development.

Moreover, the academy seeks to qualify and develop national cadres to achieve a sustainable impact in research, development and innovation through its qualitative programs and community partnerships that are consistent with development plans.

"Academy 32" provides knowledge activities, qualifying and enrichment programs, and training and development programs in order to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, meet career development needs in the energy, industry, health, sustainability, environment, and future economies sectors, and cultivate scientific awareness in the domains of research, development, and innovation.

"Academy 32" will evaluate national requirements for competent leaders, researchers, and experts, in addition to making suggestions and offering suitable solutions to satisfy these needs in accordance with best practices for developing internationally competitive citizens.

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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.