Welcome to the 2D Nanoelectronics group at KFUPM! We are committed to addressing both global and local energy challenges by leveraging 2D materials in cutting-edge electronic devices that either reduce energy consumption or harvest energy. Our focus is on developing innovative operating concepts and enhancing existing technologies to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. 

I wish to make an introduction to this group by sharing what I learned during my journey working on the figure above.  For visitors—especially aspiring researchers—this reflection offers insight into the spirit of this group and the nature of research itself. 

Research is Synergy 

The figure presented here comes from one of the most successful papers I’ve worked on. I attribute much of this success to the synergy between the authors, particularly with Prof. Tony Low. Ideas flowed back and forth between us in a constructive and dynamic way, which was key to the paper’s success. Tony Low is among the best collaborators I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and the co-authors were equally passionate and talented researchers. This shared enthusiasm for science is what accumulated here.  

Research Effort is Often Underestimated 

Creating this figure took me two painstaking months of intense effort, spilling over into weekends and even vacation time. Looking at the figure now, it might seem like a task that could be completed in a few hours, but research rarely works that way. The reality is that I had to juggle multiple responsibilities, all while pouring significant effort into every detail. From tracking down references, double-checking data, finding structures, to compiling tables—research requires an immense amount of work, and it is often underestimated, even by the researcher looking back. 

Your Next Paper Might Be Your Best

At times, I felt deeply frustrated by how long this project took to complete. Had I known that this paper would achieve the success it has, I would have dedicated even more time to perfecting it. In fact, if you search "2D bandgap" on Google, the first image you see is this figure. This serves as a reminder of one of the golden rules in research: your next paper has the potential to be your best work. This idea is beautifully explained by one of my all-time favorite researchers in his book, The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success by Albert-László Barabási, where he demonstrates with data how the best work can often come later in your career. It’s a fantastic read and highly recommended. 

Skills Pay Dividends 

During my PhD, I picked up photography as a hobby. During breaks, I’d grab my camera and immerse myself in learning composition—a skill seemingly unrelated to my field. Little did I know, years later, this very skill would become instrumental in producing a highly successful research paper. So, when you find yourself doing repetitive tasks like spinning photoresist or running the same computation over and over, remember that every skill you acquire can pay off in unexpected ways. 

Scientists Serve Humanity 

Research is undeniably challenging. To the general public, "research" might be something they do while shopping online, and they often assume it’s easy. But those long, tedious hours spent on research—often underappreciated and underpaid—serve a higher purpose. When the going gets tough, it’s important to remember why you started: to serve humanity. Your work may outlast you, just as Pythagoras’s contributions to mathematics have endured for thousands of years. While we can’t predict the future, your efforts could have an impact far beyond what you can imagine. Research is hard, but it leaves a lasting legacy.