Water Desalination and Reuse Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is organizing a gathering of leaders in academic research on Physics and Chemistries of Hydrophobic Interfaces during February 14-17, 2016. Leading experimentalists and theorists from around the world will share their insights on complexities of hydrophobic interactions and experimental/theoretical strategies to probe deeper, and identify unique challenges and opportunities for fundamental and solution-driven collaborative research. There will be a series of interactive presentations, poster sessions, and informal coffee-chats. KAUST’s industrial partners will also participate in stimulating conversations and panel discussions. The areas of focus will be: