The Farooq group for Advanced Sensing Technology and Energy Research (FASTER) conducts research in chemical kinetics and laser-based gas sensing. In energy research, the group measures ignition delay times, reaction rate constants and species concentrations for conventional and alternative fuels, providing the kinetic data on which predictive combustion models depend. In sensing, it develops selective laser-based instruments for the oil and gas industry, environmental monitoring and health. Both are enabled by diagnostics developed within the group: it measures the spectroscopic parameters of target molecules, builds tunable laser sources from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared, and advances shock tube design. These capabilities are now being extended to heterogeneous catalysis, water treatment and medical applications. Established at KAUST in 2010, the group works closely with Saudi Aramco and with academic partners worldwide.