Under the patronage and in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Nader Abdullah Al-Jalal, and the President of Kuwait University, Prof. Dr. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, and with the participation of a distinguished group of academic and research leaders and decision-makers from governmental and private institutions, the 4th Scientific Research Conference concluded its activities on its second and final day, Tuesday, February 18, 2025, under the title: “Strengthening Research Collaboration: The Impact of Scientific Research on Strategic Planning and Academic Ranking.”
At the beginning of the day, Prof. Nouria Al-Kandari, Assistant Vice President for External Research Collaboration and Consultation and Head of the Conference Organizing Committee, stated:
"Today, we meet once again to continue the sessions of the first day, which were filled with inspiring ideas and fruitful discussions about the impact of scientific research on strategic planning and academic ranking. This confirms that scientific research is the essential pillar for building the future and achieving sustainable development. Today's meeting is not only to continue the dialogue, but to emphasize that the challenges we face are not obstacles, but real opportunities for innovation and development. The research minds within our academic institutions possess the ability to present solutions based on sound scientific foundations that align with the needs of sustainable development and Kuwait’s Vision 2035."
 

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Within this context, the second day of the conference included specialized research sessions that reflect national priorities in the fields of energy, environment, oil, education, health, social issues, and the economy. A presentation was delivered by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), presented by Prof. Ali Boumejadad and Eng. Alaa Al-Saleh.
The conference also featured a number of panel discussions as follows:
•    The first panel, titled “Education,” was chaired by Prof. Ali Habeeb Al-Kandari from the College of Education at Kuwait University, with speakers Dr. Mohammed Mutair Al-Sharikah, Director of the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States, and Ms. Anwar Al-Hamdan, Director of Educational Activities at Al-Assima Educational District.
•    The second panel, titled “Energy and Its Sustainability,” was chaired by Prof. Esam Mohammed Al-Awadhi from the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University, and featured Dr. Ayman Al-Qattan from Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Eng. Haya Al-Mayyan from Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
•    The third panel, titled “Sustainability of the Kuwaiti Economy,” was chaired by Prof. Adel Al-Wugayan from the College of Business Admiinistration at Kuwait University, with speakers Ms. Rana Al-Nibari from Institute of Banking Studies and Eng. Anwar Al-Halailah from the Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
•    The fourth panel, titled “Sustainability of Oil and Petroleum Products,” was chaired by Dr. Mabkhout Mohammed Al-Dosari from the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University. Speakers included Mr. Hamad Al-Zaabi, Director of Research and Technology at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, and Captain Ahmed Al-Salem, Director of Health, Safety, and Environment at Kuwait Oil Tanker Company.
•    The fifth panel, titled “Health and Biomedical Sciences,” was chaired by Dr. Mohammed Amir Al-Khamees from the College of Public Health at Kuwait University, with speakers Dr. Thamer Al-Eisa of the Ministry of Health and Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Huraiji from the Kuwait Cancer Control Center at the Ministry of Health.
•    The sixth panel, titled “Sustainable Development and Environmental Preservation,” was chaired by Prof. Bader Shafaqa Al-Anzi from the College of Life Sciences at Kuwait University. Speakers included Navy Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Ismail Al-Qattan from the Ministry of Defense’s Center for Studies and Research, Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Dosari from Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), and Dr. Hanan Al-Saraawi from the Environment Public Authority.
•    The seventh and final panel, titled “Contemporary Social and Political Issues in Kuwaiti Society,” was chaired by Prof. Yaqoub Yousef Al-Kandari from the College of Social Sciences at Kuwait University. Speakers included Brigadier Mohammed Qabazard, Director General of the General Department of Narcotics Control at the Ministry of Interior, and Dr. Maryam Al-Azmi, former Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council.
After two days of scientific discussions and specialized sessions that brought together researchers, officials, and representatives from various sectors, the conference concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening the role of scientific research in supporting national development, enhancing the academic rankings of research and educational institutions, and promoting collaborative research to provide evidence-based solutions to the country’s pressing challenges—solutions that can be translated into policies, laws, and strategic plans:
1.    Strengthening Integration Between Scientific Research and Strategic Planning
•    Align research priorities with the nation’s development plans to ensure innovative solutions to national challenges.
•    Create interactive platforms connecting researchers with policymakers to guide research toward state priorities.
2.    Developing Research Policy Frameworks
•    Establish flexible regulations to support collaborative research projects across universities, institutions, and sectors.
•    Activate incentive policies to support and empower researchers in accessing funding.
3.    Promoting International Research Partnerships
•    Implement and expand MOUs between Kuwait University and global research institutions to enable knowledge exchange.
•    Support joint research programs and fund collaborative projects between local and international researchers.
4.    Developing Research Infrastructure
•    Optimize the use of specialized labs and public research facilities and facilitate access for researchers from all sectors.
•    Launch digital platforms to connect researchers with research centers and available resources.
5.    Supporting Innovation and Research-Based Entrepreneurship
•    Promote applied research and encourage patent registration derived from scientific output.
•    Develop mechanisms to translate research findings into applied projects that drive economic development.
6.    Encouraging Private Sector Participation in Research
•    Expand collaboration between universities and the private sector through co-funding of nationally relevant research.
•    Introduce financial and tax incentives for companies supporting scientific research and innovation.
7.    Raising Public Awareness on the Importance of Research
•    Organize media campaigns and educational programs to highlight research’s role in sustainable development.
•    Support initiatives involving students in research activities and nurture their curiosity and innovation.
8.    Enhancing Kuwait University’s and National Institutions’ Academic Rankings
•    Adopt clear policies to increase high-impact research publications in prestigious journals.
•    Support researchers in obtaining funding for projects that contribute to improving institutional rankings regionally and globally.
9.    Strengthening Collaboration with Government Research Units and Academic Institutions
•    Activate collaboration between Kuwait University and government research departments to jointly address societal and national challenges.
•    Create a National Research Platform that connects academic and research institutions for data sharing and collaborative opportunities.

In conclusion, the Research Sector at Kuwait University extended its sincere thanks to all supporting entities, foremost among them Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, for their continued support of the research endeavors. The Research Sector also commended the efforts of the organizing committees for their role in the success of this scientific event, reaffirming the importance of continued joint efforts to strengthen scientific research as a fundamental engine for achieving Kuwait Vision 2035.
 

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