In line with Kuwait University’s commitment to promoting research collaboration, innovation, and knowledge production, the Fourth Scientific Research Conference was launched under the theme: “Fostering Research Collaboration: The Impact of Scientific Research on Strategic Planning and Academic Ranking.” The event was organized by the Research Sector at Kuwait University, under the patronage and in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Nader Abdullah Al-Jalal, and was held on February 17–18, 2025, at the Conference Center in Sabah Al-Salem University City.

The conference was generously supported by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KOC) as the platinum sponsor. Their contributions were instrumental in turning the conference from concept to reality, attracting numerous decision-makers, researchers from academic and research institutions, government and private sector representatives, and postgraduate students.

The conference aims to emphasize the vital role of scientific research as a pillar in strategic planning, national development, and improving the university’s academic ranking.

On this occasion, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Prof. Nader Al-Jalal expressed his delight in sponsoring and attending the conference, highlighting that research is a cornerstone for sustainable development and a key contributor to strengthening the regional and international standing of academic institutions. He noted that scientific research supports the formation of progressive policies in education, economy, and healthcare, shaping a more prosperous future for Kuwait.

In this context, Prof. Al-Jalal reaffirmed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s ongoing support for research efforts, emphasizing its commitment to providing a stimulating environment for researchers—whether through funding scientific projects, strengthening collaboration with international institutions, or developing research infrastructure within our universities. He stressed that scientific research and strategic planning are two fundamental pillars in building a knowledge-based economy, high-quality education, and a society rooted in innovation and creativity—objectives that align with the directives of the political leadership and the realization of Kuwait’s Vision 2035.

He emphasized that academic rankings are not just statistics but a reflection of quality in education, innovation, and research. He stated: ""In Kuwait, we aspire to elevate the ranking of our universities by investing in national talent, encouraging research that addresses developmental challenges, and providing practical, science-based solutions."

Prof. Al-Jalal extended his sincere gratitude to the President of Kuwait University, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, to Prof. Nouria Mohammed Al-Kandari, Chair of the Organizing Committee, and to all those involved in organizing this conference from the Research Sector, for their outstanding coordination, valuable topics, and enriching panel discussions—featuring distinguished researchers and academics from both Kuwait and abroad. He expressed his hope that the discussions and recommendations would lead to practical steps that contribute to the advancement of our academic and research ecosystem.

For her part, Kuwait University President Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem affirmed that the fourth edition of the Scientific Research Conference coincides with the country’s national celebrations and represents a key pillar upon which our beloved nation relies to address societal needs.
She noted that the conference covers a wide range of scientific topics that address some of the most pressing issues at the national and societal levels across various fields—including the economy, education, health, energy, and the environment—culminating in the central theme: the role of scientific research as a foundational pillar in strategic planning, national development, and enhancing the academic ranking of the university.
She stressed that scientific research is the primary pillar upon which reputable academic institutions are built, and that Kuwait University has placed research at the core of its priorities by fostering a culture of research and continuing to support high-quality scientific projects.

Prof. Dr. Al-Milhem added:

“I am pleased to be with you today at the Fourth Scientific Research Conference held at Sabah Al-Salem University City—this prominent academic edifice that I have been entrusted to lead with the noble confidence of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah protect him, and our wise leadership. I look forward to achieving the strategic goals of Kuwait University, including advancing scientific research. This conference has attracted an elite group of distinguished guests with expertise and academic excellence, forming a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge and exploration of the latest developments in scientific research. What distinguishes this year’s conference is that it draws inspiration from the Kuwait Vision 2035, with the organizers striving to unify efforts to achieve it and turn the dream of a New Kuwait into a tangible reality that future generations of this cherished nation will reap.”

In turn, Prof. Nouria Al-Kandari, Assistant Vice President for External Research Collaboration and Consultations and Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee, stated that the conference was designed to tackle pivotal issues that reflect the importance of scientific research in shaping strategic and developmental plans.
She emphasized its significant role in university rankings and highlighted the importance of international research partnerships, which are reinforced by agreements and memoranda of understanding. She pointed out that the challenges facing the country are not obstacles but opportunities for innovation, and that the research minds in our academic institutions are capable of addressing them with scientifically grounded solutions.

She added:

“Research priorities were shaped through in-depth panel discussions in which researchers concerned with these issues met with their counterparts from government entities and various sectors to exchange insights, analyze challenges, and develop research themes that accurately reflect national priorities. These efforts aim to establish meaningful research pathways that respond to the state’s real needs and contribute to sustainable development.”
She noted that Kuwait University is committed to making all its research capabilities accessible to researchers, including specialized laboratories and units equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and trained academic and technical personnel. Together, they form an integrated research infrastructure governed by administrative and financial regulations that streamline the management of funded research projects. She also announced the launch of the interactive platform “Our Aspirations Know No Bounds”—a space enabling universities and research institutions to share their visions for future research collaboration with Kuwait University and co-develop ideas that lead to sustainable partnerships.

During the conference, awards were presented by His Excellency Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Nader Abdullah Al-Jalal, Kuwait University President, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, Acting Vice President for Research, Prof. Mai Dawoud Al-Bader, and Assistant Vice President for External Research Collaboration and Consultations, and Chair of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Nouria Mohammed Al-Kandari to Awardees of the 2024/2025 Scientific Poster Competition as follows:

 Humanities Colleges:
Category of Faculty Members:
• 1^st place: Dr. Yousef Jassem Abdul Salam – College of Business Administration
• 2^nd place: Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Ansari – Public Authority for Applied Education and Training.
• 3^rd place: Dr. Maitham Abdulrahim – College of Business Administration

Category of Supporting Academic Members:
• 1^st place: Amal Ali Qasimi – College of Social Sciences
• 2^nd place: Anoud Yousef Al-Abd Al-Wahed – College of Law
• 3^rd place: Muneera Abdulkarim Al-Ajlan – College of Arts

Category of Graduate Students:
• 1^st place: Maram Owayed Al-Mutairi – College of Business Administration
• 2^nd place: Laila Farraj Al-Shammari – College of Social Sciences
• 3^rd place: Anfal Salem Al-Enzi – College of Social Sciences

 Scientific Colleges:
Category of Academic Faculty Members:
• 1^st place: Dr. Amani Mostafa Al-Adsani – College of Science
• 2^nd place: Dr. Nesma Khaled Bastaki – College of Science
• 3^rd place: Dr. Fatima Al-Awadi – College of Pharmacy

Category of Supporting Academic Members:
• 1^st place: Taibah Al-Barjas – College of Science
• 2^nd place: Mohammed Al-Sayegh – KISR
• 3^rd place: Tahani Awaad Al-Shammari – KISR

Category of Graduate Students:
• 1^st place: Waleed Faleh Al-Hussein – College of Science
• 2^nd place: Hannah Druubiova – College of Medicine
• 3^rd place: Asmaa Mohammed Al-Saeedi – College of Engineering and Petroleum

KFAS Best Scientific Poster Awards:
• Prof. Eisa Mohammed Al-Safran – Energy (College of Engineering and Petroleum)
• Dr. Sayyed Saad Bin Qasim – Health (Faculty of Dentistry)
• Student: Alaa Nasser Al-Foudari – Environment (College of Engineering and Petroleum)
• Student: Mohammed Rashad Abdulnadheer – Food & Water Security (College of Science)

Additionally, researchers who obtained patents through the Research Sector’s Office of Patents and Intellectual Property were honored. The honorees were as follows:

• Prof. Khaled Al-Hazzaa – Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, and his research team: Eng. Nadia Al-Azmi, Eng. Dana Al-Fadhli, and Eng. Yasmeen Al-Dhafiri, for their invention titled: Convertible Staircases for Wheelchair Accessibility.

• Dr. Ahmed Al-Shamasi – Assistant Registrar, Orthopedic Surgery Department at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Hospital, and Eng. Yaqoub Al-Sayed Hashem – Mechanical Engineer at the Ministry of Electricity and Water, for their invention: Modular Internal Spinal Fixation Devices.

• Dr. Nawaf Al-Juwaihel – Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, and Dr. Nasser Al-Sayegh – Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), for their invention: Fabric with Integrated Distribution Channels.

• Dr. Nawaf Al-Juwaihel, Dr. Nasser Al-Sayegh, Dr. Hussein Bahzad, and Ali Al-Sayegh for their invention: Effervescent Tablets to Improve Heavy Oil Recovery.

• Dr. Nawaf Al-Juwaihel, Dr. Nasser Al-Sayegh, and Dr. Hussein Bahzad for their invention: Electroplating Using Effervescent Tablets Containing Gold Granules.

• Dr. Nawaf Al-Juwaihel, Dr. Nasser Al-Sayegh, and Eng. Abbas Hammoud for their invention: Effervescent Tablets to Enhance Heavy Oil Extraction Efficiency.

• Dr. Abdullah Mohammed – Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, and his team: Eng. Sheikha Al-Masoud, Eng. Amina Al-Awadhi, Eng. Muneera Al-Ghannam, and Eng. Asmaa Al-Enzi for their invention: Amusement Rides for Children.

• Dr. Abdullah Al-Azmi – Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, and his team: Eng. Dana Al-Matar, Eng. Reem Al-Sarhan, and Eng. Hessa Al-Jalahma for their invention: Automated Hydroponic Agriculture System.

• Prof. Bader Shafaqa Al-Enzi – Department of Environmental Technology, College of Life Sciences, for his invention: Submerged Liquid Jet Reactor and Water Treatment System.

On the sidelines of the conference, a Scientific Poster Exhibition was held, showcasing 367 posters submitted by researchers from Kuwait University, KISR, KFAS, the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences, Kuwait Oil Company, and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). The exhibition also featured participants from various state sectors and specialized research units and laboratories, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the research laboratories equipped with cutting-edge specialized tools, equipment, and capabilities.

The conference also featured specialized scientific sessions that addressed national research priorities across sectors such as energy, environment, oil, education, health, social issues, and the economy. Day One included several panel discussions aimed at enriching academic discourse and expanding intellectual perspectives:

• Panel 1: “The Role of Scientific Research in Strategic Planning and National Development”
  Chaired by Dr. Sami Al-Adwani
  Speakers: Dr. François Farah (Lebanese University), Prof. Ahmed Ruba’ee (Biotechnology Center – Sfax, Tunisia), Prof. Amer bin Saif Al-Hina'ee (Sultan Qaboos University, Oman)

• Panel 2: “The Role of Research in Academic Institutional Rankings”
  Chaired by Acting Assistant Vice President for Institutional Development, Dr. Bibi Al-Ajmi
  Speakers: Prof. Ghassan Awaad (Abu Dhabi University – UAE), Dr. Ashwin Fernandes (QS Quacquarelli Symonds)

• Panel 3: “Agreements, Cooperation Protocols, and MOUs for Enhancing Scientific Research”
  Chaired by Dr. Amani Al-Adsani – College of Science, Kuwait University
  Speakers: Prof. Abdulkarim Awadih (ICTP – International Centre for Theoretical Physics), Mr. Tony Skinner (Director, British Council Kuwait), Ms. Mercedes Masters (London School of Economics & Political Science – LSE)

On Day Two, the conference continued with focused research panels aligned with national priorities in energy, environment, oil, education, health, social issues, and economics. It also featured a presentation by KFAS on the KFAS Pure Portal delivered by Prof. Ali Boumejdad and Eng. Alaa Al-Saleh.

The sessions included:

• Panel 1: Education
  Chaired by Prof. Ali Habib Al-Kandari – College of Education, Kuwait University
  Speakers: Dr. Mohammed Mutair Al-Shreika (Director of Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States), Ms. Anwar Al-Hamdan (Director of Educational Activities – Al-Assima Educational District)

• Panel 2: Energy and Sustainability
  Chaired by Prof. Essam Mohammed Al-Awadi – College of Engineering and Petroleum
  Speakers: Dr. Ayman Al-Qattan (KISR), Eng. Haya Al-Mayan (Kuwait Oil Company)

• Panel 3: Sustainability of the Kuwaiti Economy
  Chaired by Prof. Adel Al-Wuqayan – College of Business Administration
  Speakers: Ms. Rana Al-Nibari (Institute of Banking Studies), Eng. Anwar Al-Huleila (Public Authority for Housing Welfare)

• Panel 4: Sustainability of Oil and Petroleum Products
  Chaired by Dr. Mabkhout Mohammed Al-Dosari – College of Engineering and Petroleum
  Speakers: Mr. Hamad Al-Zaabi (Director of Research & Technology – KPC), Captain Ahmed Al-Salem (Head of HSE – Kuwait Oil Tanker Company)

• Panel 5: Health and Biomedical Sciences
  Chaired by Dr. Mohammed Ameer Al-Khamees – College of Public Health
  Speakers: Dr. Thamer Al-Eisa (Ministry of Health), Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Huraiji (Kuwait Cancer Control Center)

• Panel 6: Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation
  Chaired by Prof. Bader Shafaqa Al-Enzi – College of Life Sciences
  Speakers: Naval Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Ismail Al-Qattan (Ministry of Defense), Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Dosari (KISR), Dr. Hanan Al-Sara’awi (Environment Public Authority)

• Panel 7: Contemporary Social and Political Issues in Kuwaiti Society
  Chaired by Prof. Yaqoub Yousef Al-Kandari – College of Social Sciences
  Speakers: Brigadier Mohammed Qabazard (General Directorate of Drug Control – Ministry of Interior), Dr. Mariam Al-Azmi (Former Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council)

After two days of in-depth academic discussions and strategic panels involving researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors, the conference concluded with a set of key recommendations aimed at enhancing the role of scientific research in supporting national development and improving the academic ranking of educational and research institutions. The recommendations included:

1. Strengthening Integration Between Research and Strategic Planning
   • Align research priorities with national development plans to ensure innovative solutions to critical challenges.
   • Create interactive platforms linking researchers with decision-makers to direct research toward real national needs.

2. Developing Flexible Research Policies
   • Establish regulatory frameworks to support collaborative research between universities, research institutions, and various sectors.
   • Implement incentive-based policies that empower researchers to access funding efficiently.

3. Enhancing International Research Partnerships
   • Activate agreements and MoUs between Kuwait University and global research institutions to exchange expertise and benefit from international experiences.
   • Support exchange programs and joint funding for local and international collaborative research projects.

4. Upgrading Research Infrastructure
   • Maximize utilization of specialized laboratories and public research facilities, making them accessible across sectors.
   • Develop online platforms to connect researchers with available equipment and resources.

5. Promoting Innovation and Research Entrepreneurship
   • Foster applied research and encourage the registration of patents stemming from scientific studies.
   • Develop mechanisms to convert research outcomes into practical, economically viable projects.

6. Encouraging Private Sector Engagement
   • Expand cooperation between academia and the private sector through co-funded national priority research.
   • Introduce financial and tax incentives for companies supporting research and innovation.

7. Raising Public Awareness About Research Value
   • Launch media campaigns and educational programs to increase societal appreciation of research’s role in sustainable development.
   • Support student engagement in research and nurture a spirit of innovation among youth.

8. Improving Kuwait University’s and National Institutions’ Rankings
   • Implement policies that promote high-impact publications in prestigious journals.
   • Provide funding opportunities for projects that directly contribute to boosting institutional rankings.

9. Fostering Cooperation with Government Research Departments
   • Strengthen collaboration between Kuwait University and research units within government entities to align on national challenges.
   • Establish a national research platform for sharing data, expertise, and joint initiatives among academic and research institutions.

In conclusion, the Research Sector at Kuwait University extended heartfelt appreciation to all supporting organizations—especially the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation—for their ongoing support of scientific research. The sector also praised the efforts of the organizing committees whose dedication contributed to the success of this major academic event, reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration to promote research as a vital engine for achieving Kuwait Vision 2035.