Almarai Scientific Creativity Award Announces 2024 Winners For Innovative Research In Food Security

The Almarai Scientific Creativity Award board of trustees has revealed the winners of its 2024 cycle. This announcement aligns with the Kingdom's national priorities in research and development, focusing on environmental sustainability and basic needs provision. The award aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia's position in food security, especially in dryland regions, by encouraging both local and international researchers.

The announcement was made during a virtual annual meeting chaired by Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the prize’s board chairman. Prince Naif bin Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saud Al-Kabeer, Almarai Company board chair and the prize’s vice chairman, also attended alongside other board members.

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) received the Almarai Prize for their project "Enhancing Food Security in Arab Countries." This initiative, spanning over 12 years, aims to boost productivity through sustainable agricultural solutions. It empowers farmers and contributes to a more secure food future for the Arab world.

At a national level, King Saud University (KSU) associate professor Dr. Fahad bin Khudair Alshehri was honoured with the Almarai Scientific Innovation Award for Emerging Scientists. His research focuses on using machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve groundwater quality predictions in Saudi Arabia's dryland regions.

Dr. Nada Salem Al-Theyab, an assistant professor at KSU, was also awarded for her work on "Draft Genome Sequence of Potato Crop Bacterial Isolates." Her research integrates nanotechnology with microbial genomics to enhance crop growth and safety through gene-targeting methods.

The board of trustees commended these projects for their significant contributions to food security and sustainable solutions in dryland areas. They highlighted how these efforts advance research and innovation within Saudi Arabia and globally.

Encouraging Future Innovation

The trustees expressed hope that this recognition would inspire continued excellence among scientists worldwide. They aim to support global progress in addressing challenges related to food security through pioneering research projects.

The board concluded by wishing success for this cycle's winners, encouraging them to persist in their innovative efforts within the field of food security.

With inputs from SPA