Saudi Science Team Clinches 27 Awards At Prestigious ISEF 2023

The Saudi Science and Engineering Team delivered an impressive performance at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), securing 27 awards. This achievement places them among the top contenders in a competition that saw participation from over 1,700 students representing more than 70 countries between May 11 and 17. The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) announced the team's success.

The awards, which include 18 grand prizes and nine special awards, highlight the talent of young Saudi scientists, according to Mawhiba. Mawhiba Secretary-General Dr. Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazza attributed this success to the unwavering support from Saudi leadership for talent, science, and innovation. She emphasized the fruitful collaboration between Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education, along with other Saudi entities, in nurturing exceptional abilities among the Kingdom's students.

This collaborative effort ensures a strong Saudi presence on international platforms. Al-Hazza noted that this record-breaking achievement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to realizing the goals of Vision 2030. Specifically, it aligns with the vision of building a dynamic society and a thriving economy driven by human potential and advanced innovation.

"Mawhiba takes immense pride in continuously nurturing and empowering our students," Al-Hazza stated. "Our efforts are aimed not only at excelling in international competitions but also at making these young minds ambassadors of science and creativity, representing the Kingdom at the highest levels," she added.

The press release detailed individual achievements: Hamad Al-Husseini and Abeer Al-Yousef secured second place in the energy and chemistry categories, respectively. Other students who secured third-place honors include Elias Khan (biomedicine and health sciences), Suleiman Al-Misnad and Latifa Al-Ghannam (energy), Turki Al-Dalami (environmental engineering), Tahani Ahmed (materials science), and Laila Zawawi (translational medical sciences).

Fourth-place awards were claimed by several students: Nasser Al-Suwayan (biomedical engineering), Lana Al-Mazrouei (cellular and molecular biology), Yara Al-Qadi and Yara Al-Bakri (earth and environmental sciences), Shahad Al-Mutlaq (energy), Asma Al-Qusair (environmental engineering), Areej Al-Qarni and Lana Al-Fuhaid (materials science), and Layan Al-Maliki and Tamara Radhi (plant sciences).

With this latest feat, Saudi Arabia's total count of awards received at ISEF since its initial participation in 2007 has reached 160, including 110 grand prizes and 50 special awards. This sustained excellence underscores the Kingdom's dedication to fostering a generation of young scientists and innovators who are well-equipped to lead the nation toward a brighter future.

With inputs from SPA