Under the Patronage of H.E. the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Prof. Al-Jallal: The conference reflects the pivotal role of scientific research in driving innovation, forming a foundational element of the higher education framework

Prof. Al-Mailem: From its earliest years, Kuwait University has been committed to a core mission of building a culture of excellence driven by outstanding academics and groundbreaking research

Prof. Sultan: This annual event embodies KU's ongoing commitment to expanding its global impact in line with its strategic goals and future aspirations

Carrying forward its commitment to promoting cooperation in scientific research and supporting innovation and knowledge production, Kuwait University launches the Fifth Scientific Research Conference "Fostering Academic Excellence Through Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation." The event, held under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Nader Abdullah Al-Jallal, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is organized by KU's Research Sector from February 9th to 10th, 2026, at the Conference Center in Sabah Al-Salem University City.

Supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and the platinum sponsorship of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), the conference successfully transitioned from idea to impactful event, attracting key decision-makers, researchers from academic and scientific bodies, officials from the public and private sectors, and graduate students.

The conference aims to strengthen the role of scientific research as a cornerstone for institutional development and informed decision-making. It also seeks to encourage researchers to tackle issues with significant scientific and societal impact, thereby developing the research system and enhancing its outputs.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Nader Al-Jallal expressed his honor in sponsoring and attending the fifth edition of the Scientific Research Conference which reflects the pivotal role of scientific research in driving innovation, forming a foundational element of the higher education framework by bridging the gap between science and real-world implementation.

Building on this, Prof. Al-Jallal reaffirmed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's sustained support for research endeavors, underlining its commitment to fostering a stimulating environment for researchers. This is achieved by supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of academic outputs and align them with development needs, in the firm belief that advancing scientific research is a direct investment in the nation's future.

Prof. Al-Jallal thanked Kuwait University President, Prof. Dina Al-Mailem, the Assistant Vice President for Research and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Mabkhout Al-Dousari, and the entire team at the Research Sector. He complemented their excellent work in demonstrating KU's pioneering role in embedding a culture of inquiry and innovation, and in empowering national talents to play an active part in the overall development journey, in alignment with Kuwait's future vision. 

On her part, Prof. Dina al-Mailem emphasized that scientific research fuels the creative mind being the essential spark for innovation and excellence. She noted that this annual gathering ensures the Research Sector remains a dynamic hub where scholars and innovators from every field can connect, exchange ideas, share knowledge, and collaborate to find answers to our most pressing scientific and societal questions.

This year's conference theme highlights the critical need to build bridges between different disciplines- a relentless pursuit of achieving the desired academic excellence- by accelerating interdisciplinary studies that drive innovation and embed a lasting culture of creativity within our academic community. 

Prof. Al-Mailem expressed her pleasure to take part in the Fifth Scientific Research conference hosted at Sabah Al-Salem University City. She reiterated KU's commitment to its strategic vision of rising in stature and securing a place among the world's top-tier academic and scientific institutions.

She further signaled that for interdisciplinary research to flourish, it requires a supportive environment for its smooth execution. Kuwait University is dedicated to this cause- equipping researchers with state-of-the-art technology and diverse resources for conducting advanced, original, and high-quality research. The Research Sector's efforts exemplify this commitment, providing research grants, facilities, and unwavering support to enable our researchers pursue distinguished scientific careers and propel Kuwait University onto the global stage as an active center for knowledge production and innovative thinking.

Meanwhile, the Vice President for Research, Prof. Abdullah Jawad Sultan, noted that the conference resonates with the vision of leading global universities by underscoring the critical role of interdisciplinary research in solving complex scientific and social issues. He highlighted how this integrated approach drives innovation, elevates research quality, and expands opportunities for publishing in high-impact journals.

Prof. Sultan added that innovation connects research with tangible outcomes, transforming findings into patents and knowledge assets that contribute to an enhanced and competitive national economy. He emphasized that the Research Sector remains dedicated to strengthening infrastructure, supporting researchers, and expanding international partnerships- crucial for cultivating national talent, boosting Kuwait University's research productivity, and serving society.

During the conference, researchers of the winning posters 2025/2026 were honored by Prof. Nader Al-Jallal, Prof. Dina Al-Mailem, Prof. Abdullah Jawad Sultan, and Dr. Mabkhout Al-Dousari. The winner are as follows:

Sciences Faculties

Academic Faculty Members:

1^st Place: Prof. Osamah Ali Alomair - College of Engineering and Petroleum

2nd Place: Dr. Saleh Ahmad Al-Ali - College of Life Sciences

2nd Place (shared): Prof. Nabil Abdullatif Ahmad - PAAET

3rd Place: Prof. Nawaf Salem Al-Hajeri - College of Life Sciences           

Assistant Academic Faculty Members:

1^st Place: Faten Khalil Abdullah - KISR

2nd Place: Maryam Abdullah Al-Jumaa - KISR

3^rd Place: Areej Bubarak Al-Banwan - KISR

3^rd Place (shared): Hanan Mahdi Al-Anzi - KISR

Graduate Students:

1^st Place: Hajar Saud Al-Ajmi - College of Pharmacy

2^nd Place: Heba Hamed Dandoon - College of Science

3^rd Place: Sarah Ahmad Atallah - College of Pharmacy

3^rd Place (shared): Abdulwahab Khaled Al-Dousari - College of Science

Humanities Faculties

Academic Faculty Members:

1^st Place: Dr. Abdullah Yousif Al-Houli – College of Business Administration

2^nd Place: Dr. Sundus Yousif Al-Ajeel – College of Arts

2^nd Place (shared): Dr. Hussain Abbas Murad – College of Arts

3^rd Place: Dr. Khaled Waleed Al-Sabah – College of Business Administration

Assistant Academic Faculty Members:

1^st Place: Hessah Ahmad Al-Humaidan - College of Business Administration

2^nd Place: Mahmoud Haidar Arab - College of Business Administration

3^rd Place: Mais Hamdu Al-Asaad – PAAET

Graduate Students:

1^st Place: Rawan Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani – College of Education

2^nd Place: Asmaa Hussain Khalaf – College of Education

3^rd Place: Mohammad Yasir Asadullah – College of Social Sciences

Researchers who obtained patents from the Patent and Intellectual Property Office at the Research Sector were also honored, as follows:

• Prof. Osamah Alomair - College of Engineering and Petroleum, Eng. Nyeso Azubuike - Research Assistant - College of Engineering and Petroleum - Department of Petroleum, and Eng. Ahmad Omar - Teaching Assistant - College of Engineering and Petroleum - Department of Petroleum, for their patent: "Multi-heat energy source core sample holder assembly"

• Prof. Saad Makhseed - College of Science - Department of Chemistry, and Prof. Mohamed Alkordi, for their patent: "Method for preparing nitrogen/sulfur-doped activated carbon."

• Prof. Bader Al-Anzi - College of Life Sciences –Department of Environmental Sciences, for his patent: "Recycling of gas in confined plunging liquid jet reactor"

• Dr. Fatma Al- Saeedi – College of Medicine – Department of Nuclear Medicine, for her patent: "RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS INCLUDING ENCAPSULATED GLYCYRRHIZIC ACID +99mTc."

• Dr. Abdulrahman Alazemi - College of Science – Department of Chemistry, Prof. Fouzi Mouffouk, Dr. Laila Alhaddad College of Science – Department of Chemistry, Dr. Abdulhamid Emwas, Mohamed Emira, and Tasneem Habib, for their patent: "Biomolecule detection method using diffusion ordered spectroscopy."

• Dr. Ahmad Alenezi – College of Allied Health Sciences – Department of Radiologic Science, for his patent: "Left ventricle imaging phantom (j-phantom)"

• Eng. Abdullah Almekhyal – College of Engineering and Petroleum – Department of Electrical Engineering, for his patent: "4-Bit Synchronous Counter IC Chip with Ripple-Carry-out, Loading Capability, And Integrated MOD-10 Reset Functionality"

• Dr. Naser Alsayegh - Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and Dr. Ammar Bahman – College of Engineering and Petroleum - Department of Mechanical Engineering, for their patent: " Altering sedimentation mechanisms in carbon-based nano-lubricants"

• Dr. Naser Alsayegh - Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Dr. Fatemah Safar – College of Science - Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Shikha Ebrahim - College of Engineering and Petroleum - Department of Mechanical Engineering, for their patents:

1. "Fluid dispensing unit and collection unit for system of observing soil samples."

2. "System and methods for observing soil samples."

3. "Sample tube for system of Observing soil samples."

Parallel to the conference, the Scientific Poster Exhibition was held showcasing 430 scientific posters that exemplify the impactful work of KU's academic faculty members, teaching assistants, and graduate students. Leading national research institutions that have collaboration agreements with Kuwait University also participated in the exhibition, including Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research KISR, Kuwait Oil Company KOC, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training PAAET, Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences, and Abdullah Al-Salem University. Various state sectors with specialized research units and public facilities laboratories also participated to introduce their research capabilities and cutting-edge laboratories as well as their specialized technical expertise. 

On its opening day, Prof. Hilal A. Lashuel, Research Development and Innovation Advisor, Qatar Foundation, delivered a keynote speech on: "Why Our Region is Poised to Lead Scientific Research: A Vision Strengthened by Cooperation and Inspired by Qatar and Kuwait." He explored the critical role of collaboration and partnerships in bolstering the scientific research and innovation framework. The first day was further enriched by engaging panel discussions designed to benefit the academic community, strengthen its scientific capacity, and widen its intellectual perspective:

Panel Discussion 1: Innovation in Interdisciplinary Research

Moderator (remotely, via video conference): Dr. Sami Alnuaim, King Fahad University for Petroleum and Minerals

Speaker 1: Prof. Hilal A. Lashuel, Research Development and Innovation Advisor, Qatar Foundation

Speaker 2: Prof. Mohammad Abu-Darwish, Director of Science and Scientific Research, Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).

Panel Discussion 2: Interdisciplinary Research and Sustainable Development in Kuwait

Moderator: Prof. Adel Al-Wugayan, Arab Planning Institute

Speaker 1: Eng. Ahmad Aljanahi, General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development

Speaker 2:  Prof. Ali Bumajdad, Chief Officer of Research & Technology Directorate, KFAS

Panel Discussion 3: Innovation and Interdisciplinary Research in Patents: From Discovery to Marketing 

Moderator: Dr. Mohammad Alansari, College of Medicine, KU

Speaker 1:  Mr. Joshua B. Goldberg, Co-Managing Partner at Nath, Goldberg & Meyer.

Speaker 2: Mrs. Shaikha Alqenaie, Director of the Innovation Center, Abdullah Alsalem University

Dr. Mabkhout Al-Dousari, Assistant Vice President for Research External Collaboration and Consultations and Head of the Organizing Committee, stated that the second day continued the productive momentum from day one, with in-depth scientific discussions that reflected the status of scientific research as a fundamental pillar of strategic planning and an effective tool for advancing academic ranking.

The conference tackled critical issues like the role of innovation in interdisciplinary research for strategic development, its impact on university rankings, the importance of digital transformation for research and national growth, and the indexing of journals and commercialization of patents. These topics were explored through specialized panels over two days, featuring leading researchers and specialists from various national sectors. Dr. Al-Dousari emphasized that challenges are real opportunities for innovation, and that national research talent is fully capable of turning these challenges into innovative solutions.

He added that Kuwait University, through its Research Sector, is fully mobilizing its resources to empower researchers. This includes a comprehensive infrastructure of specialized labs and research units equipped with cutting-edge technology, as well as highly trained scientific and technical staff.

Dr. Al-Dosari highlighted that the second day's agenda comprises a series of targeted panel discussions on interdisciplinary research, digital transformation, and governance, and their impact on national development and global university rankings, featuring a select group of academics and experts as follows: 

Panel Discussion 1: Interdisciplinary Research and Knowledge Integration Research 

Moderator: Prof. Mohammad M. Alsahli, College of Social Sciences, KU

Speaker 1: Prof. Amal Alajmi, College of Education, KU

Speaker 2: Dr. Maryam Alkandari, College of Science, KU

Panel Discussion 2: The Role of Digital Transformation in Enhancing Interdisciplinary Research and National Development

Moderator: Dr. Reem AlBaghli, College of Engineering & Petroleum, KU

Speaker 1: Dr. Khaled Al-Zamel, Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority

Panel Discussion 3: The Impact of Interdisciplinary Research on Global University Rankings

Moderator: Dr. Dalal Altaweel, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Development, KU

Speaker 1:  Dr. Shadi Hijazi, QS Principal Consultant

Speaker 2: Dr. Dima Jamali, Dean of the Adnan Kassar School of Business, Lebanese American University

Panel Discussion 4: Policies and Governance in Supporting Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation

Moderator: Prof. Saad Makhseed, College of Science, KU

Speaker 1:  Dr. Ali Shuaib, College of Medicine, KU

Speaker 2: Prof. Intisar Al-Hattlani, Acting Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Research, Faculty of Science, KU

Panel Discussion 5: Indexing Scientific Journals in International Databases

Moderator: Dr. Mohamad Almarzouq, Assistant Vice President for Information Technology, KU

Speaker 1:  Prof. Hisham Ettouney, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Engineering Research, KU

Speaker 2: Prof. Shafiqah Alawadhi, Editor-in-Chief, Kuwait Journal of Science, KU

Following two intensive days of expert discussions and panels, the conference produced key recommendations focused on leveraging scientific research to improve institutional rankings and fostering inter-institutional collaboration. The aim is to generate actionable, science-based solutions for national priorities that can inform future policy and strategy.

The winners of KPC's Interdisciplinary Innovation for Sustainable Development Award were also honored at the conference as follows:

 ● 1^st Place: Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al-Saber – KFAS.

 ● 2^nd Place: Ali Abdulwahab - College of Engineering and Petroleum.

● 3^rd Place: Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdullah - College of Engineering and Petroleum.

Finally, the Research Sector expressed profound thanks to all its partners, led by KFAS and KPC, for their ongoing support of the scientific research mission. A special note of appreciation was extended to the organizers whose dedicated efforts were instrumental to the success of this event, underscoring the need for sustained cooperation to strengthen scientific inquiry.