Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Concludes Regional Meeting of the World Research Council for the Middle East and North Africa

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) concluded the regional meeting for the Middle East and North Africa region of the Global Research Council (GRC), hosted in collaboration with the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) of the Lebanese Republic on November 2 and 3, 2026, at the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre. The event brought together leaders and representatives of scientific research funding institutions and regional and international research bodies, with the attendance of several ambassadors and scientific and academic figures at the opening session.

In a press statement, the Foundation said the meeting addressed “curiosity-driven research” and its role in expanding the horizons of knowledge and laying the foundations for discovery and innovation. It enabled participants to exchange experiences and insights on developing research funding policies, creating an environment that supports freedom of inquiry and exploration, and enhancing collaboration between research institutions in the region and worldwide.

The Foundation clarified that discussions focused on the position of this type of research within research systems, the role of public funders in supporting it, and ways to clarify its scientific and societal value and its long-term impact. It also addressed balancing the freedom for researchers to explore new scientific questions with responding to national priorities and developmental challenges.

Sessions also covered the importance of developing evaluation mechanisms that value the originality of ideas and exploratory research, supporting early-career researchers, strengthening international partnerships, and leveraging shared research infrastructure. The meeting also reviewed the work of GRC working groups on equality, diversity, and inclusion; responsible research assessment; and multilateral cooperation.

The Foundation emphasized that scientific curiosity serves as a fundamental starting point for discoveries whose direct applications may not be immediately clear, but which open new pathways for knowledge and contribute to developing solutions for future challenges. It highlighted the importance of providing a research environment that stimulates inquiry and allows space for new ideas, thereby enhancing societies’ capacity for innovation.

The meeting is part of the preparations for the 15th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council, scheduled to be held in Cape Town in 2027. It aims to shape a regional perspective that reflects the priorities and expertise of the Middle East and North Africa region, enriching the global dialogue on the future of scientific research.

The Foundation noted that Kuwait’s hosting of the meeting for the third time, following 2014 and 2021, reflects the continuity of its partnership with the Global Research Council and its commitment to strengthening scientific communication. This year’s hosting holds special significance as it coincides with KFAS’s celebrations of its 50th anniversary, reaffirming its role in supporting research, innovation, and the development of national capacities.

The Foundation concluded by expressing its appreciation to the Global Research Council, the National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon, and all participating institutions and experts, reiterating its commitment to continuing the building of scientific partnerships and the exchange of expertise to support the advancement of scientific research and its impact on society.