'Scientific Progress' Highlights Role of 'Kuwait Prize' in Supporting Arab Researchers in Oman - Sarmad

(KUNA) — The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) highlighted on Sunday the role of the Kuwait Prize in supporting Arab researchers and its contribution to the development of human knowledge and the entrenchment of a culture of scientific excellence in society, during its participation in the Oman Science Festival 2026.

Ali Al-Yousefi, from the Foundation’s Awards Department, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after delivering a lecture titled “The Role of the Kuwait Prize in Supporting Arab Researchers” that KFAS is keen to raise awareness of its role in supporting scientific research, nurturing talent, and highlighting its awards, particularly the Kuwait Prize.

He added that through its participation in the Oman Science Festival, the Foundation aims to engage in direct dialogue with researchers, academics, and science enthusiasts in the Sultanate of Oman, clarify the prize’s fields, eligibility criteria, and evaluation mechanisms, and encourage qualified Omani researchers to participate in the prize’s annual cycles.

Regarding the prize, Al-Yousefi noted that the Kuwait Prize is one of the prestigious Arab awards, conferred by KFAS since 1979 to honor scientists and researchers whose scientific and intellectual contributions have advanced progress across various fields. It is often referred to as the “Arab Nobel Prize.”

He emphasized that the Foundation sees its participation in scientific forums as an appropriate opportunity to encourage the scientific community in the Arab world to achieve notable scientific accomplishments and leave a clear impact on the development of knowledge and the service of society.

On the prize’s objectives, he stated that it fosters a culture of scientific excellence, encourages researchers to continue innovating, and provides inspiring role models for future generations interested in scientific research and innovation. He noted that for over four decades, the Foundation has honored researchers whose work has contributed to the advancement of their specialties both regionally and globally.

During the lecture, Al-Yousefi outlined the prize’s categories and fields, which cover four main areas offered annually: Basic Sciences, Applied Sciences, Economic, Social, and Legal Sciences, and Humanities, Arts, and Literature. Additionally, a field for Emerging Interdisciplinary Sciences is offered every two years.

He also explained the nomination evaluation process and winner selection, noting that it involves several stages, including initial screening, scientific peer review by specialized experts, and final review and recommendation by selection committees, based on criteria focusing on the originality, distinction, and impact of the scientific contributions.

The fifth edition of the Oman Science Festival, organized by the Omani Ministry of Education over a 10-day period, kicked off last Monday in Muscat. It is the most prominent scientific event hosted by the Sultanate, aiming to enhance scientific culture, raise awareness of science, technology, and innovation, and create an interactive environment that encourages exploration and experimentation.

KFAS is participating with a dedicated pavilion featuring exhibits from the Science Center, the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Talent and Creativity, the Kuwait National Space Research Center, and the Scientific Progress Company for Publishing and Distribution.

It is worth noting that KFAS was established in 1976 by an Emiri Decree as a private, non-profit institution dedicated to supporting and developing science, technology, and innovation, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the State of Kuwait.