بعثة مكونة من 40 طالب وطالبة: المنتخب السعودي للعلوم والهندسة يتوجه لتمثيل الوطن في جوائز “آيسف 2025”
Saudi Student Delegation Departs for INTEL ISEF 2025 in the U.S.
With a team comprising 40 students, the Saudi Arabian delegation for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025 has officially embarked on its journey to the United States. The event will take place in Columbus, Ohio, from May 10 to 16, bringing together over 1,700 students from 70 different countries. The competition is organized by Regeneron and is recognized as one of the most prominent global platforms for pre-university scientific and engineering projects.
Saudi Arabia has participated in this esteemed fair annually since 2007, representing the Kingdom through the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, commonly known as "Mawhiba," in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. During these years, the Kingdom has amassed an impressive total of 160 awards, which includes 110 major awards and 50 special recognitions.
The delegation consists of 40 talented students, selected for their outstanding projects in promising scientific fields. These students were chosen from the winners of the Grand Awards at the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity ("Ibda 2025"), out of a competitive pool of 200 students whose projects advanced to the final rounds of the Olympiad. This event is just one of the 20 distinct programs that "Mawhiba" offers each year to nurture gifted students.
In a significant development, the organizers of the ISEF announced in late 2024 that Saudi Arabia would increase its number of participating projects from 35 to 40 for the upcoming 2025 event. This rise in representation has been attributed to the superior quality of the projects submitted by Saudi students in international exhibitions. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of participants at the local level in the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, as well as at regional educational exhibitions.
This year, more than 291,000 students registered for the National Olympiad "Ibda 2025," participating with a total of approximately 23,000 projects across 22 scientific fields. These projects were thoroughly evaluated through a series of competitive stages to identify the most innovative and promising works for inclusion in the science and engineering exhibition, which took place at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh in February.
To prepare for their participation at ISEF, the students have undergone rigorous training programs facilitated by "Mawhiba." These initiatives are designed to enhance their scientific research skills and equip them to represent Saudi Arabia effectively on the international stage. The training includes diagnostic and qualifying assessments developed by a cadre of experts in various scientific disciplines. Spanning an entire year and consisting of six phases, the program focuses on developing presentation and public speaking skills, ensuring students are fully prepared for the global competition.
The ISEF stands as the largest scientific platform worldwide for research and innovative projects created by pre-university students. Projects submitted to the fair undergo evaluation by a distinguished panel of international scientists and experts, providing students with a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and demonstrate their scientific capabilities on a global scale.
Overall, the Saudi delegation’s participation in ISEF 2025 not only exemplifies the country’s commitment to fostering youth talent in the fields of science and engineering but also reflects a broader initiative to enhance educational outcomes and build a knowledge-based economy. As these young scholars prepare to compete, their achievements serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication, promising a bright future for science and technology in Saudi Arabia.
