In a remarkable national scientific achievement, students from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia clinched nine special awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2025), which took place from May 10 to 16 in Columbus, Ohio. This prestigious event saw participation from over 1,700 students representing 70 countries worldwide.
Among the winners of the special awards were Fatima Al-Oufaj in Chemistry, Areej Al-Qarni and Saleh Al-Anqari in Environmental Engineering, and Abdulrahman Al-Ghanam in Materials Science. Additionally, SMA Boukhamsin distinguished herself in Embedded Systems, while Imran Al-Turkistani earned two special awards in the Energy category. Likewise, Lana Nouri achieved two special awards in the field of Translational Medical Sciences.
Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has participated in this annual event since 2007. This recent success adds to the Kingdom’s accolades, bringing its total to 169 awards from previous participations, which includes 110 major awards and 59 special awards, aside from the major awards set to be announced later today.
A select group of 40 gifted students represented the Kingdom at this event, showcasing their innovative and high-quality projects across promising scientific fields. These participants were chosen from the national winners of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, “Ibda 2025,” from a pool of 200 students whose projects advanced to the final round of this competition. The Olympiad is part of a myriad of programs that Mawhiba offers annually to talented students.
The ISEF serves as the largest global platform for innovative and research-based projects developed by school students. Participants’ works are evaluated by a distinguished panel of international scientists and experts, providing them with a unique opportunity to exhibit their scientific skills on a global stage, attracting the attention of professionals in various fields.
Saudi Arabia’s continual presence and success at ISEF not only underscore its commitment to fostering youth talent but also reflect the Kingdom’s overarching goal of enhancing educational and scientific development. The achievements at this year’s fair exemplify the dedication and ingenuity of Saudi students, highlighting their potential to contribute significantly to various scientific disciplines.
As we await the announcement of the major awards later in the day, the achievements of Saudi students at this prominent international fair stand as a testament to the effective nurturing of talent and creativity in the Kingdom. Such endeavors not only showcase the brilliance of the youth but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in science and engineering. This successful participation reinforces the significance of collaboration between educational institutions and governmental bodies in promoting and supporting the ambitions of young scientists in Saudi Arabia.
Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that its future leaders are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for success in an increasingly competitive global landscape. The recognition garnered at ISEF 2025 is not merely an accolade but a stepping stone towards greater involvement in international scientific dialogues and innovations. As the results unfold, the sense of pride for these young scholars and their contributions to science persists, cementing their role in shaping a brighter future for the Kingdom and beyond.
