Kuwait recently had the privilege of welcoming a group of prominent Arab scientists who won the Kuwait Prize, which they celebrated along with the winners of the Jaber Al-Ahmad Award for Young Researchers for the years 2020 and 2021.
In 1979, the Kuwait Prize (also known as the Arab Nobel) was established with the mission of recognizing the distinguished scientific accomplishments of Arab scientists on an international scale. This prize is awarded to five categories, four of which are offered each year; these include basic sciences, applied sciences, economic and social sciences, and arts and literature. The fifth category, devoted to Arab and Islamic scientific heritage, is only given out every three years.
وبمبادرة من الأمير الراحل الشيخ جابر الأحمد الجابر الصباح – طيب الله ثراه – أطلقت المؤسسة جائزة الإنتاج العلمي (حاليا، جائزة جابر الأحمد للباحثين الشباب) في عام 1988 بهدف تشجيع الكفاءات العلمية الكويتية المتميزة من حملة درجة الدكتوراه من مختلف فروع الإنتاج العلمي، ودعماً لروح التنافس البناء بين المختصين. وتُغطّي تلك الجائزة ستة مجالات علمية سنوياً. ولهذه الجوائز العلمية أهميتها البالغة؛ فهي تحتفي بالمسيرة المهنية للباحثين الشباب، وتكرم العلماء الذين كرسوا أعوامًا مديدة في الدراسة والبحث العلمي.
Scientific awards draw attention to scientific discoveries and research, creating a level of public enthusiasm for science that is rarely accomplished through scientific research and publication alone. Such awards emphasize the need to allow scientists a major role in the ongoing discussion about science and decision-making process based on logical and evidence-based reasoning.
This issue of Al-Taqaddum Al-Ilmi magazine showcases the scientific careers of the Foundation’s prizewinners in appreciation of their accomplishments. It is meant to set an example for young researchers and motivate them to excel on the global level. We hope that these interviews and highlights will increase public awareness and encourage public involvement in their fields of science.
Highlighting the role of science and scientists in developing the tools and technologies that shape our daily lives, and in promoting the knowledge-based economy, will help increase society’s appreciation for the need for continued public funding of science. Such awards also help ingrain scientific culture in our society and will have an impact on creating positive attitudes towards technology and its advancements, as well as build trust in scientists and scientific results.
Dr. Layla Al-Musawi
Executive Editor