As this Issue goes to print, Dr. Ameenah Rajab Farhan was appointed as the Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS), becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment was officially announced on Kuwaiti Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the granting of full political rights to women in Kuwait. It is groundbreaking milestone that signifies progress towards gender equality in the scientific community.
She has had a notable career within Kuwait University’s Faculty of Science, serving as the Head of the Physics Department and Vice Dean for Research and Laboratories Affairs.
Within KFAS, Dr. Farhan has held various roles, including Acting Director for Research Directorate, Senior Advisor to the Director General, and a member of the KFAS Board of Directors.
وتشمل اهتماماتها البحثية البنية النووية والفيزياء الفلكية وتقييم البيانات النووية والنشاط الإشعاعي البيئي. وهي أيضًا عضو في الجمعية الفيزيائية الأمريكية والأكاديمية الأمريكية لتقدم العلوم. ومنذ عام 2015، عملت عضوا في لجنة تحكيم جوائز لوريال – يونسكو للنساء في العلوم – الشرق الأوسط.
Beyond her research, Dr. Farhan is a passionate advocate for science education, particularly at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her commitment to promoting and enhancing science education aligns with the mission of KFAS, fostering a nurturing environment for aspiring scientists.