KACST Launches Special Awards for the First Time to Support Scientific Talent at ISEF 2026
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) launched special awards for the first time as part of its participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026), hosted in Phoenix, United States, with the participation of nearly 1,600 gifted students representing more than 70 countries worldwide. The initiative aims to support and encourage young scientific talents globally.
This initiative comes as part of the efforts of KACST and Academy 32 to empower gifted students to develop their research projects and prepare them for global competition by providing an advanced scientific environment that enhances their skills and future readiness in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
KACST participated in the exhibition with 10 students from its Apprenticeship Program, one of its specialized programs for supporting and qualifying gifted students, within the Saudi Science and Engineering Team. The students showcased their research projects in one of the world’s largest scientific competitions for school students.
Students from the program achieved advanced positions in the Grand Awards, with student Mohammed Al-Asmari winning first place for his innovation in computational biology and informatics, while student Jowan Hindi secured third place for her project in biomedical and health sciences.
The students also won four special awards. Student Tamim Khan received an award for his innovation in microbiology, student Mazen Murad won an award for his project in translational medical sciences, student Jana Al-Dosari received an award for her innovation in energy, and student Aljawhara Bin Zarah won an award for her project in chemistry. These achievements reflect the advanced level of Saudi students and their ability to compete in international scientific forums.
KACST awarded its special prizes to four outstanding participants. Saudi student Lana Al-Akkad received an award in the field of Future Economies for developing covalent organic framework (COF)-based memristors for neuromorphic computing, a promising technology that mimics the human brain to develop faster and more energy-efficient artificial intelligence systems.
Jordanian student Joanna Tbeileh received an award in sustainability and environment for her project focused on capturing, analyzing, and treating airborne microplastic particles, contributing to reducing environmental pollution, improving air quality, and protecting public health from the risks of microplastics. She also received the Virtual Mentorship Award as the best qualifier.
Saudi student Lana Abu Talib won an award in energy and industry for developing seawater batteries using biomaterials and carbon nanodots, aiming to produce sustainable and more efficient energy storage solutions that support the future of clean energy and advanced industrial applications.
In the field of health, Swedish student Carl Bringel won an award for his project that uses machine learning techniques to analyze voice and assess Parkinson’s disease, enabling early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression through non-invasive and more accessible methods for patients and physicians.
KACST’s participation also included a knowledge lecture organized in collaboration with Academy 32 titled “Empowering the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders in Emerging Technologies.” The lecture was delivered by KACST representative and Secretary of the ISEF Special Awards Committee, Dr. Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Fuhaid, who discussed the latest technologies and their development pathways, while highlighting the role of research institutions in building national capabilities.
ISEF is considered a leading global platform for research and innovation, where participants compete in more than 20 scientific categories for several awards, including the $100,000 grand prize. The exhibition also provides a stimulating environment for exchanging expertise and building international scientific networks.
