Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by the Research Chairs Department, achieved exceptional accomplishments during the year 2025 AD, culminating in the registration of 7 international patents and the launch of the innovative “Wuduh” application, in a step that reflects the university’s firm commitment to supporting the research and innovation system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The context of leadership and keeping pace with Vision 2030
These achievements come within the context of the significant transformation underway in the Kingdom's higher education sector, where universities are no longer merely traditional academic institutions but have evolved into advanced research centers contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy. Princess Nourah University, as the largest women's university in the world, is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes innovation and artificial intelligence to diversify national income sources.
This annual harvest reflects the success of national strategies aimed at localizing technology and empowering Saudi women in the fields of science, engineering and medicine, which enhances the Kingdom's position in global competitiveness and innovation indicators.
The "Wuduh" app: A revolution in medical diagnosis
Among the leading technological achievements, the launch of the "Wuduh" application stands out as one of the most important digital solutions based on artificial intelligence algorithms. The application is designed to provide accurate readings of chest X-ray images, with a superior ability to diagnose four types of lung diseases. This innovation represents a qualitative leap in the healthcare (HealthTech) sector, contributing to reducing medical errors, accelerating diagnosis, and alleviating the burden on medical staff, thus confirming the ability of national minds to produce practical solutions that address the actual needs of society.
Patents and international scientific publications
The research chairs administration did not limit itself to digital applications, but also established a notable international presence through:
- Seven global patents were registered: covering vital areas such as renewable energy, health applications, and artificial intelligence.
- Scientific publishing: 21 peer-reviewed research papers published in scientific journals ranked in the strongest global databases, which raises the university’s international ranking.
- Environmental sustainability: Focusing on research to reduce carbon emissions and utilize clean energy, in support of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Digital transformation and corporate governance
On the administrative level, the department completed its digital transformation, achieving 100%, supported by a sophisticated electronic archiving system. The "Daad" electronic accounting system was also activated, ensuring the highest standards of transparency and financial governance. This contributed to increased spending efficiency and the allocation of resources to serve research objectives. This institutional excellence was reflected in a 96% satisfaction rate among beneficiaries and researchers, exceeding the annual target.
Developing human and cultural capabilities
Believing in the importance of comprehensive development, the university has given special attention to cultural and educational aspects, where:
- It produced specialized educational content in children’s and young adult literature to promote Arab identity.
- 22 workshops and training programs were conducted to refine the skills of researchers and students.
- Ten strategic partnerships were established with local entities to exchange experiences and integrate efforts.
Dr. Salwa Al-Masaabi, Director of the Research Chairs Department, confirmed that these results represent a shift from theoretical research to sustainable applied solutions, noting the continuation of work through three active research chairs that focus on artificial intelligence in health, energy, and literature, to ensure the continuity of scientific and technical contributions.
