The Saudi national science and engineering team, represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education, has finalized its preparations for participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2024). The Kingdom's delegation, comprised of 35 talented young students, is heading to Los Angeles, USA, with high hopes of achieving new milestones to add to the Kingdom's impressive record in this prestigious global competition, which will be held from May 11 to 17.
What is ISEF International Exhibition?
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest pre-college science competition. Each year, the fair brings together nearly 2,000 students from over 70 countries and regions around the world, who compete to present their innovative research projects in 22 different scientific fields, including engineering, medicine, environmental science, and artificial intelligence. Projects are judged by a panel of world-renowned scientists and experts, giving winners the opportunity to receive valuable prizes and prestigious scholarships.
The Kingdom has a rich history of achievements in ISEF
Saudi Arabia’s journey at ISEF began in 2007, and since then, Saudi talent has proven its ability to compete at the highest levels. Throughout its previous participations, the Kingdom has garnered a total of 185 awards, including 124 Grand Prix awards and 61 Special Awards. Last year’s ISEF 2023 witnessed a historic achievement, with the Kingdom ranking second globally in the number of Grand Prix awards, after the United States. This reflects the rapid growth in the quality of Saudi projects and the significant attention the Kingdom pays to nurturing talent.
The journey of selection: From local “Ibdaa” to global “ISEF”
Reaching the global stage was no easy feat for these students; it came after a long journey of intense competition within the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, "Ibdaa." Ibdaa is the largest scientific incubator for students in the Kingdom, with its latest edition witnessing the participation of more than 210,000 scientific projects from across the country. Participants underwent several stages of judging, evaluation, and qualification, culminating in the selection of the elite to represent the Kingdom at ISEF. This was all part of a comprehensive program overseen by Mawhiba in cooperation with the Ministry of Education to ensure the highest levels of preparedness.
The importance of participation and its impact on Vision 2030
The significance of this participation extends far beyond simply winning awards; it plays a pivotal role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy and foster innovation. Showcasing young Saudi talent on the international stage enhances the Kingdom's global reputation as a leading center for science and technology and inspires future generations of students to pursue careers in science and engineering. These participations also contribute to honing students' research and competitive skills, preparing them to be future leaders in various vital sectors.
With all technical and logistical preparations complete and the scientific project posters displayed in Los Angeles exhibition halls, the Saudi team is ready to present their innovative research to international judging panels. Everyone eagerly awaits the achievements of these ambitious young people, who represent the culmination of the nation's investment in human capital and the hope for a bright future for the Kingdom.
