Ohio: The Saudi national team earned an impressive 23 awards, including 14 grand prizes and 9 special awards, at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025, held from May 10 to 16 in Ohio.
The event brought together more than 1,700 participants from 70 countries, showcasing global excellence in scientific research and innovation.
Saudi students achieved top honors across a range of scientific fields, with three securing second place, five winning third place, and six earning fourth place in various categories.
This success reflects the Kingdom’s growing stature on the global stage in science and innovation.
This year’s Saudi delegation included 40 students, who presented innovative projects in disciplines such as energy, environmental engineering, medical sciences, plant sciences, and materials science.
With these new accolades, Saudi Arabia’s total ISEF medal count since its debut in 2007 has reached 183 awards, including 124 grand prizes and 59 special awards.
Dr. Khaled Al-Sharif, Acting Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), attributed the achievement to the strategic partnership between Mawhiba, the Ministry of Education, and national stakeholders.
“These collaborations are essential to nurturing young Saudi talent and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in scientific excellence,” he said.
Second-place awards included: Maryam Al-Muhaysh (Energy), Areej Al-Qarni and Jiwan Shaabi (Environmental Engineering).
Third-place winners: Jumana Bilal (Energy), Salman Al-Shahri and Lana Nouri (Translational Medical Science), Lamia Al-Nefaie (Environmental Engineering), Fatima Al-Mutabagani (Plant Sciences).
Fourth-place recipients: Haneen Al-Hassan and Omran Al-Turkistani (Energy), Fatima Al-Arfaj and Misk Al-Mutairi (Chemistry), Abeer Al-Yousef (Materials Science), Ghala Al-Ghamdi (Plant Sciences).
Special awards were presented to Fatima Al-Arfaj, Areej Al-Qarni, Saleh Al-Angari, Abdulrahman Al-Ghannam, Sama Bukhamseen, and several others some of whom received multiple recognitions for their work.
Regarded as the world’s largest pre-college science competition, ISEF is judged by distinguished scientists and industry experts.
Saudi Arabia’s annual participation, led by Mawhiba in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, is part of a national strategy to cultivate innovation, scientific research, and youth talent.
