Curiosity, creativity, and a drive for excellence propelled 11 alumni of the Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) to excel at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), widely regarded as the world’s premier pre-college STEM competition. 

Nurtured during the six-week SRSI program at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), these students were among the 42 participants representing Saudi Arabia at the global competition, with four earning high recognition for their work. 

“Young people are the future. These achievements demonstrate how KAUST is helping shape the next generation of Saudi scientific leaders through globally competitive research and innovation programs,” said Professor Arwa Al-Aama, vice president of education and advancement. “This aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on lifelong learning and human capital development.” 

In total, the Saudi team secured 12 grand prizes and 12 special awards during ISEF, held in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, from May 9 to 15, with SRSI alumni contributing to the Kingdom’s strong performance by earning three grand prizes and one special award. 

The SRSI award recipients include: 

• Moneera Alroumi, who earned a second-place grand prize for her project “Characterization of the Crude Oil Bioremediation Potential of Native Saudi Halotolerant and Thermophilic Bacteria.” 

• Imran Alturkistani, who earned a second-place grand prize for his project “Developing a Novel Hydrophobic GO-Ni/PAN Membrane for Interfacial Solar Steam Generation.” 

• Abdalrahman Jamal, who earned a third-place grand prize for his project “Developing Novel Macroporous Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol.” 

• Lana Alaggad, who received a special award from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology for her project “Efficient and Sustainable COF-Based Optoelectronic Memristors for Neuromorphic Vision Systems.” 

These results reinforce the growing international impact of the KAUST Academy’s young talent development programs. 

Each summer, SRSI gives high-achieving Saudi youth access to KAUST’s world-class research environment, mentorship opportunities, and advanced scientific training. Through SRSI, high school students from across the Kingdom work alongside researchers on projects spanning priority areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and biotechnology, helping prepare future scientists and innovators. 

SRSI also prepares students for national and global competitions. Following the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (Ibdaa), King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) selected Saudi students — including SRSI participants — to represent the Kingdom at ISEF. 

The Saudi Ministry of Education selected additional students to participate in the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX). Yousef Basuni, an alumnus of the 2025 SRSI program, received a gold medal at this year’s ITEX in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a scientific study developed with KAUST mentorship on a 3-D printed colorimetric microneedle patch for early melanoma detection. 

From KAUST laboratories to the world stage, SRSI alumni are demonstrating how Saudi talent can excel at the highest levels of scientific discovery and innovation.