A historic achievement: The results of Saudi Arabia's participation in ISEF 2026
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved an unprecedented scientific milestone, winning first place globally at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026). This achievement, in the field of computational biology and informatics, further solidifies the Kingdom's scientific standing, following the Saudi science and engineering team's securing of 24 prestigious international awards. This accomplishment reflects Saudi Arabia's advanced and influential presence at one of the world's largest scientific events, demonstrating the competence and capability of Saudi youth to compete, innovate, and deliver pioneering scientific solutions.
A rich history and global competition at ISEF 2026
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest pre-college science competition. Founded in the mid-20th century, it has evolved into the premier platform that brings together thousands of young minds from over 70 countries worldwide. Historically sponsored by major technology companies, the fair primarily aims to encourage innovation and scientific research among young people and to provide practical solutions to complex global challenges. At ISEF 2026, Saudi Arabia’s participation demonstrated that investing in young minds is the cornerstone of building a bright future.
Details of the major and special awards for the Saudi national team
The Saudi team's achievements at the exhibition, held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, from May 9 to 15, included 12 major awards and 12 special awards. Mohammed Nasser Al-Asmari, a student from the Royal Commission Education Department in Jubail, won first place globally for his innovative project in computational biology and informatics, outperforming more than 1,700 other students. Second place was awarded to Dalin Bader Qadir in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Munira Sulaiman Al-Rumi and Imran Omar Al-Turkistani in Environmental Engineering, and Jumana Talal Bilal in Materials Science.
Continued brilliance in the fields of energy and medicine
In third place, the creativity of Saudi students shone through, with Joan Ryan Hindi winning in Biomedical and Health Sciences, Abdulrahman Basem Jamal in Chemistry, Fatima Mohammed Al-Saleem in Energy, and Yara Yousef Al-Qadi and Abdullah Ahmed Al-Rashid in Environmental Engineering and Materials Science. The achievement didn't stop there; Lana Abdullah Abu Talib and Fatima Hussein Al-Muqrin secured fourth place globally in the fields of Energy and Environmental Engineering, underscoring the diversity and depth of the research projects presented by the sons and daughters of the nation.
The strategic impact of the achievement: locally, regionally, and internationally
The Kingdom's success at this event extends beyond simply winning medals; it carries profound strategic implications. Domestically, this excellence aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes innovation and human capital development, inspiring an entire generation of students to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Regionally, this achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a leading nation in the scientific renaissance of the Middle East, capable of exporting knowledge. Internationally, the winning Saudi projects offer innovative solutions to pressing global challenges in the fields of environment, energy, and medicine, positioning the Kingdom as an active and influential partner in the international scientific community.
A strategic partnership that creates future champions
The Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) affirmed that this distinguished international presence is a result of the strategic partnership between Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education. This partnership has contributed to discovering and nurturing gifted students through integrated scientific pathways that begin in school and extend to global competition platforms. The students were nominated to represent the Kingdom after a broad national competition in the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (Ibdaa 2026), in which more than 357,000 male and female students participated. They underwent intensive evaluation and training phases under the supervision of a select group of experts, with support from major national entities such as Saudi Aramco, the National Cybersecurity Authority, and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
