A global Saudi achievement: 12 awards for Saudi students at ISEF 2026
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made an exceptional appearance on the international scientific stage, with Saudi students achieving a new global scientific milestone by winning 12 major awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026). This achievement clearly reflects the excellence of young national talents and their outstanding ability to compete in the most prominent international forums for science and innovation.
A rich history and global competition at ISEF 2026
The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026, held annually in the United States, is the world’s largest pre-college science competition. It brings together thousands of young, creative minds from over 70 countries to compete in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Saudi Arabia’s participation in this event is an extension of the efforts of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba” and the Ministry of Education, as the Kingdom is committed to nurturing gifted students and providing them with comprehensive support to transform their ideas into internationally competitive research projects.
Details of Saudi awards and top rankings
The outstanding results saw Saudi students achieve top rankings for their innovative projects, reflecting a high level of creativity and scientific research. Mohammed Nasser Al-Asmari, from the Royal Commission Education Department in Jubail, secured first place in Computational Biology and Informatics, achieving the highest ranking among Saudi students in this year's competition. In Environmental Engineering, Imran Omar Al-Turkistani earned second place, while Abdullah Ahmed Al-Rashid took third place in Materials Science, and Jumana Talal Bilal secured second place in the same field.
Leading innovations in energy and environmental solutions
In the field of energy, which is of great global interest, student Fatima Mohammed Al-Saleem secured third place, while student Lana Abdullah Abu Talib achieved fourth place, confirming a remarkable Saudi presence in projects related to future energy solutions. In environmental engineering, Saudi female students continued their distinguished performance, with student Fatima Al-Muqrin achieving fourth place and student Yara Al-Qadi securing third place. Student Munira Sulaiman Al-Rumi also earned second place, an achievement that reflects the excellence of national projects in the fields of sustainability and the environment.
Medical and chemical breakthroughs that foster innovation
The achievements weren't limited to engineering and energy; they extended to biomedicine and health sciences, where student Joan Hindi won third place for her innovative research project. Meanwhile, student Abdul Rahman Basem Jamal achieved third place in chemistry, and student Dalin Bader Qadir secured second place in earth and environmental sciences.
The strategic impact of the achievement and its future dimensions
This remarkable achievement extends far beyond the individual impact of the students themselves, carrying profound significance and anticipated repercussions on multiple levels. Locally, it inspires thousands of students in Saudi schools to pursue scientific research and innovation. Regionally, it solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in the Middle East in supporting young talent and developing the education sector. Internationally, it demonstrates the capacity of Saudi minds to provide innovative solutions to contemporary global challenges.
In complete alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This achievement, attained through 12 major awards, embodies the continued excellence of Saudi students in international scientific forums, supported and empowered by the wise leadership and resulting from ongoing investment in human capital development. Building a globally competitive generation in science and technology aligns perfectly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to cultivate national talent, strengthen the knowledge economy, and reduce dependence on oil by investing in the minds and innovations that shape the future.
