May 10, 2024, Riyadh: The Saudi Science and Engineering Team departed Riyadh on Wednesday in order to take part in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2024), which is scheduled to take place from May 10–18 in Los Angeles, California.
The King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as "Mawhiba," is home to 35 Saudi female and male students who will be competing against 1,700 peers from 70 countries in ISEF, the largest and most prestigious pre-college competition in the world for scientific research and innovation.
According to Mawhiba, the Science and Engineering Team is made up of outstanding Saudi students who were selected from over 210,000 students from different parts of the Kingdom at the start of the year after their scientific projects underwent multiple rounds of evaluation during the "Ibdaa" National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity until they were whittled down to 180. Of the 45 students whose projects advanced to the Olympiad's finals, 35 gifted students were selected to represent the Kingdom in ISEF.
The foundation emphasized that through the combined efforts of a number of national incubators and supporters, including universities and research centers, parents, families, and teachers, the students nominated to represent the Kingdom in ISEF 2024 underwent intensive training given by Saudi and foreign academic trainers and experts in various disciplines to develop their skills and qualify them to participate in the exhibition.
The Kingdom, represented by Mawhiba, is a primary sponsor of the ISEF 2024 exhibition and provides special prizes to the top participating projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including scholarships to attend the Mawhiba Universal Enrichment Program and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals on a full scholarship basis for undergraduate study.
Saudi Arabia continues its remarkable run of success in international science contests. Having participated for the past 18 years in a row, this year has a stellar record to show for it. A remarkable total of 133 awards, comprising 92 grand prizes and 41 special distinctions, have been claimed by Saudi students since 2007. This outstanding accomplishment highlights the Kingdom's committed efforts o support youth scientific excellence and cultivate an innovative culture.
