KACST and Almarai Launch New Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity Strategy

Riyadh, March 16, 2024 (SPA) – King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Almarai Company have unveiled the new strategy and brand identity for the Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing food security innovation in arid regions. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Riyadh, presided over by KACST President and Chairman of the Prize Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, and Chairman of Almarai’s Board and Vice Chairman of the Prize’s Board Prince Naif bin Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saud Al-Kabeer.

Context and Background

The Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity, established in 2001 through collaboration between Almarai and KACST, is recognized as the first annual scientific prize to receive royal approval and accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation in the Kingdom. The prize was originally conceived to honor distinguished researchers in food security, support scientific communities, incentivize research engagement, and educate younger generations about innovative research.

The new strategy, developed in partnership between Almarai and KACST, aims to enhance innovation in food security in arid regions both locally and internationally. It directly addresses national aspirations and priorities for research, development, and innovation, while striving to overcome challenges related to water scarcity and global food security.

Key Details

The revamped prize will adopt the new name “Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation” for its local branch and introduce an international branch simply called “Almarai Prize,” established in collaboration with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Dr. Eldesouki emphasized that the new strategy enhances the Kingdom’s position in international food security indicators, raises awareness of global research in the field, and supports environmental sustainability. He also highlighted that the prize supports young talented scientists and showcases pioneering work in food systems in arid regions.

Prince Naif added that the prize is undergoing significant development to increase support for innovators, researchers, and scientists, and to inspire future generations to pursue research and innovation in food security.

Nominations are now open for both the local and international prizes, with details available at asia.kacst.gov.sa and almaraiprize.kacst.gov.sa.

Implications and Impact

This development reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in scientific research and its commitment to addressing global food security challenges. By expanding the prize internationally, the Kingdom positions itself as a hub for innovation in arid environments, fostering collaboration with global researchers and institutions. The initiative also aligns with broader economic diversification efforts, promoting knowledge-based industries and sustainable agricultural practices.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This strategic renewal directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing research and development, achieving food security, and promoting environmental sustainability. By investing in scientific talent and international partnerships, the Kingdom is building a resilient future that leverages innovation to meet the needs of its citizens and the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity?

A1. The Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity is an annual scientific award established in 2001 through a partnership between Almarai Company and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). It honors distinguished researchers in food security and supports scientific innovation in arid regions.

Q2. Who announced the new strategy and identity?

A2. The new strategy and identity were unveiled by Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, President of KACST and Chairman of the Prize, and Prince Naif bin Sultan bin Muhammad bin Saud Al-Kabeer, Chairman of Almarai’s Board and Vice Chairman of the Prize’s Board.

Q3. When was the announcement made?

A3. The announcement was made on March 16, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q4. What are the main goals of the new strategy?

A4. The strategy aims to enhance innovation in food security in arid regions, support national research priorities, address water scarcity and food security challenges, and promote scientific talent locally and internationally.

Q5. What is the new name for the local prize?

A5. The local prize will now be called the “Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation.”

Q6. What is the name of the new international branch?

A6. The international branch is named simply the “Almarai Prize.”

Q7. Who are the partners in the international branch?

A7. The international branch is established in partnership with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Q8. When was the original prize launched?

A8. The original prize was launched in 2001 through collaboration between Almarai and KACST.

Q9. What recognition does the original prize hold?

A9. It is the first annual scientific prize in the Kingdom to receive royal approval and accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation.

Q10. How does the prize support young scientists?

A10. The prize supports young talented scientists by providing recognition and incentives for research in food security, encouraging them to engage in scientific research and innovation.

Q11. What impact does KACST president Dr. Eldesouki foresee?

A11. Dr. Eldesouki believes the new strategy will enhance Saudi Arabia’s position in international food security indicators, raise awareness of global research, and support environmental sustainability.

Q12. What did Prince Naif say about the prize’s development?

A12. Prince Naif stated that the prize is witnessing significant development to increase support for innovators, researchers, and scientists, and to raise awareness among future generations.

Q13. How can nominations be made?

A13. Nominations for the local prize can be made via asia.kacst.gov.sa, and for the international prize via almaraiprize.kacst.gov.sa.

Q14. What is the focus of the prize?

A14. The prize focuses on honoring achievements in food security, particularly in arid regions, and encourages research that contributes to sustainable food systems.

Q15. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?

A15. The initiative supports Vision 2030’s priorities in research, development, and innovation, as well as food security and environmental sustainability, contributing to economic diversification.

Q16. What are the challenges the prize aims to address?

A16. The prize aims to address water shortages and food security challenges in arid regions, both locally and internationally.

Q17. What is the significance of the new brand identity?

A17. The new brand identity reflects a modernized approach and signals the expanded scope of the prize, both locally and globally.

Q18. How does the international branch benefit global research?

A18. The international branch highlights pioneering work in food systems in arid regions at the global level, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers worldwide.

Q19. Who are the target nominees for the local prize?

A19. The local prize targets emerging and distinguished local scientists with PhDs.

Q20. What is the economic impact expected by KACST?

A20. Dr. Eldesouki noted that the prize has an economic knowledge impact on food security in arid regions, aligning with national research priorities and supporting sustainable development.

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