Developing students' research skills key to shaping future generations
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 30: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) emphasized the importance of developing students' scientific research skills and fostering a culture of innovation as key investments in shaping future generations. The institute stated that enhancing research capabilities among young people aligns with Kuwait's vision for a new phase of sustainable development.
This statement was made by Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan, Acting Director General of KISR, during his speech at the conclusion of the 36th Spring Student Training Course, organized by the institute's Manpower Development Department. The two-week course, which saw the participation of 39 male and female students from the intermediate school level, aimed to enhance scientific and research skills.
Dr. Al-Humaidan explained that the course provided students with the opportunity to utilize their spring break to develop their research and investigative abilities while stimulating their scientific thinking. He praised the active participation shown by the students, stressing that KISR has been organizing such training programs annually for over 36 years to nurture scientific research and innovation.
Mona Al-Fulaijawi, Director of the Manpower Development Department, also addressed the participants, highlighting that the course included various interactive activities and laboratory experiments designed to encourage critical and creative thinking. She further noted that the practical programs provided a valuable opportunity for the students to connect theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, refining their scientific skills and inspiring them to engage in independent exploration and learning.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
From Failaka to the final frontier
Kuwaiti rocks orbit Earth as part of global space mission KUWAIT: In a first-of-its-kind cultural and scientific venture, rocks from Kuwait's Failaka Island were launched into space aboard a SpaceBy X capsule early Tuesday. The Advance Space Civilization Initiative (ASCI) partnered with Lunex EuroMoonMars, Space Renaissance International (SRI), and several other global space organizations for the 'Space for All Gallery' mission, which included the Failaka rocks in its payload. The 'Space for All Gallery' is an international initiative that launched aboard The Exploration Company's Nyx capsule on June 23, 2025 via SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The capsule carried a diverse payload of science samples, art and cultural artifacts into low Earth orbit before it was supposed to return for study and public display. Spearheaded by LUNEX CEO and SRI President Prof Bernard Foing, the 'Mission Possible' project aims to promote inclusive access to space through science, technology and the arts. In an update posted approximately 12 hours after liftoff, The Exploration Company confirmed that the capsule had successfully powered on its passenger payloads, stabilized itself after separation from the rocket's upper stage, reentered Earth's atmosphere and reestablished communication following an expected blackout period. Despite a successful reentry and the reestablishment of communication, the company reported that it lost contact with the capsule just minutes before the expected splashdown. The Exploration Company deemed the mission 'a partial success' and said it was investigating the root cause of the issue. Speaking to Kuwait Times, Ghanim Al-Otaibi, co-founder of ASCI, shared details of the groundbreaking project and his team's role: 'I'm also a board member at the Space Renaissance Initiative (SRI), an international nonprofit think tank based in Italy. At SRI, we promote ideas like astronautical humanism and publish forward-looking research.' A small tray containing compartments filled with miniature artworks and cultural items from around the world, including the Failaka rocks. The Failaka rocks before they were loaded into the tray. The rocks were sliced in half before launch — one half remained in Kuwait, while the other half was sent into space. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 70 payloads for a variety of customers lifts off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base today on June 23, 2025. Al-Otaibi has also been conducting academic research in Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) at the University of Strathclyde in the UK. SBSP is an emerging technology that aims to harvest solar energy in space and beam it back to Earth — offering a promising solution to global energy challenges. The Failaka rocks, collected by Al-Otaibi and astrophysicist Aziz Al-Areedh, were chosen for their profound cultural and historical importance. 'Even though Failaka is no longer inhabited, its contribution continues — this time, to the future of humanity in space,' said Al-Otaibi. 'The rocks symbolize a future rooted in the ancient heritage of our land.' As part of the mission, a small tray was sent into space containing compartments filled with miniature artworks and cultural items from around the world. The Failaka rocks were sliced in half before launch — one half remains in Kuwait, while the other half were to be retrieved for post-flight analysis, particularly to study the effects of radiation exposure on terrestrial materials. Located off Kuwait's coast, Failaka Island has been a cradle of civilizations for millennia and was inhabited until the 1990s. Today, it stands as a key archaeological site. Al-Otaibi explained that the team saw the island's geology as a powerful symbol of Kuwait's identity — capable of communicating meaningful ideas through a small but significant gesture. The rocks, once returned, will become new archaeological artifacts for future generations. Al-Otaibi's passion for space began with Kuwait's early space efforts, including the KuwaitSat-1 project and participation in international events like the 'Moon Village' conference. In 2022, he joined the Space Renaissance Initiative and now leads its 'Towards the Young Generation' committee, which aims to engage youth in the space sector. The mission is part of the broader vision of ASCI, a Kuwait-based organization co-founded by Al-Otaibi to promote humanity's expansion into space through education and the arts. ASCI is powered by a dynamic local team, including Dr Rawan Al-Shemmery, astrophysicist Al-Areedh and contributors Mohammed Al-Thuwainy and Mohammad Al-Failakawi.
Kuwait Times
17-06-2025
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait taps scientific expertise amid risks of radiation leaks
KUWAIT: Kuwait is mobilizing its scientific expertise and emergency response systems to safeguard the environment and public health, as officials brace for potential fallout from the ongoing military escalation between Iran and the Zionist entity. Amid rising fears over chemical, radiological, and environmental risks following airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem convened a coordination meeting Monday with senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). 'The meeting focused on following up on the latest regional developments and reviewing preparedness to address any potential environmental repercussions resulting from these developments,' the ministry said in a statement. Al-Mukhaizeem emphasized the importance of continued coordination between agencies and 'taking all necessary precautionary measures to protect the country's vital resources and mitigate any negative impacts that may arise from the current regional situation.' The meeting was attended by senior figures including Dr Adel Al-Zamil, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, and Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs, alongside Dr Nasser Al-Juwaisri, Director of Radiation Prevention. Leading the KISR delegation was Director General Dr Faisal Al-Humaidan. Minister Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem chairs a meeting with officials from KISR, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy on Monday. Scientists on board KISR experts - Dr Abdullah Al-Enezi, Director of the Environment and Climate Change Program; Dr Yousef Al-Osairi, specialist in hydro-environmental modeling of the Arabian Gulf and Kuwait Bay; and Dr Mansour Mahmoud Ahmed, an expert in water treatment and desalination technologies - presented advanced simulation systems and research aimed at evaluating and forecasting environmental impacts under various conflict scenarios. Separately, the National Guard reinforced its role in Kuwait's emergency readiness through a visit from the KISR delegation to the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Center for Chemical Defense and Radiological Monitoring. According to a National Guard statement, Undersecretary Lt Gen Hashim Al-Rifai discussed ways to enhance collaboration, train personnel, and share scientific expertise. The delegation was briefed on the center's responsibilities in monitoring chemical and radiological pollutants. 'The delegation praised the advancements in the National Guard's chemical defense systems,' the statement noted, adding that further cooperation would strengthen Kuwait's environmental security under the current regional conditions. No abnormal radiation Kuwait's National Guard confirmed Sunday that the country's radiological and chemical situation remains 'normal and stable', despite rising regional tensions. In a joint statement to Al-Akhbar TV, Col Khaled Lami, Chief of Operations and Training at the center, said the Guard operates 29 land monitoring stations across border and urban areas, as well as 15 sea stations in Kuwaiti waters, all capable of detecting chemical and radiological threats in real time. 'The monitoring system has been working nonstop since its launch in 2015, and all measures are routine, not tied to any specific event or development,' Lami explained. Dr Al-Hasawi, who also attended Monday's meeting at the Ministry of Electricity, confirmed that the Ministry of Health operates a parallel nationwide monitoring system involving both fixed and mobile stations. 'No abnormal radiological levels have been recorded, and all readings are within normal limits in Kuwait,' he reassured Sunday. — Agencies
Arab Times
15-06-2025
- Arab Times
Radiation Levels In Kuwait Are Normal, Confirms National Guard
KUWAIT CITY, June 15: Colonel Khaled Mathkour Lami, Chief of Operations and Training at the National Guard, affirmed that radiation levels in Kuwait are normal and show no signs of increase. Speaking on behalf of the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Center for Chemical Defense and Radiation Monitoring, Lami stated: 'Based on our continuous monitoring of the radiological and chemical conditions, we assure citizens and residents that radiation levels in #Kuwait are within normal limits and there is no increase.' Regarding the National Guard's capabilities in monitoring radiation, Lami highlighted that the force possesses advanced systems in the field of defense against weapons of mass destruction, most notably a comprehensive radiation and chemical monitoring system. He explained that this system includes 29 land-based monitoring stations strategically distributed along the border areas, densely populated zones, and Kuwaiti islands, in addition to 15 maritime stations located in Kuwait's territorial waters. 'These maritime stations are equipped with advanced technology capable of detecting radiation and chemical agents in both water and air,' he said. He added that the National Guard serves as the first responder and sensor for threats related to weapons of mass destruction and shares relevant radiation and chemical data with specialized state authorities. Lami noted that the monitoring stations were selected based on specific criteria, and readings are taken continuously, not in response to any particular event. He emphasized that these operations have been ongoing since 2015, when the system was launched, and continue 24/7 regardless of current regional circumstances.
