Latest news with #KISR
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Language no longer a barrier to study in France: French envoy
KUWAIT: France is broadening access to its world-class universities and institutes for Kuwaiti students, with an increasing number of programs now available in English. Speaking to Kuwait Times on the sidelines of the France-Kuwait Alumni Gala 2025 - held Monday evening at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) - French ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Gauvin, highlighted the growing inclusivity of France's academic institutions and its relevance for students from Kuwait and the wider region. 'France has some of the world's top universities and schools, in fields like business, engineering, and beyond,' he said. 'Kuwaiti students today can choose from a wide variety of programs that align with their interests and career goals.' In recent years, a rising number of French institutions have introduced full English-language curriculums, making it easier for international students to begin their studies without prior knowledge of French. 'Language is no longer a barrier,' the ambassador emphasized. 'If you speak French, that's a plus. If not, you can start in English and naturally learn the language through daily life.' While English remains a global necessity, the ambassador underlined the advantages of learning French, especially in the professional sphere. 'Many international corporations operate in French-speaking countries,' he said. 'For them, being able to speak the language is a definite asset, it gives candidates a competitive edge.' Studying in France, he noted, also offers cultural enrichment, personal growth and long-term connections. Building networks France's cultural and linguistic presence continues to grow in Kuwait, with over 500,000 French speakers and 1,400 French teachers across public and private schools. Institutions like the French Institute in Kuwait and Campus France play a pivotal role in promoting French language, culture and academic guidance. The France-Kuwait Alumni Gala brought together graduates of French institutions who are now living and working in Kuwait. The evening offered a chance to reconnect, build professional networks and reflect on the value of their educational journeys. 'It's a unique opportunity to bring all these people together,' the ambassador said. A key part of the event was a panel discussion featuring five alumni, each sharing their personal experiences studying in France, offering prospective students' practical insight into life in France, including motivations, challenges and the many advantages of pursuing higher education abroad. As part of its continued support for the francophone academic community in Kuwait, the French Embassy is actively working to establish alumni associations. 'We're currently working on launching a network for La Sorbonne graduates in Kuwait,' said the ambassador. 'It will likely be one of the first of its kind here, and hopefully the start of many more.' Plans are also underway to create an association for graduates of Kuwait's French lycée.
Arab Times
25-05-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Hosting Stockholm Regional Centre enhances Kuwait's environmental leadership: KISR
KUWAIT CITY, May 25: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) affirmed on Saturday that hosting the Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for West Asia underscores Kuwait's leading role in advancing global environmental initiatives and solidifies its status as a key regional hub for chemical and waste risk management. Dr. Mohammad Al-Otaibi, Coordinator of the Regional Centre and a scientific researcher at KISR, told KUNA that the center provides technical and training services to countries across West Asia. It serves as a vital link between three major environmental agreements—most notably the Stockholm Convention—and the member states, offering technical support, technology transfer, regular updates, and assistance in implementing national action plans and submitting periodic reports. Since its inception, the center has conducted numerous regional training workshops, Al-Otaibi noted. It is now preparing to host an expanded workshop in October 2025 at KISR's headquarters. The event will bring together participants from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, other West Asian nations, and international experts to address recent updates to the convention, including chemicals such as PFAS, UVA-328, and PCBs, as well as the latest testing and reporting mechanisms. He highlighted that the center recently completed an updated national survey of banned chemicals in Kuwait in coordination with relevant agencies, including the Environment Public Authority, which fully supported the effort. A comprehensive report was submitted to the Stockholm Convention Secretariat. The center is now working on a new inventory of newly added substances to be submitted according to the required timeline. Al-Otaibi outlined the center's strategic work plan for 2024–2027, which is built around eight key areas: organizing advanced training workshops, implementing national research projects, updating national implementation plans (NIP), building a regional chemical database, evaluating new chemicals, and facilitating regional coordination and periodic reporting. He stressed that collaboration with donors and international organizations — such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) — has strengthened the center's capabilities. These partnerships help facilitate technology transfer, expand regional influence, and enhance Kuwait's environmental commitments while creating valuable opportunities for national capacity-building. Al-Otaibi also emphasized the importance of KISR's participation in the recent Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, held in Geneva from April 28 to May 9, 2025. Kuwait's involvement, he said, showcased the country's environmental efforts and contributed to key decisions, including the addition of new chemicals to the conventions, updates to technical guidelines, and the launch of joint environmental compliance programs. He added that the regional center provides strategic value for Kuwait, not only as a scientific and training hub but also as an essential mechanism for protecting public health and the environment. The center's success, he noted, has been made possible by the support of the Kuwaiti leadership and collaboration with national partners. Additionally, Al-Otaibi said the center plays a critical role in developing national human resources, proposing scientifically validated alternatives to banned substances, and reducing environmental pollution costs—ultimately supporting Kuwait's economy and promoting sustainable development. Kuwait ratified the Stockholm Convention in March 2006. In May 2009, during the Fourth Conference of the Parties in Geneva, KISR was officially approved as the Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for West Asia, making it the first internationally accredited Arab center of its kind. Since its formal launch in 2011, the center has served as a scientific and technical cornerstone for advancing environmental policy and fostering coordinated regional efforts.
Arab Times
12-04-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait key stop for migratory birds: Important habitats identified
KUWAIT CITY, April 12: Kuwait continues to serve as one of the most significant bird migration routes, offering essential rest and feeding areas for migratory birds. Key locations such as the Jahra Nature Reserve, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) Nature Reserve in Kabd, Abraq Al-Houbari, and the farms of Wafra, Sulaibiya, and Abdali are crucial habitats that attract a wide variety of species. Talal Al-Muwaizri, a member of the bird monitoring and protection team at the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), highlighted the natural phenomenon of bird migration in a recent statement. He explained that bird migration is an adaptive process that demonstrates birds' ability to adjust to changing environments. According to Al-Muwaizri, spring migration begins from mid-February and lasts until late May, a period when birds are at their most colorful and vibrant. Each year, birds migrate from the colder northern regions to the warmer southern regions in search of more moderate climates and longer days. This migration spans all continents, with birds fleeing the cold and seeking better conditions. "In our region, birds migrate from Europe and Central Asia, passing through Kuwait and the Middle East before reaching their final destinations in Africa and India," said Al-Muwaizri. This migration is known as the "autumn migration," which typically begins in mid-August and continues until mid-October. During this time, birds settle in Africa and India for the winter. Al-Muwaizri also emphasized that birds rely on various routes for their autumn migration, such as coasts, rivers, or even navigating by following the stars at night. As temperatures rise, food becomes more plentiful, and daylight increases in the spring, birds start their return journey. This migration is known as the "spring migration," as birds make their way back to Europe and Central Asia to breed and raise their young in safer, more resource-rich environments. Among the birds that arrive in Kuwait during the spring migration, the hoopoe is one of the first to appear, signaling the arrival of spring and the end of winter. Al-Muwaizri noted that the hoopoe's arrival marks the start of a gradual influx of other migratory species. These include small birds like the za'ara, yikiki, crucifix, mardam, hammer, hamira ras, sweida ras, hamroush, shola, baghl as-saman, bint al-sabbagh, qalliba, humimij, and others such as eagles, gulls, fri, and wild pigeons of the turtledove family. Additionally, Al-Muwaizri mentioned the arrival of small birds of prey, specifically the shrike species, in successive waves. The first to arrive are the qahfi, Arabian pigeon, and the left-handed shrikes. Following them are the more visually striking species, such as the Husseini (masked shrike) or polar shrike. The last birds to arrive, towards the end of April and May, are the Hasawi pigeon and the cage pomegranate and chatbi family, signaling the close of the spring migration season. Kuwait's role in providing safe passages and habitats for these migratory birds emphasizes its importance as a key stopover on their long journeys between continents. The country continues to play an essential role in supporting wildlife conservation efforts through its protected natural reserves and dedicated environmental work.
Arab Times
08-04-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Kuwait Records 3.2-Magnitude Earthquake
KUWAIT CITY, April 8: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) reported that a minor earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale was detected southwest of Al-Manaqish late Monday, April 7, 2025. According to a statement released by the institute, the tremor occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. local time and originated at a depth of 13 kilometers. No damage or casualties have been reported as of now. KISR continues to monitor seismic activity across the region through the Kuwait National Seismic Network.
Arab Times
10-03-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
KISR secures patent for virus-resistant surfaces made from solid waste
KUWAIT CITY, March 10: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced that its Environment and Life Sciences Research Center has been granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (US 12 219 959 B1) for a project focused on developing surfaces resistant to viruses and bacteria using solid waste. In a press statement, the institute explained that the invention, developed by Dr. Sultan AlSalem, Dr. Fadhila Al-Salamin, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Sharif Al-Iskandarani, marks a significant advancement in waste management and valorization in Kuwait. The patented surfaces are designed to resist the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as common bacteria that cause infectious diseases. The research team utilized nano-coating techniques, incorporating a blend of metals such as nickel, silver, and copper. They tested various mixtures using different techniques to create resistant surfaces from pure plastic, plastic waste, and biodegradable plastic. The invention contributes to improving public health by reducing the spread of viruses and bacteria, thereby lowering the risk of infections, especially in public spaces and healthcare facilities. Additionally, it supports environmental sustainability by repurposing solid plastic waste to manufacture these resistant surfaces, helping reduce waste accumulation. Furthermore, the invention has economic potential by turning waste into valuable products, creating new economic opportunities that support sustainable development.
