Latest news with #KuwaitInstituteforScientificResearch
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
22-05-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Kuwait making impressive strides in food safety and agri-tech: Dr Burniske
KUWAIT CITY, May 22: 'Kuwait has made significant strides in the field of food safety, while the institutional and research progress witnessed in the sector has been impressive,' says Dr. Gary Burniske, Assistant Executive Director of the Center for Global Food Security at Purdue University and a specialist in smart agriculture technologies and sustainable food supply chains. Burniske made the statement in his interview with the newspaper when he attended the Gulf Summit on Nutrition and Food Safety. During the interview, he talked about the objectives of his visit, his assessment of Kuwait's experience, future partnership opportunities, and the biggest challenges that the region is facing in various areas like food, water, and food waste. He pointed out the important opportunities to enhance the efficiency of local agricultural production through controlled modern technologies and the environment. He also stressed the need to address the food waste issue in Kuwaiti society, disclosing that the majority of food waste occurs at the consumer level -- in homes or restaurants. He called for policies based on accurate data collection and analysis, followed by laying down well-thought-out plans to reduce this phenomenon. He said Purdue University in the United States, where he serves as an academic, is looking forward to establishing effective partnerships with Kuwaiti institutions; most notably the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). He confirmed that during his visit, there were serious discussions on the implementation of research projects in smart agriculture using artificial intelligence, sensing and precision control. He added one of the most difficult challenges he identified during his visit is the lack of agricultural academic specializations in Kuwaiti universities. He explained that developing the agricultural sector cannot be achieved without building trained national competencies through local academic programs that keep pace with the nature of the Kuwaiti environment. He asserted that Kuwait, despite its harsh climate conditions, has opportunities to develop vertical and smart farming; considering the availability of natural light year-round. He stated that improving water efficiency must be an urgent priority, emphasizing that modern technologies are available and can be applied immediately to increase production and reduce waste. On the mechanism for reducing food waste in Kuwaiti society, he stated 'we must first understand that waste occurs at multiple levels; starting from the supply chain. In Kuwait, the largest proportion of waste occurs at the consumption stage – in homes, restaurants and hotels, or what is known as 'plate waste' or food leftovers. This type of waste contributes to the production of environmentally harmful methane gas. The solution begins with awareness and research into practical solutions that suit the Kuwaiti culture; such as reusing, recycling or using waste as feed or organic fertilizer. Energy can even be produced through 'biodigesters'. It is necessary to gather accurate data on the volume and type of waste, then analyze the data in order to create effective policies. Kuwait is more advanced than many countries in Latin America and Africa in terms of food safety. It has vital resources, an educated population, and strong institutions that are better equipped to deal with nutrition and food safety issues.' On successful experiences in the field of vertical farming, he cited as an example the situation in Egypt, where production in greenhouses is advanced. He pointed out that Egypt has more water resources, such as the Nile River and groundwater, while the environment in Kuwait is different. 'Nevertheless, this does not prevent us from benefiting from these technologies, but they must be adapted to Kuwait's difficult circumstances,' he clarified. On countries' ability to adapt and switch between supply sources, he said that during the Corona crisis, India stopped exporting corn -- a key component in the production of fodder in Kuwait. 'At the time, Kuwait was forced to switch to importing corn from the United States. This is a practical example of the importance of having strong diplomatic and trade relations with several countries to ensure that the supply chain is not affected when crises emerge. Another solution is to enhance local production, so that Kuwait produces a larger portion of its food, which reduces its dependence on imports and protects it from external geopolitical influences.' Following is the full text of the interview: Question: What is the main purpose of your visit to Kuwait? Answer: The primary goal is to participate in the Gulf Summit on Nutrition and Food Safety, where I gave a scientific presentation and participated in discussions with experts and specialists. In addition, I am interested in communicating with scientists and food producers here in Kuwait to explore opportunities for joint collaboration. Our university, Purdue University, works closely with the private sector, government agencies, universities and research centers. We hope to expand these partnerships to include Kuwaiti institutions operating within the food supply chain -- whether in production, food safety or agricultural research. An important part of my visit is to explore the possibility of forming strategic partnerships in these areas. Q: What are your observations on Kuwait's preparations to overcome food safety challenges? A: I believe that Kuwait is making progress in ensuring the safety of food arriving in its territory, whether for citizens or expatriates. There is remarkable progress in scientific research and food production. I also see significant opportunities to increase the efficiency of agricultural production, especially in controlled agricultural environments. These environments, such as greenhouses, need to be developed in terms of efficiency and profitability, while there are promising areas for improving the technology used and making these facilities more effective and economically viable. Q: How would you rate the Kuwaiti experience in the field of food safety compared to Latin America and Africa? A: It is clear that Kuwait is more advanced than many countries in Latin America and Africa with regard to food safety. It possesses vital resources, an educated population, and strong institutions that are better equipped to address nutrition and food safety issues. The institutional structure here is cohesive and covers various stages of the food chain, from imports to local processing and nutrition awareness. This puts Kuwait in a distinguished position in the region. Q: Are there plans to sign agreements or memoranda of understanding between your university and Kuwaiti entities? A: Yes, definitely. We are very interested in signing agreements with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). We visited them and had very constructive discussions. At Purdue University, we excel in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). We conduct advanced research on improving the efficiency of agricultural production in controlled environments, particularly in vegetable cultivation, by reducing water and fertilizer use and increasing production using sensor technologies, cameras, machine learning and artificial intelligence. We also discussed the possibility of conducting joint research between us and KISR. There is also the possibility of collaborating with the private sector. We are initiating several public-private partnerships to address bottlenecks in production and processing chains, to contribute to building human capacity and conduct joint scientific research. We also met with Kuwait Food Producers Association, which consists of 90 percent of local processors and producers. We discussed the most difficult challenges they are facing and the opportunities to use Science to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability in this sector. Q: What factors determine the success of the National Food Security Strategy? A: Measuring success depends on the existence of an accurate monitoring and evaluation system. Clear performance indicators must be in place, measured periodically -- some weekly or monthly, but most annually. It is essential to improve data collection and analysis systems. One of the weaknesses we have observed in the Gulf countries is the lack of an accurate and comprehensive database. We need to collect information on nutritious food consumption, food loss, extent of waste, where it occurs, and what is done with the wasted food – if it is recycled, used for energy, feeds or fertilizer. This information must be collected in collaboration with the private sector and shared with universities for analysis, then build informed scientific policies based on this analysis. Q: How can Kuwait protect its food security amid geopolitical fl uctuations? A: This is an important question. To protect its food security, Kuwait needs the ability to adapt and switch between supply sources. For example, during the Corona crisis, India stopped exporting corn -- the main ingredient in the production of fodder in Kuwait. At the time, Kuwait was forced to switch to importing corn from the United States. This is a practical example of the importance of having strong diplomatic and trade relations with several countries to ensure that the supply chain is not affected when crises surface. Another solution is to boost local production, so that Kuwait produces a larger portion of its food, which reduces its dependence on imports and protects it from external geopolitical influences. Q: What are the practical solutions to the problem of water scarcity in agriculture in Kuwait? A: 70 percent of the world's freshwater is used for agriculture and Kuwait has harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, the solution lies in improving water use efficiency in controlled agricultural environments. We are conducting research aimed at reducing water consumption in greenhouses; using sensor technologies, cameras and machine learning to precisely control irrigation, leading to lower consumption and higher yields. There is also research into capturing dew water, more efficient desalination, and utilizing atmospheric humidity. However, these technologies still require significant investment. The fastest and most effective solution now is to improve water use efficiency in agriculture. Q: Do you think there is a future for smart or vertical farming in Kuwait? A: Certainly, Kuwait has the great advantage of year-round sunlight. In northern countries, such as Europe and the United States, vertical farming is limited due to the short winter days and their heavy reliance on artificial lighting, which consumes a lot of energy. In Kuwait, the availability of sunlight makes vertical farming more efficient. The only current problem is that this type of farming consumes a lot of water due to the drip system. However, such systems can be improved and made more efficient. Q: How can we develop training and education programs to prepare national competencies in the fields of agriculture and food security? A: The main problem is that universities in Kuwait do not have colleges of agriculture or departments of food or crops and this is a major obstacle. It is important to establish educational programs here that focus on agriculture and agricultural research, rather than sending students abroad to learn techniques that are not suitable for the local environment. At Purdue, we are keen to collaborate with Kuwait University to establish a department or college of agriculture. We need institutions that produce Kuwaiti scientists and engineers who combine Science with local knowledge and provide solutions that are appropriate for Kuwait's agricultural reality. Q: Have you visited farms in Kuwait, such as Wafra or Abdally? A: Unfortunately, I have not had enough opportunity to visit farms in agricultural areas like Wafra or Abdally. The information I obtained about agriculture here came from my meetings with producers and workers in this sector, but I aspire to visit these areas in the future. Q: Do you have official figures or statistics on food security or food safety in Kuwait? A: I have collected some data from the internet, but the problem is that such information is not publicly available or organized. Many entities keep data internally, making it difficult for researchers to access. At our universities, we share databases publicly for everyone to benefit from them. We use artificial intelligence techniques to analyze them. However, if the data is not published, we cannot use them to inform policymakers or guide researchers.
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.
