May 15, 2026

KFUPM-Supervised Students Shine at ISEF 2026

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026), held from May 9 to 15 in Phoenix, Arizona, brought together more than 1,700 outstanding young scientists, engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs from over 60 countries, regions, and territories. Recognized as the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition, Regeneron ISEF awarded more than $7 million in prizes this year.

Selected from 365 affiliated science fairs worldwide, finalists earned their place at ISEF through exceptional research and innovation. Among the Saudi delegation’s achievements, students scientifically supervised and trained under KFUPM earned 7 out of the Kingdom’s 12 grand awards, representing 58% of the Saudi team’s total awards, and 6 out of 12 special awards at ISEF 2026. This accomplishment reflects KFUPM’s continued leadership in nurturing young scientific talent and advancing research excellence at the pre-university level.

Through mentorship by KFUPM faculty members and hands-on engagement in advanced research environments, participating students developed innovative projects across environmental sciences, energy, materials science, and engineering disciplines. Their success highlights the university’s commitment to empowering future generations of Saudi researchers and innovators.

Award-Winning Students and Their Research

1- Daleen Qudair
Awarded 2nd Place in Earth & Environmental Sciences, along with receiving a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Theis Ivan Solling and Eng. Ahmed Mahboob.

Trained at the Center for Integrative Petroleum Research.

2- Jomanah Belal
Awarded 2nd Place in Materials Science, along with receiving a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Firoz Khan and Eng. Masoud Alrasheidi.

Trained at the IRC-Energy.

3- Fatimah Al-Seleem
Awarded 3rd Place in Energy, along with receiving a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Mohammed Gondal.

Trained at the IRC-Hydrogen.

4- Abdullah Alreshed
Awarded 3rd Place in Materials Science, along with receiving a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Mohammed Gondal.

Trained at the IRC-Hydrogen.

5- Yara Alkadi
Awarded 3rd Place in Environmental Engineering, along with receiving a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Mohammed Gondal.

Trained at the IRC-Hydrogen.

6- Lana Abutaleb
Awarded 4th Place in Energy, along with receiving two special awards.

Supervised by Dr. Firoz Khan and Dr. Athika Mattath.

Trained at the IRC-Energy.

7- Fatema Almogren
Awarded 4th Place in Environmental Engineering, along with receiving a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Ismail Abdulaziz.

Trained at the IRC-Membrane.

8- Noor Alatawi
Received a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Subhan Ahmad.

Trained at the IRC-Construction​.

9- Shaimaa Elkatatny
Received a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Salaheldin Mahmoud Elkatatny.

Trained at the Center for Integrative Petroleum Research.

10- Leen Al-Nabulsi
Received a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Mohammed Gondal.

Trained at the IRC-Hydrogen.

The outstanding performance of KFUPM-supervised students at ISEF 2026 demonstrates the university’s dedication to fostering a vibrant culture of scientific discovery, innovation, and mentorship. Their achievements reinforce Saudi Arabia’s growing global presence in science and technology while inspiring the next generation of researchers to pursue impactful solutions to real-world challenges.