May 19, 2025

KFUPM-Trained Saudi Youth Excel at ISEF 2025

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2025), held from May 10 to 16 in Columbus, Ohio, annually gathers over 1,700 elite STEM students from more than 70 countries, judged by more than 1,000 international science experts. This year, the competition featured 40 pioneering Saudi projects, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing prominence in international STEM research.

Among these, eight grand awards were won by high school students trained and supervised by King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), representing 34% of all awards at ISEF 2025. Under the mentorship of KFUPM’s distinguished faculty and through hands-on experience at interdisciplinary research centers, these young innovators presented groundbreaking projects spanning various scientific domains.

The journey began with students submitting original research proposals, showcasing their curiosity to solve real-world problems. After expert review, selected candidates joined KFUPM’s research centers, receiving training in lab safety, research methods, and data analysis. They attended seminars, workshops, and the STEM Research and Innovation Expo to enhance their scientific skills. Guided by mentors but encouraged to think independently, students tackled research challenges and developed innovative solutions.

Award-Winning Students and Their Research

1- Raneem Fenais

Qualified for the final round for her research in the field of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Supervised by Dr. Shahid Ali and Dr. Safyan Akram Khan

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management

2- Fatima Alarfaj

Ranked 4th place in Chemistry and honored with a Special Award.

Supervised by Dr. Safyan Akram Khan, Dr.Muhammad Mansha Haji Hakir and Dr. Ahmed Al-Yaseri.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management.

3- Sarah Alabbad

Qualified for the final round for her research in the field of Materials Science.

Supervised by Dr. Mahmoud Abdelnaby.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management.

4- Lamyaa Al-Nofie

Awarded 3rd place in Environmental Engineering.

Supervised by Dr. Mahmoud Abdelnaby.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management.

5- Hanin Alhassan

Awarded 4th place in Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design.

Supervised by Dr. Md Abdul Aziz and Mr. Yuda Prima.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management.

6- Maryam Almuhish

Ranked 2nd in the field of Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design.

Supervised by Dr. Safyan Akram Khan and Dr.Shahid Ali.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management.

7- Raghad AlShaikh‏

Qualified for the final round for her research in the field of Chemistry.

Supervised by Dr.Munzir Suliman and Dr. Muhammad Usman.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management.

8- Jamal Al Logmani

Qualified for the final round for his research in the field of Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design.

Supervised by Dr Ime Obot and Dr Saviour Umoren.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials.

9- Abdulrahman Al-Ghannam

Received a special award in the field of Materials Science.

Supervised by Dr. A. Madhan Kumar.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials .

10- Jwan Shabi‏

Ranked 2nd place in the field of Environmental Engineering.

Supervised by Dr.Jaber Al Jaberi.

Trained at the College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences.

11- Jomanah Belal

Ranked 3rd in the field of Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design.

Supervised by Dr. Amir Al-Ahmed and Dr. Muhammed Haris.

Trained at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy Systems.

These eight grand awards signify a major achievement for students trained at KFUPM, showcasing the university’s commitment to excellent research mentorship and its support for fostering research among its students.