Programs at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology

KFAS is pleased to announce the Summer Research Fellowship Program 2010 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the auspices of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences funded Kuwait-MIT Center for Natural Resources and the Environment. This is an 8 weeks summer grant from July 5 – August 27, 2010.
For more details please click here

KFAS is pleased to announce the Kuwait-MIT Scholarly Exchange Program 2010 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the auspices of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences funded Kuwait-MIT Center for Natural Resources and the Environment.  It is designed for individuals who wish to do research at MIT. Awards are normally for a twelve-month (12) duration, although periods of three (3) to six (6) months will also be considered.
For more details please click here

An International Conference entitled: Globalisation and the Gulf: Economy and Security
25 – 26 March 2009
Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences in association with the London School of Economics and Political Science, through the Kuwait Program at LSE is pleased to announce an international conference: Globalisation and the Gulf: Economy and Security 25–26 March 2009 at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences - State of Kuwait.

For more information, please visit the website: www.lse.ac.uk/LSEKP

Lecture on The Political Economy of Public Private Partnerships: Ownership, Competition and Incentives presented by Prof. Timothy Besley at KFAS
25 November 2008

Abstract:
The last twenty years has seen huge interest in rethinking the terms of provision of public services with greater use of public-private partnerships.  This lecture will review some of the background research and the principles of economics behind these policy initiatives.
Prof. Timothy Besley

Timothy Besley is Kuwait Endowed Professor of Economics and Political Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) where he is also Director of the Suntory Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines (STICERD). In September 2006, Professor Besley was appointed by the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, to be an external member of the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee. He also serves as a research Fellow at the CEPR and the IFS. Professor Besley was educated at Oxford University where he became a prize fellow of All Souls College. He taught subsequently at Princeton before being appointed Professor at the LSE in 1995. He is a Fellow of the Econometric Society, of the British Academy, and the European Economics Association. He is also a foreign honorary member of the American Economics Association. Professor Besley is a past co-editor of the American Economic Review, and the 2005 winner of the Yrjö Jahnsson Award of the European Economics Association granted every other year to an economist aged under 45 who has made a significant contribution to economics in Europe. His research, which mostly has a policy focus, is mainly in the areas of Development Economics, Public Economics and Political Economy.

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Workshop on “Alternative Energies for Water Desalination Applications”

16 November, 2008; Mövenpick Hotel

In Conjunction with the “4th International Conference on Energy Research & Development”

17-19, November 2008, State of Kuwait

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) offers a work shop on “Alternative Energies for Water Desalination Applications” to be held on 16 November 2008 as part of the activities of the Water Resources Program at the Research Directorate. Water Resources Program focuses on capacity-building as one of the main objectives of the program to acquire and enhance the manpower skills of those who work in different water organizations, institutes and centers. The workshop will be held in conjunction with the “4th International Conference on Energy Research & Development on November 17-19, 2008.

The objective of this workshop is to provide technical information on alternative energies (nuclear, solar and wind) and their utilization potential for water desalination.

Brochure / Online Registration Form or Download Form

The passing away of His Highness Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salam Al Sabah

With great grief and sorrow the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salam Al Sabah, who passed away at Wednesday 14 of May 2008. A nation-wide mourning was declared by the the Amiri Diwan.

Prof. Maimona Al-Sabah headed the delegation of Kuwait Historical Society who visited KFAS
16 March 2008

Prof. Maimona Al-Sabah headed the delegation of Kuwait Historical Society who visited KFAS on Sunday 16 March 2008, during their visit Prof. Maimona presented shield to honor KFAS’ contribution to Conference “Jaber of Kuwait and Sa’ad”.

Towards Innovative Desalination and Power Generation in Kuwait
9-11 December 2007

Water Resources Program at Research Directorate in Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) takes the initiative to organize a Symposium entitled "Towards Innovative Desalination and Power Generation in Kuwait" to be held in Kuwait on December 9-11, 2007. Prominent leaders in the field are invited to present keynote lectures on the recent issues of desalination and power generation. The symposium is concerned to improve the status of existing power generation and desalination plants, introducing new cogeneration processes including alternative renewable energies such as solar, wind and nuclear energy technologies. The Symposium is also concerned with critical issues associated with power/water cogeneration such as economics, environment and health.

Sessions

Session I : Power and Water Co-generation: New Developments

Session II : Power and Water Co-generation: New Developments and Economics

Session III : Alternative Energy Resources for Power and Desalination Plants

Session IV : Power and Water Co-generation: Health and Environment

Session V : Membrane Technologies: GCC Experiences

Speakers

Click on the names to review their speeches.
Brochure / Online Registration Form or Download Form

The International Invention Fair in the Middle East - Kuwait
23-26 October 2007
KFAS participated in the International Invention Fair in the Middle east - Kuwait during the period 23-26 October 2007.

Since its establishment in 1976, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) grants a great consideration towards sponsoring a large number of scientific and cultural activities in various fields of knowledge. As an initiative from H.H. the Former Amir of The State of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, may his soul rest in peace, the Kuwait Inventors Bureau (KIB), was established eight years ago and was hosted by the Kuwait Science Club.

H.H. the Amir of The State of Kuwait – Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who is presently the Chairman of the KFAS Board of Directors extends his full support to the Kuwaiti inventors and strongly encourage Kuwaitis to pursue their innovations.

For this purpose KFAS:

• Sponsors Kuwaiti inventors and supports them financially and morally.

• Maintains records of Kuwaiti inventions in the international patenting offices.

• Encourages gifted Kuwaiti individuals to innovate and invent.

• Contributes to the registration of Kuwaiti inventions.

• Provides Kuwaiti inventors with administrative and technical guidance.

• Provides Kuwaiti inventors with financial and technical assistance in participating in major international inventors’ conferences and exhibitions.

The main achievements of the Kuwait Inventors program:

• 107 applications for registration of inventions patents in regional and international patent offices were received. Many of them have obtained patent certificates.

• With KFAS sponsorship, 35 inventors participated in 12 international conferences and exhibitions concerning inventions in South Korea, Germany, USA and Switzerland.

• Financial rewards were awarded to inventors who were granted patents and who achieved medals.

• Kuwaiti inventors till date have achieved - 

World Energy and Chemicals Exhibition and Conference - Kuwait
22-25 October 2007
KFAS participated in The World Energy and chemicals exhibition and conference which was held in Kuwait, from the period 22 - 25 October 2007, the exhibition included lots of participants from Gulf Countries and Various Arab countries in the region. KFAS participated as one vital attendee involved in the role of Scientific researches about world energy and chemicals.

Comprehensive Training Courses in Water Resources:
2-13 September 2007

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) offers three comprehensive training courses this year as part of the activities of the Water Resources Program at the Research Directorate. Water Resources Program focuses on capacity-building as one of the main objectives of the program to acquire and enhance the manpower skills of those who work in different water organizations, institutes and centers. Highly qualified instructors from Kuwait University, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Ministry of Electricity and Water and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of sciences will deliver the lectures.

All the training courses will be held at KFAS from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM as shown below:

For more information about the content of the courses or for registration, please contact us:  +965 - 2425898  ext. 643, 644 or 646.

Brochure / Online Registration Form or Download Form

KFAS and Kuwait  welcomes back their inventors after attending and winning prizes at the International Exhibition of Inventions (PALEXPO 2007) which was held in Genève - Switzerland during the period:
18-22 April 2007

KFAS and Kuwait  welcomes back their inventors after attending and winning prizes at  the International Exhibition of Inventions (PALEXPO 2007) which was held in Genève - Switzerland during the period 18-22 April 2007, and the inventors and their prizes are as follow:

1. Mr. Zafer J. Al-Osaimi, Gold Medal, Invention: Fire Fighting Tool

2. Mr Abdullah A. Al-Eidan, Gold Medal, Invention: High Efficiency Air Conditioning and Climate Control System

3. Dr. Tareq A. Al-Bahri, Silver Medal, Invention: Antiviral medicament and method for therapeutic treatment of papillomavirus induced tumors, lesions and diseases.

4. Ms. Wafa M. Al-Kazemi, Bronze Medal, Invention: Burn Treatment Method and Composition

 

British delegation visited KFAS
7 April 2007
A British delegation visited KFAS during their visit to the State of Kuwait on behalf an invitation for Kuwait University.

The Board of Directors of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), under the Chairmanship of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed  Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has held its annual meeting on March 18th 2007, and approved the recommendations of the Prizes council towards the winners of  Kuwait Prize 2006 as follows:

1. Basic Sciences (Optical  Science) :

The winner in this category is Prof. Dr. Bahaa Saleh (Egyptian Nationality) and is working as professor and chair of the department of electrical and computer engineering and Deputy Director for the Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems at Boston University, USA.

Professor Saleh is an internationally known scientist who has made major contributions in the field of quantum optics, especially in the field of squeezed and entangled states of light, and their applications, and the determination in general of the optical correlation function of special states of light.  The high impact of his research is measured by a large number of citations comparable with the 2005 Noble Prize winner in quantum optics, Professor Roy Glauber of Harvard University. The work focuses strongly on statistical and quantum optics, making advancer in fundamental science and new applications and devices. Prof. Saleh has been elected as a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a fellow of the Optical Society of America. These are the world's leading organizations in the field of optical science, and the title of fellow is the highest offered to select members in recognition of exceptional contributions.

2. Applied Sciences (Corrosion) :

The winner in this category is Prof. Dr. Faizah Mohammed Al-Kharafi (Kuwaiti Nationality) is a professor in the department of Chemistry at Kuwait University. Prof. Al-Kharafi has earned a B.SC degree from Ain Shams University, Egypt and M.SC and Ph.D degrees from Kuwait University. Prof. Al-Kharafi has a record of  high productivity across several areas of corrosion science and engineering, for example, the electrochemical behavior of vanadium, niobium, aluminum and its alloys, cadmium, copper, brass, cobalt, molybdenum, and low carbon steel which all have been examined under controlled conditions. In addition. Prof. Al-Kharafi has employed her expertise in several major studies on the impact of corrosion on commonly-used systems in the State of  Kuwait, including  crude oil distillation units, engine cooling systems, tap water, high temperature geothermal brines, corrosion in polluted water, and metal corrosion due to pollution.

The Prize has been withheld for Kuwaiti Citizens in the fields of Basic Sciences, Economics and Social Sciences, Arts and Literature and Arabic and   Islamic Scientific Heritage. The Prize has also been withheld for Arab nationals in the fields of Applied Science Economics and Social Sciences and Arts and Literature and Islamic Scientific Heritage.

• Kuwait Prize Winners 2006

Water on Mars
Kuwait 14-15 January 2007
Recent spacecraft observations of Mars have dramatically changed our understanding of the distribution and amount of water on the surface throughout the planet’s history.  There is now definitive evidence for a watery past, and proof of abundant water ice within a meter of the surface in many areas of the planet at present.  In addition, it is now known that liquid water in small quantities flows on the surface in certain places and at certain times.  This presentation will summarize the observations that have allowed scientists to reconstruct the history of water on Mars, including the distribution and state of present-day water.  There will also be a review of the strategy for further improving the current state of knowledge in upcoming orbital and lander missions.

Maria T. Zuber is the E. A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she also leads the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.  Zuber has been involved in more than half a dozen NASA planetary missions aimed at mapping the Moon, Mars, Mercury, and several asteroids.  The topographic map of Mars produced by her laser altimeter on the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft is the most accurate topography model for any planet, including Earth.  Zuber is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the American Geophysical Union, where she served as president of the Planetary Sciences Section.  Professor Zuber served on the Presidential Commission on the Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy tasked with conceiving a plan to implement President Bush’s Vision for Space Exploration. In 2002 Discover magazine named her one of the 50 most important women in science.

Fluorides and Oral Health Symposium

Kuwait 11-13 December 2006

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) is organizing a "Fluorides and Oral Heath Symposium" to be held in Kuwait from 11 to 13 of December, 2006.  The Symposium will include several presentations by national and international specialists in the field of fluoride applications and oral health specifically pediatric dental care. Different approaches for adjusting fluoride levels will be discussed in order to identify the most effective, beneficial and affordable approaches to improve community oral health. The experiences of the Gulf Countries in dental caries prevention will also be presented in the light of implementing fluoride benefit programs.

Topics Covered

• Water Fluoridation.  

• Salt Fluoridation.                  

• Milk Fluoridation.

• Topical Fluorides Agents (Toothpaste, Gels, Varnish and Tablets).

• Fluoride and Human Health.

• Cost Benefit and Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Fluoride use.

• Technical Aspects of Fluoridation.

• Fluoride Intake and Metabolism.

• Fluorides and Oral Health Status in the Gulf States.

• Fluoridation and Community Issues.

Venue

The symposium will be held at Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences building in Kuwait City (Sharq, Ahmed Al-Jaber Street).

Poster / Brochure / Registration Form

His Highness the AMIR Inaugurates the Dasman Center for Diabetes

June 6th 2006 marks a red-letter day for the State of Kuwait as His Highness, the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah inaugurated the world-class medical center which sets the finest international standards, technology and facilities, dedicated to treatment, research, education and training of national manpower, thus marking a milestone in the history of national and regional healthcare and welfare.

In his comments in the Guest Book, His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah cited that the idea of establishing the Dasman Diabetes Centre was initiated by the Late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the former Chairman of KFAS Board of Directors due to the need for an emerging solution to the increasing incidence of diabetes in the State.  Established by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), upon the directives of the Late Amir, Dasman Center for Diabetes was a medical gift presented by the Late Amir to the citizens of the nation.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness, the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Health Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, members of the ruling family, acting Prime Minister, Minister of Interior Affairs and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and other top state officials. His Highness the Amir cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveiled the commemorative plaque, following which he was taken on a tour of the diverse departmental facilities and briefed on each of its functions. His Highness the Amir then headed the hall, where the ceremony commenced with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the speeches delivered by the Minister of Health, and KFAS Director General.

At the opening ceremony, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, Kuwait's Minister of Health and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, referred to the reports by World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation, which confirmed the high risk of the prevalence of the epidemic disease world-wide. He mentioned that statistics revealed that the number of diabetics had reached 194 million people and was expected to hit 300 million by the year 2025, with the number of patients expected to reach 472 million by the year 2025. The minister added that the impact of it was already realized by the health officials at the Ministry of Health in Kuwait and tremendous efforts had been taken to address it. Alluding to the contemporary local situation and the alarming rise in the annual percentage of adult and childhood diabetes, he attributed to the several factors that contribute to the onset of the disease, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, intake of junk food, etc. Hinting on the complicated health problems caused by diabetes, he emphatically noted that, "It is the main reason for blindness and the second highest cause of amputations, liver failure, heart clots, sexual dysfunction, etc." He also stressed that the largest age category of diabetics is between 30-59 years old. While emphasizing on the role of the Ministry of Health, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah informed that there were 28 specialized diabetes units in hospitals and the total number of patient visits exceeded 500,000. In view of that, he pointed out that the Ministry of Health fully supported the national program slated to address diabetes.

Hence, the immense role of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) undoubtedly takes predominant significance.  Addressing the august audience, the Director General of KFAS, Professor Ali Al-Shamlan traced back the establishment of KFAS by the Late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1976, dedicated for the progress and support of science, scientific programs, research and technology in the State of Kuwait. Prof. Ali Al-Shamlan stressed the significant role of KFAS in promoting excellence in all sciences. He pointed out the tremendous support rendered by KFAS during the past three decades for 600 research projects related to biological, engineering, medical, natural and social sciences, costing more than 17 million Kuwaiti Dinars. While highlighting the diverse accomplishments by KFAS in the past three decades, Prof. Ali Al-Shamlan also mentioned about the Foundation's contribution towards academic excellence through its contribution of 5 million Kuwaiti Dinars for the benefit of 600,000 students in 170 public schools. In its effort to promote science and for the dissemination of scientific information, KFAS has released more than 200 publications for the benefit of the public. Collaboration with international institutions and organizations has further enhanced mutual exchange of scientific knowledge, skills and technical know-how, he added. Prof. Al-Shamlan re-instated that the Center, dedicated to research, education, treatment and training, was the outcome of a wide range of studies carried out by a team of specialists from different health sectors as well as the coordinated efforts of international health experts.

The concluding program consisted of a documentary that was screened for the audience providing a historical perspective of the origin and prevalence of diabetes, both nationally and globally, tracing it back from the ancient periods. The etiology and the emergence of 'the disease of the century', the epidemic risks of the worldwide incidence of diabetes and the heightened danger of its widespread prevalence, the challenging stance undertaken by KFAS towards the establishment of the Diabetes Center and its ongoing prioritized programs dedicated to national welfare and healthcare, the commitment of medical personnel and local organizations as well as the state-of-the-art technology, facilities and equipment set up at the center are some of the major highlights of the presentation displayed at the auditorium of the Dasman Diabetes Center.

Finally, in a concluding ceremony, KFAS Director General, Professor Ali A. Al-Shamlan presented a souvenir to the Health Minister and to His Highness the Amir.

The inauguration of the Dasman Diabetes Center by the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, marks a unique event in the history of medical care, social welfare and national culture as it represents the index of scientific progress and technological development not only within a nation but also the region and the globe at large. 

A tour through Dasman Center for Research and Treatment of Diabetes

Research Directorate offers three comprehensive training courses on various water related issues
As KFAS conveys and encourages the latest improvement technologies on various water related issues, Water Resources Program at the Research Directorate offers three comprehensive training courses as given below:

• Thermal desalination processes: (9-20 September, 2006)

• Groundwater and artificial recharge: (9-13 September, 2006)

• Conventional and advanced treatment of wastewater: (16-20 September, 2006)

Objectives of the training courses

1. Provide theoretical basis and practical information to engineers and technicians who work in the field of desalination, wastewater plants and groundwater.

2. Develop and enhance the capability of the participants on handling problems related to operation and maintenance in distillation plants.

3. introduce up-to-date methods in desalination, wastewater treatment and artificial recharge of groundwater technologies to the participants.

Brochure / Registration Form

scientific conference entitled: "The Role of People with Special Needs in Building Information Society" under the slogan: "Information Perception - Special Needs People"
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), in cooperation with Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and other national associations are organizing a scientific conference entitled: "The Role of People with Special Needs in Building Information Society" under the slogan: "Information Perception - Special Needs People". KISR finds it vital to hold this conference to ensure a national view that recognizes the role of people with special needs in developing human civilization.

The conference also reflects the way Kuwait is committed towards different social categories in order to let them interact with the world of knowledge and information. Kuwait is intent on establishing a wide information society that gives each person an opportunity to gain the most required skills and knowledge that enables them to understand a society based on Information and Economy. The conference also highlights the idea of collaboration between different social categories and sectors.

Aiming for these objectives, the conference will be achieving a part of Tunisian's agenda issued within "The International Summit of Information Society". It will also promote the importance of Information and Telecommunication Technology among the different categories in a society, specifically people of special needs.

http://www.kisr.edu.kw/webpages/role/rolemain.htm
 

The passing away of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait

With great grief and sorrow the passing away of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away at dawn Sunday 15 of January 2006. A nation-wide mourning was declared by the the Amiri Diwan.

CONDOLENCES

Scientific Culture Department conducted a Training Course on "Finance for Non-Financials"

Symposia and Cultural Affairs from the Scientific Culture Department conducted a Training Course on "Finance for Non-Financials" at KFAS from 13 -16 November 2005. The total number of participants who attended were 29.

Scientific Culture Department conducted a Training Course on "Building, Operation, Transfer (B.O.T)"

Symposia and Cultural Affairs from the Scientific Culture Department conducted a Training Course on "Building, Operation, Transfer (B.O.T)" at KFAS from 27 -30 November 2005. The participants numbered were 34.

Guests from the Gulf Union of Cancer Prevention

KFAS has lately received the guest from the Gulf Union of Cancer Prevention, under the patronage of H.H The Prime Minister – Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The League consisted of:

• Sheikh Dr. Khalid Ben Jabr Al-thani, Chairman – Gulf for Cancer Prevention, state of Qatar.

• Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ben Torki, Chairman – Saudi Charity Society for care of cancer patients, Saudia Arabia.

• Dr. Khalid Ahmed Al-sabah, Secretary General – Gulf Union for Cancer Prevention, Head of Irradiancy and Tumors Departement, Conference Rapporteur – State of Kuwait.

• Dr. Adel Al-Asfour, Director, Hussein Makki Cancer Center.

• Dr. Basem Al-Horani, Sultanate of Oman.

• Dr. Abdul-Azem Hussein, State of Qatar.

• Dr. Mohamood Shahin Al-Ahwal – Saudi Arabia.