In line with the directives of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, to strengthen cooperation with leading Arab institutions and organizations sharing common interests, Dr. Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, Director of Science and Scientific Research, represented the Organization in the high-level panel discussions held as part of the Regional Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC).
The meeting was hosted and organized by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) in the State of Kuwait from November 2 to 4, 2026.
In his remarks, Dr. Abu Darwish highlighted the current state of curiosity-driven research in Arab countries, particularly at Arab universities and research institutions, as well as the mechanisms that could help stimulate and promote this type of scientific research. He emphasized that applied research is also an urgent necessity and can complement curiosity-driven research. He called on researchers to prioritize studies and research projects that offer practical solutions to the challenges facing Arab countries and help decision-makers take informed action based on sound scientific evidence.
He also highlighted the importance of adopting measures to encourage scientific research in Arab universities and research institutions, stressing that its purpose should not be limited to academic promotion or publication in scientific journals. Rather, scientific research should primarily seek to disseminate and share knowledge so that it can be built upon and further developed. It should also contribute to enriching and advancing human knowledge, explaining phenomena through rigorous scientific methodologies, developing actionable solutions to current challenges, and anticipating future developments.
In this context, Dr. Abu Darwish highlighted ALECSO’s ongoing efforts to formulate science policies, support scientific research, foster entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthen scientific and research capacities across Arab countries, and promote the exchange of expertise through the various activities and initiatives implemented by the Organization across the Arab world.
The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) is one of the leading Arab institutions dedicated to advancing science and scientific research in Kuwait and throughout the Arab world. It offers a wide range of distinguished programmes, projects, and activities, and is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its establishment.
The Global Research Council (GRC), for its part, is an international organization bringing together the heads of science and engineering research funding agencies. Its mission is to strengthen multilateral research cooperation and foster the exchange of data and best practices.
