KISR Director General’s Speech

Scientific research and innovation are crucial for facilitating the transition from an oil-based national economy to a knowledge-based economy, offering opportunities to diversify sources of income and ensure sustainability. Applied scientific research, in particular, plays a vital role in helping institutions and sectors—industrial, productive, service, environmental, and business—to find specific realistic solutions that enhance productivity and improve quality. Over nearly six decades, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has made significant and impactful contributions in both areas. Today, KISR seeks a renewed role in strengthening national renaissance, aligning with the vision of political leadership, to enhance the country’s progress and vitality.

KISR considers these factors and others as it prepares to formulate its tenth strategic plan (2025–2030). The institute is committed to keeping pace with the developmental leaps in knowledge, technology, and innovation worldwide, while defining a pivotal role for KISR in aligning with the goals of Kuwait Vision 2035. The plan aims to enhance the alignment with the priorities of Kuwait’s economic, productive, and development sectors, strengthen collaborations with international universities and research centers, and achieving joint projects with them.

KISR’s strategic plans serve as the primary mechanism for achieving its goals and fulfilling its tasks. With a rich history in this regard, KISR stands as one of the oldest national institutions to adopt strategic planning, a practice it initiated about half a century ago, its first five-year plan covering the years 1978–1984. Over the course of its eight previous plans, KISR has successfully completed hundreds of research projects addressing the requirements of the economic and production sectors across various fields, most notably oil, water, energy, technology, economics, the environment, and natural and life resources. These achievements have earned KISR widespread recognition internationally and prestigious regional and international awards.

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, poised to embark on a new phase of impactful contributions to Kuwait’s development, recognizes that fostering Kuwait’s growth is both a primary goal and foundation of its work. This commitment requires collective dedication and a pursuit of excellence from all.

Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan

Acting Director General