Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Award Celebrates Young Arab Scientists

The Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Young Scientists Award has emerged as a significant platform for recognizing groundbreaking scientific research that supports sustainable development in the Arab world. This prestigious award, which focuses on the fields of circular economy, renewable energy, and green chemistry, was officially announced during the opening session of the 57th General Conference of the Association of Arab Universities. Held at the International University of Science and Technology in Kuwait, the event brought together prominent figures from academia and scientific research from across the Arab world.

The award ceremony serves as a vital catalyst for promoting youth involvement in science, fostering collaboration among universities, and enhancing the contribution of young researchers to global sustainability efforts. This year’s edition, held in the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt, and Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, also marked the recognition of exceptional projects that could potentially transform regional and global environmental practices.

Celebrating Excellence in Research

The Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Young Scientists Award is granted in three key categories: circular economy, renewable energy, and green chemistry. These categories were chosen to reflect the region’s pressing need to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

The first prize in the circular economy category was awarded to Professor Dr. Heba Salah Hamed from Ain Shams University in Egypt. Dr. Hamed’s research contributed to advancing the principles of resource efficiency and waste reduction, which are essential in transitioning to a more sustainable, circular economic model.

In the renewable energy category, the first prize went to a project led by Professor Dr. Maher Al-Jaabari, researcher Raghad Mubarak, and researcher Dana Al-Jaabari from Palestine Polytechnic University. Their work aims to revolutionize renewable energy solutions in the region, providing an innovative approach to energy generation that can be deployed in the context of both local and international needs. Additionally, the second prize in this category, valued at $7,500, was awarded to researchers Mohamed Nasser Nafeh and Hamdy Hassan from Zagazig University in Egypt. Their project, which focused on improving energy efficiency through innovative renewable energy systems, was also highly commended by the judging panel.

In the green chemistry category, the first prize of $15,000 was awarded to Professor Dr. Wael Dagher from Damascus University in Syria. His research has explored ways to enhance sustainable practices in chemical engineering, particularly focusing on the development of environmentally friendly chemical processes that can be scaled up for industrial use.

Moreover, the second prize of $7,500 in the green chemistry category went to researcher Dalia Hamed Amer from Badr University in Egypt, who has worked on optimizing chemical processes that reduce harmful environmental impacts and improve sustainability in chemical industries.

Pioneering Contributions to Sustainable Development

The Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Young Scientists Award not only recognizes academic excellence but also aims to bridge the gap between innovative research and real-world application. The prestigious prizes, including monetary awards, reflect the importance of investing in young scientists who are working to shape a greener and more sustainable future.

During his speech at the opening session, Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Investment Group, emphasized the significant role that young scientists play in shaping the future. He expressed immense pride in the achievements of the award recipients, acknowledging their tireless efforts to push the boundaries of research in the key areas of circular economy, renewable energy, and green chemistry. Lootah highlighted the remarkable level of engagement from the scientific community in the Arab world and reiterated the importance of supporting such efforts for the long-term benefit of the region.

“The success of this award is a testament to the power of scientific collaboration and innovation. It reflects the vision of the UAE, which has long been committed to advancing sustainability goals and supporting young scientists who are poised to lead the charge toward achieving a sustainable future,” said Lootah. He further noted that the UAE’s efforts in promoting scientific research align with the country’s long-term vision, particularly the Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development across the nation.

A Catalyst for Future Innovation

The Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Young Scientists Award was officially launched in December 2023 as a joint initiative between the Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Investment Group and the Association of Arab Universities. With an overarching goal to promote research, education, and international collaboration in vital fields like circular economy, renewable energy, and green chemistry, the award is an invaluable opportunity for young Arab scientists to gain global recognition and support for their work.

The award is granted every two years and targets students and recent graduates from member universities of the Association of Arab Universities. With a total prize value of Dhs250,000, the award not only serves to recognize and reward exceptional young researchers but also acts as an incentive to encourage more young people to pursue careers in science and innovation.

The award’s comprehensive focus on sustainability is aimed at driving forward the development of initiatives that can lead to concrete, impactful changes in society. It highlights the importance of fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship, essential elements in achieving sustainable economic growth in the Arab region and beyond.

Looking Ahead

While the winners were officially announced at the opening session of the conference, a special awards ceremony will be held in Dubai to formally present the prizes and recognize the recipients and their respective university presidents. The event will serve as a significant occasion to celebrate the accomplishments of these young innovators, providing them with the visibility and recognition they deserve.

In addition to honoring the top prize winners, the awards ceremony will also acknowledge several outstanding projects from the UAE. These projects, which were submitted by researchers from local institutions, were considered particularly noteworthy for their potential to contribute to sustainable development in the region.

A Collaborative Vision for a Sustainable Future

The launch of the Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Young Scientists Award marks the beginning of a new era of scientific collaboration and innovation in the Arab world. By emphasizing the importance of sustainability and the role of young scientists in achieving these goals, the award provides a platform for future leaders in research and innovation to make meaningful contributions to solving the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Through its continued support for young talent, the Yousef Bin Saeed Lootah Young Scientists Award seeks to inspire future generations of scientists to continue their pursuit of innovative solutions for a more sustainable world.