Riyadh Governor Sponsors KSU Scientific Research Support Fund Opening Ceremony

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh region, sponsored today the opening ceremony of KSU Research Support Fund at King Saud University.

"This occasion is different; it is an interact step with our country in every matter especially in the scientific research field. We appreciate and pride to all those who stand with KSU scientific journey which we hope to achieve and excel. Actually participating in KSU Research Support Fund is a national duty", His Highness said.

His Highness urged business men and women to support KSU Research Support Fund, which plays an important role in serving the university. "We look forward to make King Saud University in a high level in all forums, and we appreciate every contribution. I will submit to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who gives this university a great attention a report about every achievement resulting from this meeting. In addition, any communication with the university will be extended in the future to KSU Research Support Fund, which is the starting point to reach high level of education and sound scientific assessment in different fields. This can be done with your effort and support", he said.

Dr. Badran Al Omar, Rector of King Saud University, launched today KSU Scientific Research Support Fund, which is a qualitative initiative at the university level. The initiative comes in line with the National Transformation Program "2020" and to achieve the ambitious goals of “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030”.  This initiative targets the contributions of individuals and the private sector to fund research projects of national priority, and registers patents in which KSU has set a record of 285 patents, which made the university among the best (100) universities in the world. The establishment of this fund will undoubtedly increase the University's excellence and increase the numbers of its achievements.

He further added, "Active countries are aware of the importance of scientific research to boost development. Perhaps one of the earliest signs of this interest in research dates back more than four hundred years when in 1660, Britain has established (the Royal Society) to act as a scientific adviser to the British government, then followed by France and Sweden in 1730“. This confirms that scientific research is a major component in advancement and development of countries in regards to political and economic constructions. It is a constructive pillar, a condition for success, a hallmark of excellence and a foundation for the present and future development. And our wise government is not far from this trend as it generously supports the education system and higher education. Moreover, King Saud University has adopted this approach and is expeditiously developing a strategic plan for scientific research in line with the comprehensive development plans implemented by the Kingdom. This plan shall focus establishing a creative system that leads to innovation and excellence in addition to providing an environment conducive to scientific research while building abundant research capacities of national importance and strong commitment to research ethics."

In addition, the Executive Director of the fund, Dr. Roshoud Alkherayef, pointed out that achieving economic prosperity requires high competitive capabilities at the international level through innovation and scientific production. Dr. Alkherayef stated that the Kingdom is one of the top forty countries in the funding of research and development, but the percentage is still lower compared to developed countries.

He also said that the Kingdom produces one-third of the total research published in the Arab countries combined, and that King Saud University has published around 4000 researches in 2016 thus exceeding that of all universities in the Kingdom and Arab countries. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers and Chairman of the Board of Riyadh Chamber, Eng. Ahmed Alrajhi has pointed to the areas of partnership between universities and the private sector and indicated that they are broad and require real investment, noting that there is confidence in the Saudi universities and their ability to make change. 

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