Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al-Sheikh emphasized that upgrading the quality of scientific research as well as the strength of its output and utilization of its results are an indicator that reflects the standard of scientific and economic development in the public and private sectors in light of the global competition. He made this statement while speaking at the ceremony to give away awards to faculties set up by presidents and rectors of universities and higher education institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at the premises of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in Riyadh on Wednesday. Lauding the institution of the award, Al-Sheikh said this qualitative initiative is a continuation of projects under higher education plans and to develop the horizons of scientific research, recognizing the importance of improving the quality of university education and linking its priorities to the objectives of development plans. In her speech, PNU Rector Prof. Einas Sulaiman Al-Eisa, who is also secretary general of the award, congratulated the winners the award and wish them more achievements and excellence. "The figures showed that nearly 20 percent of the budgetary allocations of some GCC countries are earmarked for education and this reflects the magnitude of our responsibilities towards education as well as for its issues, concerns and challenges. We look forward to the spaces of quality education, competitiveness, sustainability and ability to innovate in the time of knowledge economy," she said. The award, which is the first of its kind offered by presidents and rectors of universities and higher education institutions in the GCC to faculty members, is based on the objectives of the GCC with regard to dedication to scientific research in all fields, encouraging research and studies, and acknowledging the importance of the role assigned to higher education institutions in the GCC. Dr. Hatem Al-Marzouqi, deputy minister of education for universities, research and innovation, on behalf of minister of education, honored the award winners in each of its branches. In the branch of scientific research, Prof. Sulaiman Al-Khattaf, vice president of petrochemicals, technology and innovation research, was awarded the first prize while the second prize was bagged by Prof. Tariq Ahmed Abdul Qader Madani, consultant of internal medicine and infectious diseases, faculty of medicine, King Abdulaziz University, and the third prize won by Dr. Marwan Al-Harbi, professor of educational psychology department, University of Jeddah. In the branch of education, Dr. Naima Al Hosani, head of the department of geography and urban sustainability at the University of the United Arab Emirates, was awarded the first prize. The ceremony also included a video presentation about the university and another about the award. Deputy Minister Al-Marzouqi inaugurated an exhibition, which sheds light on the history and growth of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, held on the sidelines of the event. — SG
