KUWAIT, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is known worldwide for the scientific achievements over a span of 40 years since its establishment, placing Kuwait at the forefront in the field of science, said KISR's Acting Director General Dr. Nader Al-Awadhi on Tuesday.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the 40-year anniversary of the institution's establishment, he commended efforts of KISR's researchers who were participating in regional and international events.
The researchers, he said, published 66 research papers and presented 142 papers and 239 reports at events around the world. There were 15 patents registered by KISR in the US, UK, and Japan.
As for the annual research budget, he said it stood at USD 5.994 million or 73 percent of the total budget.
For his part, KISR's Assistant Director General Dr. Yousef Al-Sultan told KUNA the institution had contributed greatly to pushing the country's scientific movement forward over the past four decades, especially in relation to industry, energy, and natural resources.
He said KISR completed 108 projects at a total cost of KD 18.3 million, adding that KISR implemented its 2005-2010 plan with work underway in 150 researches, of which 60 were completed.
KISR was established in 1967 by the Arabian Oil Company Limited (Japan) in fulfillment of its obligations under the oil concession agreement with Kuwait. The Institute was established to carry out applied scientific research in three fields: petroleum, desert agriculture, and marine biology.
KISR was organized by an Amiri Decree in 1973, under which it became directly responsible, via its board of trustees, to Cabinet. The main objectives of the institute were to carry out applied scientific research, especially related to industry, energy, agriculture, and the national economy, to contribute to the economic and social development of the state, and to advise the Government on the country's scientific research policy.
By Muntaha Al-Fadhli
