©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Possibilities. Potential. Progress. Global Research Council Annual Meeting MENA Region Representative Speaker: Professor Ahmad Bishara, Deputy Director General, KFAS, Kuwait May 2015, Tokyo, Japan

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Representatives of GRC MENA Region

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences GRC MENA REGIONAL MEETING The GRC MENA Regional Meeting was held on November 9-10, 2014 at KFAS, attended by 22 senior officials/representatives from 11 countries in the MENA region, USA, Germany and Japan. The meeting focused on enhancing strong collaboration between regional research institutions, addressing issues of common interests in terms of research capacity building, recognizing potential scientific research for prospective networking and exchange mechanisms for optimal practices. The main objectives of the meeting were to address the following: –Research Funding for Scientific Breakthroughs –Building research and educational capacities –Regional research issues and challenges

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences GRC MENA REGIONAL MEETING November 9 th -10 th 2014 KFAS Headquarters 14/04/2015 Name of presentation 4

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Building Research and Educational Capacities: Challenges and Opportunities Based on the recommendation of GRC MENA Regional Meeting, the following Challenges/Opportunities/Progress were identified Progress (how to address?) Potential (what is it?) Possibilitie s (what are they?)

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 1: Developing a scientifically cohesive structure and creating linkages between scientific researchers and policy makers

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 1: Developing a scientifically cohesive structure and creating linkages between scientific researchers and policy makers Potential: * Developing Network Cloud * MOUs * Agreements Progress: * Establish Science Policy * Strengthen Linkages between Scientists and Policy Makers Possibilities: * More integrated and adequate regional networking platform

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 2: Building a strong foundation in basic sciences and mathematics education

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 2: Building a strong foundation in basic sciences and mathematics education Potential : Identifying strengths and weaknesses of educational systems for improvement Progress : Integrate educational curriculums and advocate basic sciences and math education Possibilities : Have an adequate educational curriculum

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 3: Set an ideal framework for mutual exchange of knowledge/technology/s kills

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 3: Set an ideal framework for mutual exchange of knowledge/technology/skills Potential: * Identifying Centers of Excellence and disseminate information Progress: Prominent regional research groups and utilization of resources Possibilities: *Remote Access to Labs *Collaborative/ Joint Research Activities

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 4: Public engagement in science and technology

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 4: Public engagement in science and technology Potential: Identify Technology Parks and Science ‘Edutainment’ Centers Progress: Emphasize the Role of Science and Technology Possibilities: Develop Outreach Programs for community

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 5: Boost Innovation and Competitiveness

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Challenge 5: Boost Innovation and Competitiveness Potential: Identify Research Centers and Research Parks Progress: Young Scientists to be involved while enabling them to cross-over from an academic setting to research-based career Possibilities: *R&D Private Sector, *Gifted and Young Scientists

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

A Word on KFAS KFAS, a private non-profit organization, chaired by His Highness, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, was established in The mission of KFAS is to “Stimulate, support, and invest in initiatives and human resources that contribute to the building of a strong STI (Science, Technology and Innovation) system and culture and fostering an enabling environment.”

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences What does KFAS advocate? KFAS, as the premiere leading national organization for promoting the research funding culture and supporting the advancement of science, technology and innovation, is positioned to act as a positive catalyst to trigger effective growth in knowledge (science) and technology. KFAS wishes to act as a major agent of change that supports and engages with future sustainability leaders (scientists, researchers, academicians and youth) and enable the private, public and NGO partners to utilize the useful research outcomes to accelerate developmental changes.

©Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences KFAS’ Global Role Through its mission, KFAS aspires to direct greater concerted efforts to associate regional like-minded communities (research funding agencies) to establish a stronger and wider global presence and enhanced national and regional development.