Vienna: Director General of Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research Dr. Faisal Salman Al-Humaidan declared on Thursday that KISR has been re-designated as a center cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for addressing marine and coastal pollution for the 2025-2028 period. This re-designation was announced during the IAEA 69th conference, currently held in Vienna.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Humaidan stated that a relevant agreement, signed at the IAEA headquarters, establishes an official cooperation framework. This framework focuses on updating scientific research, innovating monitoring devices, and building regional capabilities to combat marine pollution. This development follows years of collaboration between KISR's scientists and the agency, with KISR playing a pivotal role in the "Plastics NUTEC" initiative, which aims to boost isotopes and develop radiation technology for recycling plastic waste.
Al-Humaidan emphasized that KISR's contributions extend beyond data provision, including developing tools and criteria to facilitate communication and integration within the international scientific community. He noted that KISR's re-designation reflects Kuwait's leading role in environmental sciences and commitment to regional cooperation. KISR has also developed standard references for nanoplastics used by the IAEA and has contributed to developing unified protocols for extracting nanoplastics from complex specimens like sand and living creatures.
Moreover, Al-Humaidan mentioned that the center would host training sessions for scientists from Asia, the Pacific, and globally to facilitate knowledge transfer and advanced technology in environmental evaluation. He expressed that the re-appointment of KISR as a cooperative center with the IAEA is a source of pride for Kuwait.
Al-Humaidan praised the efforts of former national liaison officer, Dr. Nader Al-Awadi, as well as the current officer. He conveyed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kuwait permanent representative to the UN in Vienna, Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam, and the embassy staff for enhancing cooperation with the IAEA. These achievements are supported by the political leadership, including Their Highnesses the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister.