Minister of Higher Education

Under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullahbin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdulaziz, scientific research has been a top priority undertaking on the agenda of the Saudi government. This has been repeatedly proven through the latter's support of various initiatives in this respect and through honoring a number of researchers.

The promotion of scientific research in order to keep up with the endeavors towards establishing a knowledge-based economy, constitutes a part of the overall objectives and strategic principles of the Eighth Developmental Plan (1425/1426 – 1429/1430 H). To this end, the Ministry of Higher Education has announced the start a program for establishment of Research Excellence initiative which includes the Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research. Such an initiative is geared to stimulate scientific research and technical development in a number of disciplines by providing support for the research undertakings that are already in progress as well as for the recently launched ones throughout Saudi universities. The ultimate objective is to highlight and strengthen the areas of excellence in these universities in order to crystallize them into leading academic research centers both nationally, regionally, as well internationally.

Khalidbin Mohammad Al Ankary
Minister of Higher Education

Rector of  King Saud University

The adoption of the Research Excellence Centers Program, including the Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, by the University is geared to help it achievs -through creativity and excellence -international leadership in various scientific disciplines. The ultimate objective in this respect is to help build a knowledge-based national economy, a goal in tune with the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz. Such programs will constitute the launching ground for the University's national scientific and creative potentials as well as a center of attraction for distinguished scholars in the various scientific disciplines.

The Research Excellence Centers Programs will also help establish cooperation ties with reputed universities worldwide in order to make use of their special expertise and experiences, underscore the Kingdom of Humanity's leading international role in the promotion of and support for science and scientists for their dedication in the service of mankind as well as help advance and develop scientific research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are hoping that such endeavors will earn the University an outstanding position in the fields of creativity and innovation and encourage all of its faculty members and students to keep up with the age of globalization era with all its developments and challenges. We are also hoping that King Saud University will some day achieve a competitive world-class status.

Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al Othman
Rector of King Saud University

Director of Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research

The opportunity of biotechnology around the globe has prompted the Saudi government to pursue further to become one of the world-class research countries in the globe. The Ministry of Higher Education in 2007 funded a program to establish centers for research of excellence. This has prompted King Saud University to start the program under the guidance of His Excellency, the Rector, Abdullah Al Othman.

We, at King Saud University take great pride in research programs. The Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research is now in full swing significantly in terms of research. Our investigators and scientists conduct cutting-edge and innovative technologies that would later benefits mankind. The center research support groups and education are the two components to facilitate technology transfer and to cover the major fields in biotechnology such as medical, pharmaceutical, environmental, plant and animal. These fields are the top priority of the center which is to be able to become recognize as a world class research center.

As the Center Director, I am hoping that under my leadership, we will attain our main objectives and aim to be the leading center in biotechnology research in the Middle East. Also, an International collaboration in biotechnology research is on the way for the benefit of our society as a whole.

Professor Omar Al-Attas

Director of CEBR