Biotechnology plays a crucial and effective role in our lives since it provides us constantly with ample opportunity to break new grounds of knowledge for the common good of mankind. Indeed, biotechnology assumes the tasks of providing food and developing its quality, minimizing threats to the environment, and improving public health standards. Such opportunities have created incentive for governments worldwide to invest in biotechnological research. The Saudi government has long realized the strategic importance of promoting biotechnology and has therefore made it an essential part of its National Plan for Scientific and Technological Development.

The Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia has set up and funded programs geared to create centers of research excellence at Saudi universities as part of its endeavors to boost scientific research and encourage distinguished progress in the field of technology. Therefore, a center of excellence in biotechnology research has been established at King Saud University at a total cost of 45 million Saudi Riyals in order to provide support for biotechnology research teams in the fields of agricultural sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and the environment.