2024

The winner of Almarai Prize

International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

for its international project

"Enhancing Food Security in Arab Countries"

Almarai

20 Years of Celebrating Innovation

Prize

KACST

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Who We Are

Almarai is a publicly traded joint-stock company based in Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 1977 by HH Prince Sultan bin Mohammed. Over the years, the company has grown to become the largest food and beverage manufacturer and distributor in the Middle East, and the world's largest vertically integrated dairy company.

In 2001, Almarai partnered with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to establish "Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity." The prize aimed to recognize the achievements of distinguished national researchers in research, development, and innovation and to support the national scientific and innovation communities.

To align with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the adoption of the four national priorities for R&D and innovation, Almarai and KACST have revamped the prize to introduced a new international prize called the "Almarai Prize." This prize is focused on "food security in dryland regions" and is open to scientists from around the globe, to become one of the world's largest awards in this field and help Almarai company to continue playing its vital role in ensuring the future of humanity “ Caring for People ".

Founder of Almarai Company

Prize Overview

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The primary aim of the Almarai Prize is to honor exceptional researchers who have produced significant and transformative scientific contributions with both cognitive and economic ramifications within the realm of food security in dryland regions. These contributions align with the Kingdom’s "National Aspirations and Priorities for RDI", emphasizing its commitment to Sustainable Environment and Supply of Essential Needs.

Objectives of the Prize:

Encouraging and providing support for researchers to engage in research aligned with the national priorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation sector, focusing on environmental sustainability and the provision of essential needs.
Enhancing the Kingdom’s standing and progress in food security benchmarks by honoring scientific research and innovations within this field of interest.
Spotlighting pioneering international efforts in the specialized field of food security in dryland regions and the potential for partners to leverage these advancements in advancing their own endeavors.
Educating future generations about distinguished research and innovations within the Prize’s specified field, thereby inspiring their involvement in research, development, and innovation in the realm of food security.

Prize Overview

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Prize Field

The field of the Prize is related to food security in dryland regions.

Target Group

The Prize is intended for highly specialized researchers and scientists holding doctoral degrees who have accomplished noteworthy scientific and practical achievements on an international scale within the field addressed by the Prize.

Prize Value

The Prize is valued at five hundred thousand US dollars ($500,000). It is granted to a single winner. In exceptional circumstances where multiple researchers (not exceeding three researchers per nominated work) have contributed to the work and their essential roles are demonstrated, the Prize will be divided equally among them.

Prize Cycle

The Prize shall be held once every two years.

Board of Trustees

H.E Dr. Munir Eldesouki

KACST President

Chairman of the Board

HH Prince Naif Al Saud

Almarai Board Chairman

Vice Chairman of the Board

Prof. Abdulaziz Almalik

Deputy Minister for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia

Board Member

Mr. Abdullah Al Bader

Almarai CEO

Board Member

Prof. Hani Choudhry

Vice Governor for Research Grants and National Programs, Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA)

Board Member

Prof. Omar Yaghi

Professor of Chemistry/University of California, Berkeley

Board Member

Prof. Joel Cuello

Professor of Biosystems Engineering/The University of Arizona, USA

Board Member

Prof. Rod Wing

Director of the Centre for Desert Agriculture/ King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, Saudi Arabia.

Board Member

Mr. Abdullah Alkhaled

KACST

Board Member / Secretary

The Prize is valued at five hundred thousand US dollars

$500,000

It is granted to a single winner. In exceptional circumstances where multiple researchers (not exceeding three researchers per nominated work) have contributed to the work and their essential roles are demonstrated, the Prize will be divided equally among them.