Recognizing Scientific Innovation… Winners from Morocco, China, Cyprus, Peru, and Namibia 

Five young scientists, including one from Morocco, have won the Al-Fozan–UNESCO International Prize, dedicated to promoting innovations in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It is the first prize of its kind within the United Nations organization. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hosted the official award ceremony on Friday at its headquarters in Paris, where the names of the winners were announced. The Al-Fozan–UNESCO Prize, launched in 2019 through a partnership between UNESCO and the Abdullah Al-Fozan Foundation of Saudi Arabia, is awarded biennially to five scientists representing the five UNESCO regions, with a total prize value of $250,000. 

The winners of the latest edition were selected across five key scientific disciplines, as follows: 

• Professor Lijing Cheng (China) – A professor at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, he has contributed to the development of ocean data analysis tools and led international research teams. His interests include ocean heat content, energy budgets, and climate science. 

• Dr. Mounia Laassiri (Morocco) – She holds a PhD from Mohammed V University and specializes in particle physics. Her work focuses on physical systems and international scientific collaboration. 

• Dr. Kyriaki Michailidou (Cyprus) – A PhD graduate of the University of Cambridge, she specializes in the genetic epidemiology of cancer. Her research centers on statistical analysis of genetic diseases, aiming to transform the understanding of complex illnesses. 

• Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza (Peru) – An environmental researcher focused on the Amazon and biodiversity conservation. She earned her PhD from the University of Michigan and works on integrating traditional knowledge with science, with the goal of transforming education into a tool for local development. 

• Ndawidika Molundileni (Namibia) – A scientist focused on environmental sciences. 

The award ceremony in Paris was held with high-level attendance, including: 

• Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih 

• Saudi Ambassador to France Fahd bin Maayouf Al-Ruwaili 

• Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Dr. Abdulilah bin Ali Al-Tokhais 

• The prize founder Abdullah bin Abdul Latif Al-Fozan 

From the UNESCO side, participants included: 

• Simona Mirela Miculescu, President of UNESCO's General Conference 

• Vera Khoury Lacoeuilhe, Chairperson of the Executive Board 

• Lidia Brito, UNESCO’s Deputy Director-General 

In addition, many ambassadors, media representatives, and delegates from the winners’ countries were in attendance. 

Dr. Abdulilah Al-Tokhais, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, stated: 

“This celebration is not only a moment to honor creative young scientists, but also reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vision and deep commitment to supporting innovation, education, and youth empowerment through a strong partnership with UNESCO and the pioneering initiative of the Abdullah Al-Fozan Foundation.” 

Abdullah Al-Fozan, the prize’s founder, expressed appreciation for the “exceptional partnership” between his country and the international organization: 

“To celebrate the scientists of the future and attract outstanding young researchers to become knowledge leaders and pioneers of tomorrow,” 
adding his gratitude to “everyone who contributed to the launch of this global award.” 

The prize is overseen by an international jury composed of five renowned experts in the STEM fields. In addition to honoring young scientists, the award aims to: 

• Promote the principle of “learning for work” 

• Equip youth with skills for future careers 

• Support international scientific collaboration 

• Spread science and technology knowledge globally 

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