RIYADH, 19 October 2003 — A new national research center for the promotion of mathematics and physics opened at King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) here yesterday.
The National Center for Mathematics and Physics is the first in a series of planned centers that KACST will set up to promote scientific research. It was inaugurated by Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Hashim Yamani.
The minister, who holds a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University, said: “This confirms the belief of one of my American friends who professes to be an expert on Saudi Arabia. He says that if you push for something long enough in the Kingdom, it eventually happens.”
Dr. Yamani said the center will go a long way in producing the next generation of Saudi physicists.
In reply to a question about the low priority accorded to research and development in the Kingdom, Dr. Yamani said that the situation was more or less the same in all developing countries. “It is very important that the Arab world in general and Saudi Arabia in particular realize that technology is a key factor in guaranteeing a bright future. More and more students must be encouraged to pursue higher studies in physics and mathematics.”
Dr. Saleh Al-Athel, president of KACST, said the center would promote world-class research in mathematics and physics. Among its objectives are to facilitate interface with various Saudi universities and institutions as well as with other scholars all over the world.
“The center will sponsor national contests in mathematics and physics in collaboration with the Ministry of Education,” Dr. Al-Athel said.
According to Dr. Muhammad Al-Suwayyel, vice president of KACST for research institutes, the center’s activities will have to be accommodated within its existing annual budget of SR300 million.
Asked if the grant was adequate to promote research and development, Dr. Al-Suwayyel said no amount was adequate. He added that the private sector was cooperating with KACST by providing 15 percent of the annual research grant.
Dr. Ali Al-Hajry, president of Saudi Physical Society, said the National Center for Mathematics and Physics would be followed by other research centers. “The society is concerned with promoting cooperation between physics researchers both inside and outside the Kingdom.”
