Speakers

Sabah Hassan AlMomin

Place of Birth : Kuwait
Born : 1956
Position : Senior Research Scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Vice President of TWAS for the Arab Partner (AREP)
Field of study : Genetic Engineering, Diagnostics, Biosafety and Biosecurity, Management, Capacity Building

Dr. Sabah AlMomin is a pioneering molecular biologist and environmental biotechnologist, internationally recognized for her significant leadership in scientific research, biosafety policy, and innovation throughout the Arab region. As a Senior Research Scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), she has been instrumental in advancing molecular diagnostics and sustainable environmental technologies. Holding a Ph.D. in Genetic Engineering from the University of Surrey (UK), she has led the development of Kuwait's biotechnology infrastructure, including establishing the National Biotechnology Center. Her early work on PCR-based detection of Brucella bacterial species was a notable breakthrough in the Middle East. Her research extends to areas such as metagenomic profiling, marine microbial diversity, and the development of genetically engineered plants for phytoremediation. Currently, she is leading a national project focused on creating a carbon capture and algal bioeconomy facility. Dr. AlMomin also serves as Vice President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the Arab Region and is Kuwait’s Governor and Liaison Officer to the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). A dedicated advocate for women in STEM, her career is defined by her commitment to research excellence, impactful policy contributions, and mentorship of future scientific leaders in the Global South.

• Ph.D. in Genetic Engineering: University of Surrey, UK

• Senior Research Scientist, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) (Present)
• Vice President, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the Arab Region
• Governor and Liaison Officer to the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
• Led the development of the National Biotechnology Center in Kuwait
• Led the development of the region's first embryo transfer and DNA manipulation facilities for livestock
• Pioneered PCR-based detection of Brucella bacterial species

• Environmental & Molecular Biotechnology
• Metagenomics of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soils
• Algal Bioeconomy and Carbon Utilization
• Transgenic Plants for Phytoremediation
• Animal Population Genetics and DNA Fingerprinting
• Food Safety and Natural Antimicrobials
• Biosafety and Biosecurity Policy