In the Presence and under the patronage of the University Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, Prof. Hamid bin Majdou’ Al-Qarni, King Khalid University, represented by the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies, organized the Research Awards Ceremony for 1445H, at the Exhibition and Conference Center in Al-Fara’a

Acting President of the University, Prof. Saad bin Mohammad bin Dajam expressed his pride and joy with the university’s research outputs, in addition to the strong connection between the outputs and the University’s Strategy 2030 objectives, in line with the Asir Development Strategy. He explained how these efforts are setting up a trail of success for the university and thanked the working team for their hard work.

On his part, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. Mohammad bin Yahya Abu-Dahama, welcomed the attendees, noting that the ceremony is a testament to the sheer academic dedication and the deanship’s appreciation for the researchers’ efforts. He pointed out that research is a main pillar for all universities, and that the deanship is always aiming to build a knowledge-based community, capable of facing future challenges and finding innovative solutions.

Abu-Dahma added that the university believes that research investment is an investment for the students of the future, as these achievements are a result of the hard and continuous efforts done by the researchers. He extended his gratitude to the Acting President of the University, the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, and all the supporting and contributing entities who helped the university reach this achievement.

The Vice Dean of the Deanship of Research, Graduate Studies, and Innovation, Dr. Mohammad bin Saeed Al-Qahtani, delivered a presentation that highlighted the growing productivity of research, skyrocketing 276% during the past five years (2019-2023)in addition to scientific quotations, which rose about 280% during the same period. Al-Qahtani pointed out that research performance of the university has reached exceptional milestones in the top 25% scientific journals, as publishing in these journals reached 63% during 2023. As well as rising publishing rates on highly prolific top 1%, 5%, and 10% platforms.

Al-Qahtani also pointed out that the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Research ranked the top five research priorities according to the strategy of research, development, and innovation, three of which have been implemented (Life and Health Sciences, output rose by 480%), (Environment and Agriculture, output rose by 2000%). He added that tourism, hospitality, defense, and security were other notable research priorities.

To conclude the ceremony, the Acting President honored the winners of the Research Awards and the panel of judges.