KUWAIT CITY, Dec 14: Dr. Intisar Al-Hattlani, Professor of Chemistry at the College of Science at Kuwait University (KU), expressed her pride and honor on Friday after being named a recipient of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award 2024 under the regional Young Talents Program in the Middle East.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Al-Hattlani stated, "This is not just a personal achievement but a victory for Kuwait, Kuwait University, and everyone who contributed to this success."

Dr. Al-Hattlani, who also serves as Director of the Master of Forensic Sciences Program at Kuwait University, described the award as the culmination of years of dedicated work. She highlighted the prestige of being one of three women across seven countries to receive this highly competitive and esteemed award.

Regarding her contributions that led to this recognition, Dr. Al-Hattlani explained that she and her research teams have made significant advancements in forensic chemistry. These include analyzing drugs, medications, and toxins to detect them in saliva and blood serum samples, as well as in certain beverages.

She also noted their work in analyzing fingerprints to identify the presence of narcotic substances or toxic metals, determining characteristics of saliva or fingerprint sample donors, and detecting traces of saliva on porous and non-porous surfaces. These studies were conducted using advanced laser techniques in the Chemistry Department at Kuwait University and have had a substantial impact in the field.

Discussing the role of such awards in inspiring Kuwaiti scientists, Dr. Al-Hattlani said that receiving scientific awards is a significant acknowledgment of the value of research and the researcher’s impact in their field. "These awards provide psychological and moral support, motivating scientists to continue innovating and contributing," she added.

She emphasized that winning in a competitive field reflects years of effort and dedication, encouraging the discovery of new ideas and methods that contribute to scientific progress. Awards also foster collaboration among scientists and institutions across the Middle East, enhancing research effectiveness and knowledge exchange. Additionally, they draw attention to critical scientific issues, supporting evidence-based decision-making and paving the way for future advancements.

Dr. Al-Hattlani also recalled winning the Jaber Al-Ahmad Award for Young Researchers in 2020, granted by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences. She noted that this award requires demonstrating research and leadership capabilities, as well as the quality and impact of research at both local and international levels. She remarked, "This victory gave me and my team a strong push to continue innovating," adding that her research focused on discovering drugs and medications using modern technologies.

Regarding fostering creativity in Kuwait, Dr. Al-Hattlani stressed the importance of increased support for scientific research. This includes funding impactful research that addresses local and global challenges, as well as providing financial resources to acquire advanced technologies and equipment, which are often expensive.

She further highlighted the need for consistent funding throughout project durations to cover costs such as chemicals, consumables, and essential tools. A supportive environment that encourages scientific research and offers opportunities for recognition and achievement is also crucial, she said.

Dr. Al-Hattlani expressed her gratitude to Kuwait University and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences for their roles in her accomplishments. She also expressed hope for increased support from these and other institutions to achieve more goals and aspirations in the future.

Looking ahead, Dr. Al-Hattlani said her focus remains on continuing scientific research, presenting new projects, and increasing scientific output through publishing studies and participating in specialized workshops and conferences.

She also shared her dream of establishing an integrated laboratory dedicated to forensic chemistry research. This facility would feature state-of-the-art technologies and serve as a hub for specialists from around the world to acquire knowledge and expertise through Kuwait University.

It is worth noting that the L'Oréal-UNESCO International Award for Women in Science is presented annually to outstanding female scientists from five global regions: Africa and the Middle East, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe