Dr. Al-Raqam's historic AEE selection highlights Kuwaiti women's role in energy

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced on Monday that Dr. Fattouh Al-Raqam, a Kuwaiti scientific researcher, has been selected by the American Society of Energy Engineers (AEE) as one of the world’s elite senior energy scientists and engineers. Dr. Al-Raqam is the first Arab woman to achieve this distinguished status.

The institute's press statement highlighted that Dr. Al-Raqam’s inclusion among the senior scientists represents an international milestone for Kuwait, enhancing its global standing in the energy sector and showcasing the pioneering role of Kuwaiti women in this field.

According to the institute, joining this elite group requires meeting specific criteria, including having at least 20 years of achievements in energy management, receiving awards and certificates of appreciation, and publishing scientific papers and patents. Candidates are nominated by members, and their qualifications are reviewed by a committee before a final vote is held.

This year’s selection process involved 12 candidates, with Dr. Al-Raqam emerging as the winner. Her election reflects a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in energy management and efficiency.

Dr. Al-Raqam holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Her expertise includes energy conservation, air conditioning, and hydrogen production. She has supervised numerous significant research projects and is internationally recognized for her work in energy auditing. Dr. Al-Raqam also founded and chairs the American Society of Energy Engineers branch in Kuwait and serves as the Assistant Director of International Development for the Middle East Region in the Society.

Among her notable accolades are the Emirates Energy Award, the Distinguished Arab Engineer Award from the Federation of Arab Engineers, and the International Professional Development Award from the Society of Energy Engineers in the United States.