RIYADH, 27 August 2025 — Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by its Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research and its Scientific Council, is preparing to launch the "First Saudi Forum for Scientific Councils" under the theme "Scientific Councils: From Reality to Contemporary Challenges," on Thursday, 11 September 2025, at the university's Conference and Symposia Center.

In its first edition, the forum serves as a national platform for strengthening the role of scientific councils in supporting higher education, seeking to analyze the current situation, exchange expertise and look ahead to the future, achieving academic and research excellence for faculty members and helping activate partnerships between Saudi universities, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in scientific research, innovation and sustainable development.

The forum is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants from university leaderships, research and scientific institutions, alongside a select group of experts and those interested in academic affairs, to discuss pivotal topics including:

  • The role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in developing the working mechanisms of scientific councils.
  • Governance and empowering women's competencies in scientific councils.
  • The future of medical and research fellowship programs.
  • A review of successful experiences and shared challenges facing scientific councils.

The forum's program includes scientific sessions, specialized workshops, individual advisory sessions, and a scientific poster display, in addition to an accompanying exhibition with the participation of universities and government and private institutions to introduce the roles and services of scientific councils.

Dr. Jamila Al-Otaibi, Secretary of the Scientific Council at the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, affirmed that the forum represents a strategic platform for uniting efforts and exchanging views on developing academic policies, noting that organizing this event reflects Princess Nourah University's pioneering standing and strengthens the role of scientific councils in academic decision-making.

The forum comes as part of the university's efforts to achieve the goals of its 2025 strategic plan, which focuses on strengthening the research, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Registration for the forum is available through the university's official events page.