Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Al-Hattlani said: “This is not just a personal achievement, but a victory for Kuwait, the University of Kuwait, and all those who contributed to this success.”
In addition to being a professor, Dr. Al-Hattlani is the director of the Master of Forensic Sciences program at Kuwait University. She described the award as the result of many years of hard work, highlighting being one of three women from seven countries to receive the highly coveted distinction.
Regarding his contributions that led to this recognition, Dr. Al-Hattlani explained that his research teams have made significant advances in forensic chemistry. These include the analysis of drugs, medicines and toxins in saliva samples, blood serum and even certain drinks.
She also discussed their work on the analysis of fingerprints to detect the presence of narcotic substances or toxic metals, as well as to determine the characteristics of those from saliva or fingerprint samples, and the search for traces saliva on porous and non-porous surfaces. These studies, carried out using advanced laser techniques within the Department of Chemistry at Kuwait University, have had a significant impact in the field.
Addressing the role of this type of award in inspiring Kuwaiti scientists, Dr. Al-Hattlani stressed that receiving scientific awards constitutes an important recognition of the value of research and the impact of researchers in their field. “These awards provide psychological and moral support, motivating scientists to innovate and contribute,” she added.
She emphasized that winning in a competitive field reflects years of effort and dedication, encouraging the discovery of new ideas and methods conducive to scientific progress. The awards also promote collaboration between scientists and institutions in the Middle East, improving research efficiency and knowledge exchange. In addition, they draw attention to essential scientific issues, promoting evidence-based decision-making and paving the way for future advances.
Dr. Al-Hattlani also mentioned his Jaber Al-Ahmad Prize for Young Researchers in 2020, awarded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science. She clarified that this award requires demonstrating research and leadership capabilities, as well as the quality and impact of research both locally and internationally. She commented: “This victory was a real springboard for me and my team to continue to innovate”, while emphasizing that her research focused on the discovery of drugs and medicines using modern technologies.
On the subject of stimulating creativity in Kuwait, Dr. Al-Hattlani stressed the importance of increased support for scientific research. This includes funding impactful research aimed at solving local and global challenges, as well as providing financial resources to acquire advanced, often expensive, technologies and equipment.
She also highlighted the need for consistent funding throughout projects to cover the costs of essential chemicals, consumables and tools. A supportive environment that encourages scientific research and provides opportunities for recognition and achievement is also crucial, she mentioned.
Dr. Al-Hattlani expressed his gratitude to Kuwait University and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science for their role in his achievements. She also expressed hope for increased support from these and other institutions to achieve more goals in the future.
Looking to the future, Dr. Al-Hattlani said his goal remains to continue scientific research, present new projects, and increase scientific output through the publication of studies and participation in workshops. and specialized conferences.
She also shared her dream of establishing an integrated laboratory dedicated to forensic chemistry research, which would have cutting-edge technologies and serve as a center for specialists from around the world to acquire knowledge and expertise through Kuwait University.
It should be noted that the L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science is awarded 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.
Through the example of Dr. Al-Hattlani, we see how the recognition of research work can have a decisive impact on scientific development in less represented regions. This type of distinction is not limited to promoting a personal journey, but plays a catalytic role in mobilizing more resources around scientific research. In this sense, it is necessary to encourage institutions to actively support the ambitious projects of young researchers in order to promote a dynamic of collaboration and innovation which could turn research towards concrete solutions to contemporary issues, both local and global. .
Good to know: Support for scientific research is crucial to solving the challenges faced by modern societies, both locally and internationally. Increased emphasis on these initiatives could open up promising horizons for budding future scientists.
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