In the ongoing pursuit of enhancing scientific research and academic cooperation at both local and international levels

Under the patronage of the President of Kuwait University, Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem, and with the support of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), Kuwait University—through its College of Life Sciences—opened the 4th Kuwait International Conference on Life Sciences (KICLS) on Tuesday morning, 11 November 2025, at the Conference Centre of Sabah Al-Salem University City – Al-Shadadiya, running through 12 November 2025. In attendance were the Vice President for Academic Support Services, Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Al-Mutawa, representing the President of Kuwait University; Acting Dean of the College of Life Sciences, Prof. Ahmad Rashid Al-Lafi; the Head of the Organizing Committee of the conference, Prof. Kassem Saleh; together with several university leaders, guests, students, researchers, and other interested parties.

At the Onset, the conference Master of Ceremony, Dr. Sheikha Al-Khudher, academic staff member in the Department of Information Sciences at the College of Life Sciences, welcomed the audience, saying: “It gives me great pleasure and honor to welcome you all to the 4th International Conference on Life Sciences, organized by the College of Life Sciences at Kuwait University, in alignment with its continuous endeavor to enhance scientific research and academic cooperation both locally and internationally.” She pointed out that this conference embodies Kuwait University’s steadfast commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, and its deep belief that advancement in life sciences is a fundamental pillar for human health and societal prosperity.

She extended her thanks to Kuwait University President Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem for her ongoing support of the university’s journey towards scientific excellence and distinction. She also thanked KFAS, the official sponsor of the conference, for its generous support of research initiatives, and its pioneering role in empowering researchers and enhancing the culture of innovation in our country. She further expressed her gratitude to the Organizing Committee, headed by Prof. Kassem Saleh, for their outstanding efforts.

In turn, Acting Dean of the College of Life Sciences, Prof. Ahmad Rashid Al-Lafi, remarked that academic conferences are not merely platforms for presenting research, but are spaces for dialogue, for exchanging expertise, and for building bridges of collaboration between researchers and institutions across disciplines and countries. From the heart of discussion innovation is born, and from the convergence of ideas solutions are made. He further expressed: “Your presence today is evidence of your belief in the importance of science in building the future. Here at the College of Life Sciences, we take pride in hosting this distinguished scientific event, which we hope will yield new ideas and fruitful research partnerships.”

In closing his remarks, he expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the Organizing Committee for their major efforts, to the speakers and researchers for their valuable contributions, and to everyone for their attendance and participation.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Kassem Saleh, pointed out that this year’s conference carries the theme “Towards Resilience and Sustainability through Innovation”. He noted that approximately 65 oral presentations and 60 poster presentations have been approved, covering the four tracks of the conference. He added that researchers from 20 countries worldwide contributed to the conception of the approved papers, and that the scientific program includes 12 keynote and invited speakers from Canada, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait, in addition to three workshops that address arising and important topics. The approved presentations and papers are distributed across four parallel tracks: Environmental Sciences; Food Science & Nutrition; Communication Sciences & Disorders; and Information Science & Artificial Intelligence. He also took the opportunite to wish colleagues from abroad a pleasant and fruitful stay in Kuwait.

He extended his sincere thanks to Kuwait University President Prof. Dina Musaed Al-Mailem for her support and sponsorship of the conference, as well as to KFAS for its generous backing and gracious sponsorship. He also conveyed his gratitude to all the volunteers, reviewers, and members of the various committees who contributed to the success of this distinguished event, looking forward to fruitful discussions at KICLS in Kuwait.

It is worth noting that a promotional video for the College of Life Sciences was screened during the 4th KICLS, which displayed participation from an elite group of researchers and academics from global universities and institutions, who presented their latest research in the fields of health, environment, artificial intelligence, and sustainable education.

In this context, the keynote speaker, Prof. Farhana Zulkernine from Queen’s University, Canada, presented a paper entitled “Cognitive AI: Impacting Healthy Living,” which addressed the role of artificial intelligence in developing smart assistive technologies in healthcare, emphasizing ethics and privacy principles.

Also, Prof. Sana Gammoh from Jordan University of Science and Technology – Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, delivered a study titled “Enzymatic Bioactive Peptides from Sonicated Whey Proteins of Camel Milk: Impact of Nano Peptides on Structural Properties, Antioxidant Activity and Inhibitory Activity of Alpha-amylase and Ace” revealing the ability of nano-camel-whey proteins to enhance antioxidant activity and to prevent diabetes and hypertension.

Prof. Fangang Meng from the Sun Yat‑sen University, China, presented research titled “Microbes in Wastewater Treatment Plants: From Discovery to Application,” which addressed development of novel membrane reactors relying on volatile fatty acid production to improve nitrogen removal efficiency and achieve more sustainable environmental treatment.

Prof. Ahmed Tawfik from the College of Life Sciences at Kuwait University presented his research entitled “Unlimited Perspectives for Waste/Wastewater Valorization Alleviation of Climate Change for Sustainable Society,” emphasizing the importance of converting waste into energy and hydrogen to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address challenges of water scarcity and climate change.

Additionally, Prof. Hossein Saiedian from the University of Kansas, United States, discussed in his paper “From Static to Dynamic: Transforming Learning in Kuwait with Generative AI” how modern technologies can create interactive, personalized learning experiences aligned with student needs and Kuwaiti societal values.

Dr. Dhari Al-Huwail from the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) – Kuwait, presented a paper titled “Regulation as Catalyst: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Innovation,” calling for the establishment of flexible regulatory frameworks that enhance trust and support cooperation between academic, industrial and regulatory sectors.

Also, Prof. Reema Tayyem from the University of Qatar presented a study entitled “Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Coffee: Exposure Levels among Consumers in Qatar.” This study measured heavy-metal contamination in coffee across several countries and roasting levels, showing elevated levels of manganese, copper, and zinc, with small amounts of lead and cadmium, affirming that moderate consumption is safe but over-consumption may pose health risks, thus requiring continuous coffee-quality monitoring.

Furthermore, Prof. Yvonne Wren from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, presented findings of her study “The Cleft Collective Cohort Study – A Global Resource for Research into the Causes and Best Treatments for Cleft” involving more than 12,000 children with cleft lip and palate, aimed at determining optimal treatment methods and improving patient quality of life worldwide.

Dr. Jenan Al-Tamimi from the Ministry of Health, Kuwait, in her research titled “From Evidence to Practice: A Multidisciplinary Pathway to Improve Outcomes for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer – Related Dysphagia,” discussed a new model of integrated care at the Kuwait Cancer Centre intended to improve management of swallowing disorders and enhance quality of life for patients.