Taif Univ int'l forum on materials science to include top scientists
By Emad Haidari

JEDDAH – - Taif University is hosting from Feb. 13-15 the International Conference of Materials Science and Its Applications (ICMSA).

The forum is expected to welcome more than 100 speakers and around 1,000 attendees, inducting professionals, deans and directors of research institutions in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, and in countries around the world.

Among the people at the forefront of the event is Dr. Turki Al Mansouri who is also the media spokesperson of the event and the head of Foreign Languages Department at Taif University.

In a special interview with the Saudi Gazette, Dr. AlMunsouri stated: "The ICMSA is aimed for all who have an interest in the field of materials science and its applications: local and international academia, industry, research institutions and government agencies. The conference is an opportunity to meet academics and experts in this field to exchange ideas and views.

This conference also broadens and deepens students' knowledge and awareness of issues related to materials science and its applications." AlMansouri further mentioned: "We are expecting some well known academics in this field such as Dr. Hayat Sindi who is a prominent figure in biotechnology and working currently at Harvard University.”

“Famous names in this field like Prof. Evangelos Manias from Pennsylvania State University, Prof. Giuseppe Dalba from the University of Trento, Prof. Mark Geoghegan from the University of Sheffield are expected to be seen in this conference as keynote speakers.”

"Furthermore, many Saudi university professors will participate in this event. On the level of leadership, major names from the Ministry of Higher Education are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony, the Distinguished Scholar Award presentation ceremony, and some lectures.''


SABIC, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of chemicals and metals is the major sponsor of this event. The Ministry of Higher Education is hosting the Distinguished Scholar Award ceremony, the highest scientific award presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recognizing Prof. Manias’ outstanding contributions in Nanotechnology of Materials. The conference program with its diversity is a point of attraction to the public.

"Many committees have been formed in preparation of the conference. Regular meetings are being held on a weekly basis to follow the progress and achievement of each committee. The conference will be a success Insha Allah if we compare what has been achieved so far with our plans," AlMansouri added. The ICMSA conference provides unique opportunity to discuss novel approaches and state-of-the-art findings in materials science and its applications. Highlighting the latest achievements in the fields, this conference will keep participants abreast of new technologies and afford them an opportunity to learn new techniques.

Many interdisciplinary symposia will be organized, reflecting the current environment of collaboration between scientists in different disciplines. Scientists, researchers and people interested in related topics are invited to participate and discuss innovative ideas as well as present new results.