Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is a government agency whose role is to conduct applied scientific research and develop technology to address the preservation of the environment, the responsible management of Kuwait’s natural resources and the development of innovative methods of agriculture.

The institute is responsible to Kuwait’s council of Ministers. In its undertakings, it undertakes consultations and collaborates with governmental, academic and private organisations throughout the Arab world and internationally.

KISR has five main research centres:

• Water
• Petroleum
• Environmental and life sciences
• Energy and buildings
• Government initiatives

The petroleum centre seeks to further technical fields such as EOR, reservoir characterisation, petroleum chemistry and materials science. Mindful of the commercial potential of its findings, KISR also partners with oil companies with experience in product development and marketing.

The water centre focuses on researching resource management and desalination technologies. It seeks to develop ways to minimise the environmental impact of meeting Kuwait’s potable water requirements, to reclaim wastewater streams, and to optimise the operation of freshwater distribution systems.

The environmental and life sciences centre researches sustainable food production strategies for the agricultural and fish industries, and it assesses and addresses pollution risks. It also carries out research to mitigate health problems related to food consumption and lifestyle choices.

The energy and building centre seeks to facilitate a transition towards diversified and sustainable energy generation and energy storage, and researches issues related to construction materials.

The government initiatives centre provides general research and technological support for government-led projects in a variety of sectors, such as the development of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Project (wind and solar), and the deployment of the Al Mostakshif and Bahith 1 research vessels for marine surveys and sampling.