IAEA Redesignates Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research as Collaborating Centre

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), a leading research institution in the Arabian Gulf region, works closely with the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories to monitor ocean health, assess environmental threats and develop mitigation strategies using isotopic tools and nuclear techniques. With advanced laboratory and analytical capabilities, including state-of-the-art facilities for analysing trace organics, trace metals, radionuclides and nutrients, KISR plays an important role in expanding global understanding of marine challenges.  

First designated as an IAEA collaborating centre in 2019, KISR has supported several IAEA projects on marine and ocean health, including an interregional project to strengthen ocean health for sustainable development. The redesignation extends this collaboration for an additional four years, to 2029. KISR will continue to support IAEA projects monitoring ocean stressors, including pollution and ocean acidification. KISR will also investigate the dynamics of pollutants and contaminants in marine environments and contribute to the development of baseline data on emerging contaminants, an essential component of monitoring and mitigation efforts. Joint scientific missions using KISR’s research vessel AlMostakshif will focus on generating baseline data on marine microplastic pollution and marine radioactivity—further advancing global understanding of ocean acidification.