Lebanon Hosts 22nd Annual Science Fair: Honoring Youth Innovation and Excellence

From May 8 to 10, 2025, the National Association for Science and Research (NASR) the IFIA Focal Point in the Middle East proudly hosted the 22nd edition of Mobarat El Oloum, Lebanon’s premier national science fair.

Held at the Lebanese University’s Rafic Hariri Campus in Hadath, this year’s fair united over 700 students from 105 schools, who presented 184 scientific and innovative projects under the powerful theme: “Innovate to Rise and Prosper.”

Projects spanned diverse fields including biology, chemistry, robotics, physics, ICT, and environmental science, reflecting the creativity and dedication of Lebanon’s young scientific minds.

Inspiring Opening Ceremony

The fair launched with a dynamic opening ceremony on May 8, attended by distinguished guests. Among them was Professor Ali Kanj, Dean of the Faculty of Science, representing the President of the Lebanese University. Representatives from key partner institutions also joined, including the Ministry of Education, CRDP, Guidance and Counseling Directorate, Educational Technology Syndicate, Ministry of Economy, Institute of Industrial Research, Chambers of Commerce, and leading universities such as American University of Science and Technology (AUST), Arab Open University (AOU), Lebanese International University (LIU), Islamic University (IU), and Al-Maaref University.

Rigorous Evaluation and Expert Judging

Throughout the fair, student projects were meticulously evaluated by panels of expert judges an average of seven per project representing a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Grand Closing Ceremony and Celebrated Winners

The event concluded on May 10 with a grand closing ceremony, drawing over 1,000 participants, including students, teachers, school leaders, government officials, university delegates, and judges. In his keynote address, Mr. Radwan Chouaib, NASR President, commended the students’ ability to apply innovative thinking to real-world challenges, particularly those linked to ongoing regional crises. He reaffirmed NASR’s mission to nurture innovation and support the next generation of scientists and changemakers.

Award Highlights

Winners were recognized with prestigious prizes, medals, and university scholarships. Below are some of the top prizes:

• AUST Award for Excellence and Innovation (USD 3,000)
• Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Award for Scientific Excellence (USD 2,000)
• Hikmat Nasser Award for Innovation (USD 2,000 – Offered by SANAD Lebanon Association)
• Ali Ismail Harakeh Award for Ethical Innovation (75 million LBP – Offered by the Educational Technology syndicate)
• Mohammad Diab and Ali Hodroj Award for Technology and Innovation (75 million LBP)
• CNC Addicted Award (USD 300)
• Electros Lab Award (Six Tech Toolkits Worth USD 90 Each)

In addition to these awards, dozens of exceptional projects received gold, silver, and bronze medals. The complete list of winners is available on the NASR website: nasr.org.lb, and event photos can be viewed on the Mobarat El Oloum Facebook page.

Furthermore, 10 university scholarships were generously awarded by NASR’s academic partners, empowering brilliant students to pursue higher education and scientific research.

A Vision for the Future

The 22nd Mobarat El Oloum showcased more than student projects it illuminated the spirit of a nation committed to knowledge, resilience, and innovation. In a time of ongoing national and regional challenges, the fair reaffirmed the crucial role of science in rebuilding Lebanon and spotlighted the country’s youth as leaders of a brighter, knowledge-driven future.