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A Distinguished Scientific Forum to Advance Research and Innovation in the Field of Disability
Under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, the First Disability Research Forum concluded today under the theme “Research Today… to Empowered Tomorrow.”
The forum was organized by the King Salman Center for Disability Research and hosted by King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences at the university’s main conference hall in Riyadh.
This forum marks a significant step forward in developing scientific research in the field of disability within the Kingdom. It aims to shed light on the latest scientific and technological developments, promote collaboration among researchers and specialists, and support innovations that improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Insightful Discussion Sessions Led by HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman
The forum opened with a distinguished panel session titled “Research Trends in the Field of Disability,” chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman. Participants included:
His Excellency Dr. Bandar bin Abdulmohsen Al Knawy, President of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.
His Excellency Dr. Majid bin Ibrahim Al Fayyadh, CEO of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre.
Professor Steven Laureys, Head of the Strategic Team for the “Courage Toward the Future” program and a leading neuroscientist specializing in brain and consciousness research.
The session was moderated by Professor Ahmed Alaskar, Executive Director of King Abdullah International Medical Research Center.
In his remarks, Prince Sultan bin Salman expressed profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God protect him—for his continued support and deep commitment to disability issues. He emphasized that this support forms the foundation for many achievements, foremost among them the establishment of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, which has become a national reference and leader in advancing knowledge and scientific research in this field.
His Royal Highness also commended the Saudi Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may God protect him—which prioritizes creating an inclusive environment that empowers persons with disabilities and enhances their participation across all aspects of life.
Prince Sultan extended his appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Bandar Al Knawy and the university’s leadership for hosting the forum, highlighting the strong strategic partnership and scientific collaboration between the Center and the University. He affirmed that the forum serves as an important scientific platform to strengthen integration among researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers and to support the Kingdom’s goals in innovation and empowerment.
Global Expertise and International Participation
The international dimension of the forum added exceptional scientific value, featuring distinguished speakers and experts from various countries who brought diverse experiences in disability research, rehabilitation, and health innovation. This diversity enriched the exchange of successful global experiences and strengthened opportunities for international collaboration in applied research, establishing the forum as a global platform for scientific dialogue and policy development in support of persons with disabilities.
The sessions witnessed active engagement from researchers, professionals, and interested attendees, whose valuable questions and contributions underscored the importance of the forum as a constructive platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Launch of the 7th International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation and the King Salman International Award for Disability Research
During the panel session, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman announced the commencement of preparations for the 7th International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation, to be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God protect him—in December 2026, with the participation of distinguished experts, researchers, and relevant international organizations.
Prince Sultan also announced the launch of the 4th King Salman International Award for Disability Research, which will be presented in conjunction with the conference. The award aims to recognize outstanding research achievements and promote global scientific competition to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that empower persons with disabilities and enhance their active participation in society.
Launch of Key Initiatives to Advance Research and Empowerment
As part of the forum’s activities, His Royal Highness inaugurated several major initiatives:
Innovation Valley Initiative
Targeted Research Programs
Support for Scientific Publication in Nature and Science
Prince Sultan explained that these initiatives continue a national approach that places disability issues among the priorities of comprehensive development. He emphasized that the initiatives reflect the Center’s commitment to institutional, evidence-based work and to strengthening the research and innovation environment in this vital field.
He stated: “We do not launch initiatives for numbers’ sake, but to ensure they create measurable, tangible impact and make a real difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and their families—in partnership with our national and international collaborators.”
Honoring Speakers and Participants
At the conclusion of the first panel session, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman honored the participating speakers in recognition of their scientific and intellectual contributions. A group photo was also taken to commemorate the occasion—an expression of continued appreciation and support for scientific efforts—affirming the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange among specialists and relevant institutions.
