JEDDAH, 27 February 2005 — A leading Saudi medical researcher told women students at Effat College that their determination and resolve to achieve their goals were the keys for career success.

Dr. Hayat Sindi delivered a lecture on her biotechnology research and her sometimes-difficult path to becoming a world-class scientist.

Born in Makkah, one of eight children, Dr. Sindi grew up admiring such scientists as Al-Kindi, Khawarizmi, Ibn Sina, Newton and Einstein. She wanted to be like them and make valuable contributions to society.

She said she encountered several roadblocks along the way, which she referred to as “life sentences” issued by people who judged her and wanted to dictate to her what her life should be.

For Dr. Sindi, the purpose of education is to prepare students to deal with reality, to learn from past experiences, and to push themselves to acquire further knowledge through their own efforts. With this in mind, and while holding onto her upbringing and Islamic teachings, she pursued a pharmacological education in the United Kingdom.

Despite discouragement from those who maintained it was an inappropriate field of study for a woman and calls for her to study medicine instead, she persisted. With high hopes and expectations and after convincing her parents, she applied to British universities but was rejected by all. “That was the first life sentence,” she said.

She persevered and worked hard to overcome the language barrier and complete the prerequisite coursework. When she applied again, she was accepted. She graduated with honors from King’s College in London and received a full scholarship to study biotechnology at Cambridge University.

She said she faced another “life sentence” when they told her religion and science conflict and being a woman diminished her chances for success. She defied the odds and got her Ph.D. in biotechnology and has been working in the field ever since at leading science institutes around the world, including NASA.

“It’s important to keep your identity and culture and be proud of who you are,” she said. “If you respect yourself people will respect you.”

Dr. Sindi has formed a company called Sonoptix specializing in research on sensory technology. She is also working on designing a biosensor for breast cancer detection, but she hasn’t forgotten the Kingdom or its people.

“My dream is to establish a center of excellence in my country,” Dr. Sindi said. She advised the young women to learn at an early age and get all the information they need to achieve their goals. “Great inventions come from simple ideas,” she said, “and imagination is more important than knowledge.”

She also advised the students to appreciate each other, learn from each other and respect others, and above all, to hold onto their dreams and work to make them come true.

The lecture was held under the patronage of Princess Lulwa Al-Faisal in cooperation with the Al-Eman Cancer Society. Dr. Sindi lectures again tonight at Khadija bint Khowailid Center for Businesswomen at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.