Mawheba Association for the gifted in Saudi Arabia recently announced its plans to protect the ideas and scientific innovations of more than 300 students for a period of six months. The association commented on the issue in line with the country’s Festival of Science and Innovation, where hundreds of students presented their scientific projects.

The organization said it would also work with students on an ongoing basis to refine and develop their inventions until the time they enter university.

Held at the Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center, the festival is aimed at raising awareness and interest among community members and students on the fields of science and innovation. Events included a series of interactive exhibitions for secondary schools students to learn about various scientific programs, as well as a special corner for pupils to present their inventions and experiments.

The exhibitions highlighted the innovative achievements of many female Saudi students, such as A’laa Sultan of Al-Bassam Schools in Dammam, whose invention looks at cytotoxicity and the possibility of stimulating programmed destruction of some bio active compounds. Her project also explores the use of anti-cancer applications made from a material extracted from Fenugreek seeds.

Hadir Aldwyne, who attends middle school in Al-Qassim, explained her invention involves a watch connected to an ear piece that is capable of predicting convulsions before they occur and provides warnings through a voice alarm in case there are any gradual increases in the brain waves.

The invention of Rania Al-Hakami and Fatima Al-Ashawi, both in secondary school in Jazan, looks at controlling air conditioning systems and room temperature remotely via SMS, while Areej Al-Tuwaijri showcased an integrated security system that involves opening any type of door and using fire retardant materials that can help set off any fire in less than 5 minutes.

Another student, Hanin Zahrani, focused on identity, since her invention connects a fingerprint machine to a computer to helps those who have lost their loved ones, their children, and elderly citizens with Alzheimer’s disease.