Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

KISR is a national institute of scientific research. It was established in 1967 by Japan's Arabian Oil Company Limited, in partial fulfillment of its obligations under an oil concession agreement with the government of the State of Kuwait. KISR’s initial role was dedicated to developing three fields of national importance: petroleum, desert agriculture, and marine biology. Since then, KISR’s role and responsibilities have expanded greatly to include the advancement of national industry and the undertaking of studies to address key challenges, such as the preservation of the environment, sustainable management of Kuwait’s natural resources, responsible management of water and energy, and development of innovative methods of agriculture.

KISR was restructured by an Amiri decree issued in 1973, under which it became directly responsible, via its Board of Trustees, to the Council of Ministers. The main objectives of the institute, as specified in the decree, were to carry out applied scientific research. In 1981, KISR's status was further reviewed, and its role reconfirmed in the development of scientific research and technology in the country. In addition, the law broadened the mission and entrusted the institute with undertaking research and scientific and technological consultations for both the governmental and the private sectors in Kuwait, the Arabian Gulf region and the Arab world, and encouraged collaboration with international institutes.