In a historic scientific event in France, Princess Mishaal bint Mohammed Al Saud was crowned with the “Creative Excellence in Scientific Research” award.

The French city of Lyon, the technical capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, witnessed a prominent scientific event in which Her Highness Princess Professor Mishaal bint Mohammed Al Saud was awarded the “Creative Excellence in Scientific Research” prize.

This was part of the activities of the International Conference on Scientific Partnerships and Sustainable Investment (GeoFuture Lyon 2026).

This honor comes as a culmination of an exceptional research career and a scientific path that combines outstanding academic production and active engagement in contemporary issues, reflecting an advanced model of scientific leadership capable of influencing research and development paths at the international level.

This award is not a mere symbolic gesture, but rather one of the most prestigious scientific awards. In its commitment to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and promoting innovation internationally, GeoFuture Lyon Geomatics presents the Creative Excellence in Scientific Research Award every five years. This award recognizes individuals and institutions that have made significant and exceptional contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the advancement of research in serving the goals of sustainable development.

This award is subject to a rigorous nomination and evaluation process, where nominations are open to academic bodies, research institutions, and international experts. The files are evaluated according to strict scientific criteria that include: the quality and originality of scientific production, the international academic impact of research and publications, the contribution of scientific works to solving real-world problems, the ability to link scientific research with practical application, the leading role in supporting innovation and capacity building, and international presence and influence in research and cooperation networks.

This award is only given to individuals who represent a complete model of a scientist capable of combining academic depth and strategic vision, making their achievements a qualitative addition to the scientific field at the regional and international levels.

Her Highness received the award from the conference chairman, Professor Mohamed Ayari, and Mr. Bruno Fox, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the French National Assembly – French Parliament, and Vice-President of the Council.

This coronation took place in the historic central building of the “Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes” region, which represents the heart of decision-making and institutional work in the region, as it serves as an official meeting hall for the French government when it is held in the region.

Her Highness participated as a keynote speaker at the conference, delivering an in-depth scientific lecture entitled “Integrated Approaches in Geomatics and Remote Sensing for Applied Earth Sciences Studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” This lecture garnered significant interest from international academic circles and highlighted the growing and prominent role of Saudi women in scientific research and sustainable development. Her presentation addressed several key areas, including:

Integration of space technologies: Her Highness reviewed the national efforts in using satellites and geographic information systems to monitor environmental changes and continuously monitor the Earth's surface.

Resource and Risk Management: Specialized studies were presented on surface and groundwater resources and methods of evaluating them, in addition to the use of remote sensing in monitoring natural hazards and setting controls to reduce their effects.

The “NEOM” project and desert environments: Her Highness addressed land use management through the applied “NEOM” model, in addition to her research on desert environments, in which she relied on accurate field measurements and analysis of satellite images.

Towards optimal water management: The lecture concluded with a presentation of a recent study that relied on hydrological and climatic indicators to identify wetlands and water catchment sites, which resulted in huge outputs that included 245 thematic maps and 140 integrated graphic files.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent figures from the highest echelons of power and scientific research in France, and the stage was graced by the presence of:

Mr. Bruno Fox, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly or French Parliament, and Vice-President of the Council, Professor Mohamed Ayari, President of the Euro-Arab Union for Geomatics, Mr. Olivier Araújo, Vice-President of Metropole Lyon for International Relations, Mr. Geoffrey Morsay, Vice-President of the Government of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and Director General of the French National Tourist Office, Mr. Thomas Rodriguez, Mayor of the 5th Arrondissement of Lyon, Professor Jean-Claude Lassalle, President of the Organizing Committee, Ms. Chantal Chambo Mwavita, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Nobel Peace Prize Nominee), and Mr. Brice Voltaire Ito Obame, Congo, in addition to a number of university presidents and international experts.