Ibtesam Saeed Badhrees: A Trailblazer in Particle Physics and Saudi Scientific Excellence

Dr. Ibtesam Saeed Badhrees is a pioneering Saudi research scientist specializing in experimental particle physics. As a researcher at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and a Distinguished Fellow of New Westminster College, Badhrees has established herself as a leader in Saudi Arabia’s scientific community. She holds the distinction of being the first Saudi woman to become a member of CERN, the world’s leading particle physics laboratory. Her work spans Experimental Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Medical Physics, and Nuclear Physics.

In addition to her research, Dr. Badhrees serves as an adjunct professor at Carleton University in Canada, furthering international collaboration in her field.

Early Life and Education Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Badhrees exhibited an early passion for physics. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Physics at King Abdulaziz University in 1990 before moving abroad to expand her academic horizons. She earned a Master of Science in Applied Physics with a specialization in Laser Technologyfrom Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1997.

Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Particle Physics from the University of Bern in 2011, making her one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost experts in the field. Demonstrating her versatility, she also holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.

Scientific Contributions and Research Impact Dr. Badhrees has been instrumental in advancing Saudi Arabia’s role in global physics research. She was the first Saudi female PhD holder to work at the National Center for Mathematics and Physics at KACST, where she continues to push the boundaries of research in nuclear and medical physics.

Her work at CERN has positioned her at the forefront of particle physics research, contributing to cutting-edge discoveries in the fundamental nature of the universe. By breaking barriers and setting milestones, she serves as a role model for aspiring Saudi scientists, particularly women in STEM fields.

Awards and Recognitions Dr. Badhrees’s exceptional contributions to science and academia have been recognized through numerous accolades:

• Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission Academic Excellence Award (United States, 1996–1997)
• Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission Academic Excellence Award (Europe, 2007)
• First Saudi woman to join CERN as a researcher, paving the way for Saudi scientific contributions to global research.
• Recognized by CERN Courier for her pioneering role in 2007.
• Featured in Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Sayidaty Magazine, MBC Saudi Arabia & Egypt, and Madame Figaro, celebrating her distinction as a leading Saudi scientist.
• Named one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive women by Laha Magazine in 2013.
• American Physical Society’s Woman Physicist of the Month (August 2014).

A Global Advocate for Science and Diplomacy Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Dr. Badhrees bridges cultures through science and education. Her expertise extends beyond physics into international relations, where she actively promotes scientific diplomacy as a tool for global cooperation. Her leadership at CERN and her ongoing contributions to Saudi Arabia’s scientific development have placed her among the Kingdom’s most influential researchers.

Inspiring Future Generations Dr. Badhrees’s journey is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in scientific innovation. Her accomplishments highlight the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing women in STEM, fostering research excellence, and strengthening Saudi contributions to the global scientific community. As Saudi Arabia expands its efforts in science and technology, Ibtesam Saeed Badhrees remains a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of Saudi scientists.

Her story, filled with perseverance, groundbreaking discoveries, and international recognition, makes her a perfect subject for Sciarabia, where remarkable scientific achievements and Saudi advancements take center stage.