King Faisal Prize to reveal 2025 winners on Wednesday

The King Faisal Prize (KFP) General Secretariat has confirmed that the winners of the prestigious 2025 awards will be revealed on January 8 at a ceremony held at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall in the Al-Faisaliah Center, Riyadh, at 8:00 p.m.

Specialized selection committees for the prize’s four categories — Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science — began their deliberations at the KFP headquarters on Monday. These discussions will continue until the announcement day, ensuring a comprehensive and meticulous evaluation process.

The themes for the 2025 King Faisal Prize were previously announced: Islamic studies focuses on "Studies of Archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula", Arabic language and literature explores "Studies of Identity in Arabic Literature", medicine highlights "Cellular Therapy" and science centers on "Physics".

The selection process maintains strict eligibility criteria. Nominations are submitted by universities, research centers and scientific institutions, ensuring that all nominees have a significant impact on their respective fields. Candidates must be living, and their work must be published, intellectually influential and beneficial to humanity. The secretariat has made it clear that nominations from individuals or political entities will not be accepted.

This year’s selection panels include prominent scholars, experts and specialists from 16 countries, reflecting the prize’s global standing and commitment to integrity and excellence.

Established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and awarded for the first time in 1979, the KFP continues to honor individuals whose contributions have profoundly advanced knowledge and fostered progress across key disciplines.