JEDDAH: At the age of 15, Sulaf Al-Johani became the first Saudi female to participate in and receive the Most Inspiring Young Leader award at the Impact CEO Awards held in Dubai earlier this year. She was recognized for her leadership and scientific contributions at international events and conferences.

Al-Johani expressed pride in several of her scientific projects and innovations, particularly in the fields of energy and biomedical science.

One of her biomedical research projects focuses on developing a treatment aimed at conditions related to severe neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and Alzheimer’s disease.

She explained that the treatment was developed using four natural medicinal plants combined with nanotechnology, a catalyst, and AI-guided targeting methods. According to Al-Johani, the project resulted in what she describes as an AI-directed nano therapeutic treatment. The research was conducted at King Abdulaziz University.

Al-Johani said her inspiration for the research came from the story of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince.”

She shared that at the age of 12, she began searching for possible solutions related to his condition and started exploring ideas connected to brain signals and neurological communication.

In the field of renewable energy, Al-Johani also contributed to a project focused on selective hydrogen production from tree leaves. The project explored producing hydrogen fuel cells from leaf-derived hydrogen as a renewable alternative to conventional fuel sources.

She said her role in the project reflects her interest in supporting Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy future and sustainability goals, while also aligning with the Kingdom’s Green Initiative by showing how fallen or damaged leaves can potentially become a source of clean hydrogen energy.

Al-Johani presented the project at several international events, including programs connected to the G20 Summit and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. The work earned her The Explorers Medal along with additional recognition.

The student from Yanbu was also part of Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit 2025.

In addition, she has served as an ambassador for the World Youth Parliament for Water and the Kafila Foundation, while also leading the Saudi chapter of the Perception Foundation.

Alongside her school education, Al-Johani has completed several academic courses through US-based programs, balancing advanced studies with her regular education.

She said her interest in science and research began at the age of eight, driven by curiosity and a desire to better understand how things work. Over time, that curiosity developed into a strong passion for scientific research and innovation.

Al-Johani is also multilingual and can speak Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, German, Spanish, and Italian at varying levels of proficiency.

Outside of science, she enjoys practicing Arabic calligraphy in different artistic styles.

Looking ahead, Al-Johani said she hopes to become an influential leadership and political figure capable of building strong international relations while continuing her work across different fields.

She encouraged Saudi girls to believe in their abilities, saying that determination and knowledge can help turn ambitions into achievements. She added that Saudi girls today are capable of leadership, innovation, and competing on a global level.