Believing in the importance of science and mathematics in raising the level of excellence in productivity, service, economic and military areas, the last decades of the twentieth century, has witnessed many efforts and reformist movements aimed at developing and improving the education of science and mathematics in general and higher education. It has become necessary for specialists and those responsible of education and thought, to reconsider the development of education, and the methods of teaching these two subjects in particular, and not leave issue without initiative.

The best institutes  to start cultural and scientific movement are universities. Therefore, it was suggested that King Saud University, would handle this initiative and leading idea to develop education of science and mathematics through establishing qualitative center concerned with the education and development of these two subjects in the long term, contributing to the coming scientific and cultural renaissance of the Kingdom.

Prof. Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Othman the Rector of King Saud University, has approved the establishment of “the Center for the Development of science and mathematics education" in the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 1428 AH. That was affirmed by the signing of the Minister of Higher Education a contract of establishing "the Excellence Research Center of Science and Mathematics Education" with the Rector, on 23rd of Rajab 1429 AH, within the second phase of the excellence research centers project funded by the ministry.

The Center is seeking (in Allah’s will) to become the first house of expertise in the Arab world and a pioneer and path finding global center in the development of science and mathematics education. The Center is aware that it would not be able to achieve its view without adopting the concept of "partnership" from which the development vision has started in King Saud University and the philosophy and vision of excellence centers that adopted by the Ministry of Higher Education. Therefore, the adoption of the concept of "partnership" by the Center was base from which the design of its vision and mission and building its strategy.

The Center, since its inception, has been seeking for domestic partnership (at the university level) initially, then local partnership (at home) with the relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Education and Saudi universities and scientific and research centers such as the National Center for Measurement and Evaluation. In addition, it did not overlook the "global" concept in partnership and twinning with similar centers worldwide.

In conclusion, we call on all specialists and the people interested in the development of science and mathematics education, to outreach with the Center to achieve our goals by developing our education in order to build a knowledge society that is capable of building this generous country.
 

Dr. Fahd bin Suleiman Al Shaya
Center's Director