From the start, Professor Saleh's idea was that for Saudi Arabia to become a leader in science and tech- nology, KACST has to complement existing research
facilities, become adaptable to the rigours of the educational system and eventual demands of the private sector. The first thing to construct, therefore, was a competent research environment. "We received funds from the government and started supporting Saudi research in Saudi universities. We equipped labora- tories at graduate level all around the Kingdom.