Kareem Ahmed Al-Halabi is quickly transforming from an ambitious student into a figure of scientific fame, taking him towards the expansive realm of nuclear physics, especially in light of significant discussions about nuclear energy related to current events in Palestine, Ukraine, and elsewhere. The 14-year-old from the mountainous town of Aabiyeh in Lebanon studies Nuclear and Quantum Physics and is proficient in seven languages besides his native Arabic, including English, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. He envisions himself becoming a nuclear scientist, as he told Al-Anbaa.
Al-Halabi won first place in the "Global IQ" competition organized by the International IQ Society, outperforming participants from 113 countries. He answered 50 scientific questions in a remarkable time of 2 minutes and 16 seconds, scoring 285 out of 300, followed by the second place winner, Russian Ivan Chernob with a score of 260 out of 300. This title will remain with him until the end of 2024.
Al-Halabi revealed to Al-Anbaa that he has authored a book on physics in just five hours, consisting of 57 pages, which has yet to be published, simplifying complex materials with easily understandable language. He also quickly emphasizes the concept of "atoms for peace," asserting that atomic energy is not merely a tool for war and destruction but can be used for global peace among nations.
He continued: "I was honored by the Russian ambassador in Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, during his visit to my home, presenting me with a medal along with Dr. Ghazi Al-Shaar, representing the Russian-Lebanese Friendship Committee. I accepted his invitation to visit Russia, which was a general tourist, scientific, and cultural trip, and he took my book to deliver it to the Russian Atomic Energy Agency."
Additionally, he stated, "I visited the spiritual leader of the Druze community, Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna, and MP Taymour Jumblatt to inform them about the competition results."
Kareem Al-Halabi concluded: "My scientific specialty requires several years of study, and I try to participate in similar competitions that align with the topics I wish to research. I aim to elevate the name of my country, Lebanon, which needs peace rather than wars."
