Doha: Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU-YSC) has launched the 20th cycle of the ‘I am a Researcher’ programme. For the tenth year in a row, the centre attracted Qatari students from grades 10, 11, and 12 from four schools in Qatar — Jassim Bin Hamad Secondary school for boys; Qatar School of Banking and Business Administration for Boys; Zubaydah secondary School for Girls; and Al-Arqam Academy for Girls.
The programme aims to encourage high school students in Qatar to innovate, undertake creative initiatives, and apply research aligning with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and with the country’s strategies to achieve an innovative economy.
In addition, this programme provides participating students with new research skills. Students work with professors from Qatar University, which qualifies and prepares them to enrol in the university. During the programme, students are divided into groups where they work on innovative research projects.
This cycle includes six scientific research from various fields, including chemistry and materials sciences, earth and environmental sciences, biomedicine, engineering, and other scientific fields.
‘I am Researcher’ offers a large number of workshops to enhance the participants’ scientific research skills. Also, it helps to improve critical thinking skills and improve the ability to test hypotheses and analyse results to reach the best possible outcome.
Participating students are trained with the latest modern technologies in QU laboratories, critical thinking skills to solve problems, formulating scientific research, and workshops on presentation skills. Workshops on the safety precautions in laboratories and other seminars that enhance the students’ skills, shape their personality and readiness for university life.
Prof. Noora Jabor Al Thani, the Director of QU-YSC, said: “The scientific research has become the engine of the new world system. The world is in a race to reach as much technical, accurate and fruitful knowledge as possible to reach innovative solutions that may benefit people in overcoming many of the problems we may face in our lives and achieving the comfort and well-being of people.”
Moreover, Prof. Noora said scientific research is one of the most important driving forces that drive individuals towards excellence. “It also helps them achieve their goals, which has helped us draw more attention toward scientific research in all fields of science as an essential element of progress in different disciplines,” said added.