Stars of Science celebrates milestone year with Season 15

Seven science innovators from the Arab world will compete to win the title of top Arab innovator in the latest season of Stars of Science, premiering on September 8.Commemorating its milestone 15th season this year, the TV show has come a long way in promoting STEM innovation in the Arab world and inspiring a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.Stars of Science will air every Friday and Saturday from September 8 to October, 20 on five channels in the region and online.Hosted at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), the show’s continued success is also a testament to QF’s ethos of always being at the forefront in catalysing social progress and change in the Arab world.Yosouf al-Salehi, executive director, QSTP, said: "We are proud to have played our part in creating history with SOS. Hosting the programme is a testament to our ongoing commitment to advancing science and technology, propelling the region towards a sustainable and prosperous future."The show has not only created a great impact in the media industry within the region, but its strong record of empowering talented entrepreneurs has resulted in economic value and in the expansion of networks within academia, industry, and governments, which is crucial in supporting the upcoming generations of Arab innovators.”In addition to long-time juror Prof Fouad Mrad, Season 15 is also proud to welcome Dr Sara Buhmaid as a new jury member.A practising Qatari obstetrician and gynaecologist at Sidra Medicine, Dr Buhmaid said: "I have been a keen follower of the show all these years, and it’s an honour for me to be part of the Stars of Science jury. What impresses me the most about Stars of Science is its mission to foster Arab innovators and its ecosystem of ground-breaking technologies and expertise. I strongly believe the next big thing will be Arab-made."The STEM field has long been prone to a worldwide gender imbalance, and Stars of Science has worked consciously to give equal opportunities to women.Sumaya al-Siyabi, an Omani scientist and a mother-of-three, was the first female winner of Stars of Science, representing the immense talent and potential of Arab women.Participating in season 14, al-Siyabi presented a floating device for the remediation and disposal of microplastics polluting our oceans and seas.Starting out in 2009, the show first premiered on 17 national channels around the Arab region. It became available online in 2013, and its last season reached a total of over 24mn views. With an alumni community of 161 members from 18 Arab countries, the innovators on Stars of Science demonstrate how they are guided by a strong urge to find tangible solutions to the most pressing demands our world faces.