Distinguished students from the Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC) were honored in a ceremony held at Qatar University (QU). The students were honored by QU President Dr. Hassan Al-Derham for winning a number of international competitions in research and innovation.
Dr. Hassan Al-Derham presented the winning students with medals and certificates in the presence of Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, QU Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, and Prof. Noora Al-Thani, Director of the QUYSC. This ceremony is distinguished by students who are affiliated with the center’s various programs, and trained under the supervision of researchers and scientists at QU and who then went on to participate in international competitions.
Sarah Al-Obaidly, a student in the College of Engineering, and Maryam Al-Kuwari, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, were honored for winning a gold medal and a special award in the Top Three Excellence category at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition in Malaysia (ITEX 2020), for their innovative polymer membrane invention for water treatment. The exhibition was organized in cooperation with the International Federation of Inventors Associations and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Jibril Al-Mutairi, an engineering student and Hamad Al-Horr a medicine student, won gold medals at the European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation, organized by the International Federation of Inventors' Associations. Jibril developed a humidity sensor with a high degree of accuracy and studied the effect of surface treatment with UV and ozone on efficiency and accuracy sensor. Hamad’s project manufactures and develops micro-fibers with stability, high efficiency and superior electrical power to be used in memory-saving applications for optoelectronic devices to reduce energy consumption and increase operating speed.
Aisha Al-Thani a student at the College of Engineering, was also honored for winning a bronze award at the Bangkok International Intellectual Property, Invention, Innovation and Technology Exposition (IPITEx) for the experience of innovative digital education titled (QUYSC STEM Digilearning Model). The model was successfully created and implemented to overcome the limitations of technological alternatives for learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, and increase student interaction and promote positive learning.
On the honoring ceremony, the President of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Al-Dirham, addressed the students, saying, “We are proud of the student participating in the research capacity building programs organized by the university and the Qatar University Young Scientists Center. As they were able to present their skills, experiences and advanced research capabilities competitions locally and internationally. And by supporting these programs, we seek to pave the way for students to prepare for the university stage and to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them to engage in the research field and hone their skills."
In her speech, Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, said, "Today, the research sector at Qatar University is witnessing the results of its researchers’ efforts with appreciation and recognition for their achievements in scientific fields from international bodies specialized in research and innovation. We are proud of our students taking part in a unique experience that places them in the presence of top scientists and in a cutting-edge research environment. We believe the opportunities available to Qatari youth contribute to building their competencies and preparing them to be the future leaders of the country.”
Prof. Noora Al-Thani, Director of Qatar University Young Scientists Center, also spoke during the honoring ceremony, saying, "Today, the university embraces its young scientists and researchers from various fields to honor and congratulate them for their success and perseverance in facing challenges, and for their representation of Qatar in global platforms. At the Qatar University Center for Young Scientists, with the support of the university administration, we bear a noble mission and a great responsibility to attract Qatari youth to scientific and technological fields that serve human development goals and the national vision of the State of Qatar, and put them at the beginning of the path to achieving it. It builds capabilities, refines Qatari competencies, integrates them into the research and innovation environment, and invites them to complete this journey by disseminating their innovations in international forums.”
Prof. Noora thanked the Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach Program, the center sponsors, for their support in achieving the directions and strategies of the State of Qatar in the areas of education and human development to build a knowledge-based economy. She also thanked the partners, UNESCO - Doha Office and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
