QU-YSC launches December Aladaam initiative

The Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU-YSC) has launched the second edition of December Aladaam 2021 Initiative, in continuation of the success of the first edition last year. It aims to promote national values, patriotism, loyalty and love of belonging to the homeland, and celebrate Qatar National Day throughout the month.

The initiative brings together QU students from various disciplines to express their love and pride for the homeland through short films that are shared with the community. This year's theme reflects the slogan of the National Day, ‘Ancestral Meadows: A Matter of Trust’, as it highlights the importance of preserving the environment and to preserve the heritage of the ancestors in general. The initiative highlights the connection between modern studies and past heritage and how to preserve the legacy of previous generations. This includes healthy habits and ancient traditions that, with time, were proven correct. The initiative also highlights the role of research projects at QU and they play in preserving Qatar’s environment, such as the establishment of an agricultural research station, which helps protect the biodiversity of palm trees and other plants. In addition, the QU Biology Field plays host to a number of studies and researches revolving around rare plants. The initiative also shines a spotlight on several other topics such as the use of local desert plants, traditional social activities in Qatar, pearls for decoration and treasury, weddings between the past and present, and architecture and construction in ancient Qatari heritage.Information will be shared with the community through short films published on the QU-YSC social media platforms, including YouTube. The participants were from various colleges, including Health Sciences, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Pharmacy, and Dental Medicine. In each episode of the initiative, a student will present a different scientific aspect related to their university major and show the extent to which it is related to heritage, environment, and the traditions of the ancestors.Prof Noora al-Thani, director of QU-YSC said: “The Qatari people have always been known by their loyalty, belonging and pride, and with their close connection to the heritage of their ancestors, which carries with it distinguished experiences and legacies.We launched the initiative this year to combine Qatar's ancient past with its distinguished present. It is a tool to document QU scientific research and studies, which links heritage and ancestral practices to keep up with the modern era.”Prof Noora thanked the QU-YSC sponsor, the Ras Laffan community outreach programme, and partners, Unesco Doha Office, and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture and Science.