The National Science Research and Innovation Week was inaugurated by the Education Minister

Education Minister launches Science Innovation Week

The Minister of Education and Higher Education, HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, inaugurated the National Science Research and Innovation Week themed "Promising Researchers for Qatar" on November 20. This collaborative event with the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) saw the participation of HE Omar Mohamed Al Ansari, President of Qatar University, and other ministry officials.

Running until November 23, the event comprises training workshops, the fifteenth National Student Research Exhibition, Academic FameLab competition finals, engaging activities for primary school students, scientific research partner presentations, and a closing ceremony to announce winning projects. It will also honor the top achievers across all categories and educational stages in the 2023 Scientific Research and Innovation competition.

On this occasion, Dr. Hisham Saber, the Executive Director of Qatar National Research Fund Programs at the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council, highlighted the objective of this week—to foster and nurture Qatari students' research and innovation talents, irrespective of gender, aiming to shape them into future scientists and innovators for Qatar. He emphasized these initiatives as integral to Qatar's growing emphasis on scientific research across educational levels, cultivating curiosity for research and innovation among children.

Dr. Saber noted that the Scientific Research and Innovation competition, initially involving 712 schools, has narrowed down to approximately 160 schools to identify the winners. These exceptional students will receive recognition at the event's conclusion next Thursday. He added that two groups of winners will represent Qatar at international platforms—the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) in Malaysia and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States.

Dr. Asmaa Al Mohannadi, Head of the Research, Talent, and Innovation Department at MOHEH, commended the students' accomplishments in preparing their research projects. She highlighted a total of 244 projects, encompassing diverse scientific and humanitarian subjects—160 projects for middle and high school students and 84 projects for elementary school students—all set to participate in the final rounds. Dr. Al Mohannadi emphasized the Ministry's commitment to organizing such events, aiming to empower and support student researchers.

Dr. Asmaa Al Mohannadi also highlighted that the top three winners across eight categories for all educational levels in the 2023 Scientific Research and Innovation competition will receive recognition at the conclusion of the events.

Dr. Abdullah Al Kamali, the Director of Educational Programs at the Qatar National Research Fund, emphasized the quality of research projects and the diverse activities conducted throughout the week. He stressed that these activities aim to cultivate and enhance a culture of scientific research and innovation among students in Qatar, including those in elementary schools, considering this event as an annual platform for fostering research skills.

Riham Daher, the RDI Program Director at QRDI, emphasized the significance of this national week in supporting and motivating students in these fields. She appreciated the partnership between the ministry and the council in this endeavor.

Educators, experts, and specialists underscored the significance of organizing the National Science Research and Innovation Week events in propagating a culture of scientific research in schools. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education prioritizes equipping students with scientific research skills, aiming to empower and train them from an early age. This initiative aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030, emphasizing the alignment between curriculum standards and scientific research, encouraging students to engage in systematic scientific research, problem-solving, and unconventional analytical approaches.