Emirates Foundation kicks off 2016 "Think Science" competition

By WAM

Emirates Foundation has invited young scientists to take part in the 4th edition of the ‘Think Science’ competition 2016, an initiative designed to inspire UAE youth to excel in the fields of science and technology, in line with the National Agenda.

Held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Foundation, the Think Science competition is a nationwide contest that engages UAE youth to develop, design and build science-based innovations that respond to society’s most pressing needs.

The competition is part of the Foundation’s Think Science programme, which aims to encourage, and empower Emirati youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years, to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries.

This year’s edition will be targeting up to 600 university and high schools youths and other individuals, who will submit 220 projects for competition at the national level in the categories of electrical engineering, environmental sciences and management, industrial and mechanical systems, energy, smart and safety systems, physics and chemistry, transportation, aerodynamics and aviation.

To ensure wider participation, Emirates Foundation this year opened the doors for those aged between 25 and 35 years, who have completed their academic study, to participate in the competition.

The contest, which is supported by the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council, demonstrates the Foundation’s continuous efforts to inspire and empower UAE youth to innovate in the fields of science and technology.

Commenting on the initiative, Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, said, “Investing in youth is a major focus of our wise leadership to help build a strong base of highly qualified native cadres who can lead our modernisation drive. The Think Science competition is a unique UAE initiative that is perfectly in line with the UAE Government’s emphasis on encouraging the young generations to excel in science and come up with creative ideas.” He noted that the competition supports the Ministry’s Plan 2015-2021, which seeks to make a “quality leap in public education by creating an innovation-driven learning environment.”

Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, said, “This competition will go a long way towards embedding innovation in the education process, while encouraging schools and universities to instill a passion for research, investigation and exploration. Students are now becoming more familiar with STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, related fields on a par with tomorrow’s economy which requires equipping a competent and innovative workforce of students.”

Dr. Al Qubaisi lauded the unequivocal support of the Chairman of Emirates Foundation, noting his keenness on nurturing home-grown talent and encouraging the younger generations of the UAE to unlock their creative potential.

Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at the Emirates Foundation, said, “The competition will provide a unique opportunity for Emirati youth to showcase their talents in science and technology, develop knowledge and share expertise, and be part of the UAE’s growth today and in the future.” She explained that Think Science aims to encourage and celebrate youth across the UAE, providing them with opportunities to further develop their knowledge and analytical thinking, and enabling them to become active participants in finding groundbreaking solutions to local and global technological issues.

Last year’s Think Science edition was a huge success. Out of the 550 young Emirati scientists who took part in the competition, more than 60 were recognised for their innovations in the fields of science and technology. A total of 27 prizes were awarded in 12 science categories, which included first and second place for each school and university category, “Best of the Best Project at School Level,” “Best of the Best Project at University Level” and the “Think Science 2015 People’s Choice Award.”