The Bio-Education Chapter of the Qatar University (QU) Alumni Association organized the third edition of the “Science Camp," bringing together a wide range of students and teachers from various schools, alongside a group of academics and experts. The camp aims to encourage innovation, develop critical thinking, and strengthen problem-solving skills among students, preparing them to actively contribute to Qatar's future as a leading knowledge-based society.
In her welcoming address, Dr. Wardh Garab, President of the Bio-Education Chapter at QU Alumni, expressed her pleasure at the camp's organization and welcomed attendees, stating, “We are pleased to bring everyone together for this distinctive event, which goes beyond being merely a science camp. We are here to celebrate more than just a science camp; we are here to celebrate the role of innovation that we instill in the minds of our children. These young minds are the cornerstone of an exceptional scientific and societal community based on knowledge. This camp marks a new journey toward a bright future, and we are confident that your efforts and creativity will be foundational in building our beloved nation."
Ms. Fatima Khamis, a graduate of QU, shared her own inspiring experience in education, saying, “My journey in education was not just about academic achievement; it was a story rich with lessons and values that shaped my path. Since childhood, I have been curious to learn more about the world around me; growing up, I watched scientific films that served as a window into a world of knowledge. Without realizing it, I was absorbing the direction I wanted to pursue. These films formed my foundational passion for science. Later, I found that education was not merely a tool to transfer information but a journey to build an aware and capable generation ready to tackle challenges. I learned that true success lies in the ability to apply knowledge to solve problems and achieve goals."
Expert Ms. Samira Ahmed Al-Siddiqi, a specialist in forgery and counterfeiting, delivered an awareness lecture. Ms. Al-Siddiqi emphasized the importance of her field and its impact on society, saying, “Forgery and counterfeiting science is one of the important disciplines not taught in universities but acquired through hands-on experience. Through my work in this field, I have come to realize the vital role of science in revealing the truth and protecting society from fraud and risks. Offering such lectures reflects my belief that science is not just theoretical studies but a tool to improve our lives. I hope that today you have grasped some fundamentals that may help you in your daily lives and contribute to the development of security awareness and knowledge."
The camp featured a range of specialized science labs, providing students with hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and strengthen their analytical and critical skills. Ms. Maryam Al-Ghadban, Vice President of the Education Committee for the Bio-Education Chapter, spoke about the role of these labs, explaining, “In the chemistry analysis lab, our students have the opportunity to interact with and examine chemical materials in a realistic scientific setting. Through these experiments, they explore the mechanisms of analyzing and breaking down substances, comparing real and lab blood samples, and distinguishing between safe and harmful materials. This experience provides them with critical thinking foundations and empowers them to face life's challenges with greater awareness. This hands-on experiment is a key step in deepening concepts of applied science and fostering a spirit of discovery among our students."
Ms. Mona Al-Yahari, Head of the Technology Education Committee and a chapter member, highlighted the camp's role in enhancing critical thinking, stating, “The main objective of the Science Camp is to develop students' critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills, guiding them to address scientific problems using evidence and experimentation. This year, we emphasized environmental and sustainable development issues as part of our lab activities to introduce students to values like zero hunger and promoting healthy lives. Each lab reflects a sustainable development value, representing a step toward raising students' awareness of their responsibilities toward society and the environment. We believe that these scientific activities cultivate a love for learning and motivate students to continue innovating and pursuing scientific research."
In her participation, Sara Al-Noobi, a member of the Bio-Education Chapter and a teacher at Rawda Bent Mohammed Secondary School for Girls, shared her impressions of the camp, stating, “This is not my first time participating in the Science Camp, which presents a unique educational experience that feels fresh every time I join. The camp is not just educational activities; it is an exceptional scientific journey that blends knowledge with hands-on experiences, showing us the passion and curiosity of students as they challenge themselves and uncover the secrets of science on their own. This year, I focused on the tissue analysis lab, where students learn how to analyze various tissues and recognize their components, including differentiating between synthetic and organic hair and identifying types of fibers. This experience grants students real insight into scientific applications, enabling them to truly understand the importance of forensic science and accurate analysis, especially in simulating real-life scenarios like crime scene analysis."
In an effort to foster analytical skills and environmental awareness among youth, a recent interactive science camp under the theme “Crime Solving" engaged students in a dynamic exploration of cases like honors gift theft, laboratory security breaches, and marine pollution. Designed to provide hands-on learning, students worked collaboratively to solve mysteries, unraveling clues that promoted teamwork and problem-solving. The camp featured a range of activities, from theatrical performances and creative challenges, such as the “Guardians of the Seas" initiative, to talent competitions addressing cyberbullying, with awards presented to standout teams. Complementing these activities were workshops on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and sustainability awareness, empowering participants with the skills needed to drive positive and sustainable change as future scientific leaders.
In the closing ceremony, Dr. Wardh Garab honored the sponsors who played a role in the success of “Science Camp," expressing, “We cannot but extend our deep appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the third edition of the Science Camp. Special thanks to Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Q.P.S.C.) for their continuous support of these initiatives that contribute to building an exceptional knowledge-based and educational society. We also thank the alumni association members and all institutional partners for their generous support, which made this camp a distinguished and highly successful event."
The third edition of the “Science Camp" reaffirms the QU Alumni Association's commitment to fostering scientific excellence, supporting education and innovation among students, and providing an interactive educational platform that combines learning with enjoyment, representing a pivotal step in fostering scientific thought and preparing a competent generation ready to face modern challenges and contribute to Qatar's scientific and cultural advancement.