The Qatar University (QU) Young Scientists Center (YSC), in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPRGS), launched a research funding program entitled the ‘National Science Promotion Program (NSPP)’ for the promotion of scientific research among Qatari youth. The program enables students to work under the supervision of skilled researchers in various research projects of national interest.
During the final ceremony of the NSPP, judges included Donia Abdelwahed, Science Program Officer, UNESCO Office Gulf States & Yemen; Dr. Adnan Al-Nuaimi, IFIA; Dr. Layla Al-Mansoori, Assistant Research Professor, QU’s Biomedical Research Center; and Dr. Abdelfatteh EL Omri, Senior Research Scientist from Hamad Medical Cooperation.
The student participants were acknowledged for their oral presentations and outstanding contributions to the research projects. Hamad Nasser Redhwani and Mohammed Ahmad Fakhroo won first place in the high student category; Tamader Al-Jumaily and Ghalya Al-Maraghi won second in the high school student category; and Noor Faisal A M Albadr and Hissa Abdulla S R Al-Ali were awarded third place in the high student category.
Sara Mohammed Mahmoud Abulola from QU won best poster presentation in the undergraduate student category, along with QAR 10,000 as an allowance for the international scientific conference. The winning professors/researchers were also honored for their outstanding research contributions and supervision, Dr. Asan Gani Bin Abdul Muthalif, Dr. Zaid Almaayah, and, Prof Hesham M. Korashy were awarded QAR 7000, 6000, and 5000 respectively.
The winning projects presented by the high school students included Yousef Ahmed S A Al-Enazi and Mohammed Jassim M A Al-Kuwari whose topic covered ‘Green energy generation from polylactic acid fiber nanocomposites’ (under the supervision of Dr. Deepalakshmi, College of Arts & Sciences). Tamader Al-Jumaily and Ghalya Al-Maraghi presented on ‘The novel treatment for sepsis-induced cardiac inflammation’ (under the guidance of Dr. Zaid, College of Pharmacy). Ali Yaaqob Al-Mohamadi and Rashid Mubarak Al-Khyarin presented on ‘Environment-friendly leaf ethanolic extract against penicillium infections in citrus fruits’ (under Prof. Mohammed Abu-Deiyeh, College of Arts & Sciences). Hamad Nasser Redhwani and Mohammed Ahmad Fakhroo presented on ‘The design and development of a dynamic vibration absorber’ (under Dr. Asan, College of Engineering). Abdulaziz Al-Darwish and Khalid Al-Bardini presented on ‘Mapping the biodiversity of ants fauna in Qatar’ (under Dr. Fatima, College of Arts & Sciences). Noor Faisal A M Albadr and Hissa Abdulla S R Al-Ali presented on ‘Exploring the Role of Air Pollution on the Development of Atherosclerosis Disorder in Human Endothelial Cells’ (under Prof. Hesham, College of Pharmacy).
Dr. Saeed Almeer, Director of Research Support, QU, commented saying, “The research at Qatar University is witnessing immense advancements as the result of our researchers’ hard work and such programs must be encouraged as it provides an opportunity for further progressions by aiding students to work as researchers in the university laboratories. We are extremely proud of the researchers involved, student participants, and the YSC team.”
Prof. Noora Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the YSC, expressed her pride saying, “The National Science Promotion Program is a valuable opportunity for the Qatari youth to experience the research of national priorities. We are providing a base for educational opportunities and scientific empowerment of the youth.”
Prof. Noora Al-Thani congratulates the winners & expresses her gratitude towards the guests, participants, sponsors, event organizers, and the YSC team for the successful completion of the program.