Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC) proudly celebrated the successful culmination of its second cycle of the “STEM in Sports" workshop. This initiative was specifically designed for high school students enrolled in government schools within the State of Qatar. The workshop attracted the participation of approximately 100 students from four distinct educational institutions, building upon the commendable achievements of the inaugural cycle aimed at preparatory students.
The primary objective of the “STEM in Sports" workshop is to augment students' proficiency and competencies in the domains of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), aligning with the goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. By doing so, it actively contributes to the national development strategy, fostering the empowerment of youth with the requisite knowledge and skills pivotal for steering the State of Qatar towards a knowledge-based economy fueled by innovation.
The workshop was designed to furnish students in grades 10 and 11 with invaluable insights into cutting-edge technology, particularly within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). It featured an in-depth exploration of advanced topics, enabling participants to delve into the latest research in sports materials and technology, with a specific focus on AI applications. The “STEM in Sports" workshop underscored a hands-on learning approach, wherein students not only acquired theoretical knowledge about technology but also actively applied it through the development of AI-based projects aimed at addressing challenges and issues prevalent in the sports domain.
This hands-on methodology This allowed students to combine their theoretical knowledge with practical skills, leading to the development of innovative and practical solutions. During the workshop, students learned how to use advanced technology, such as 3D printing, to produce innovative sports equipment. They also visited the QUYSC lab for hands-on training, where they were tasked with designing 3D models.
The Research Complex at QU hosted a closing ceremony to mark the conclusion of the “STEM in Sports" workshop, featuring outstanding projects developed by participating students. The array of projects exhibited a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to address challenges in volleyball, detecting sports injuries, identifying performance-enhancing drugs, and enhancing refereeing in handball. A distinguished panel of researchers meticulously evaluated the students' projects, culminating in a final competition where the top-performing team was duly recognized.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the first-place winner of Mesaieed Secondary School for Boys for a project titled “Detecting Performance-Enhancing Drugs Using Artificial Intelligence." All participating students were honored with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their efforts and contributions to developing their skills in STEM fields.
Prof. Noora Al-Thani, Director of the QUYSC, expressed her delight at the conclusion of the second cycle of the “STEM in Sports" workshop. She emphasized that “the program represents a strategic step towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and expresses the center's commitment to empowering and inspiring the new generation of students to become innovative in STEM fields."
Prof. Al-Thani further added that the program provided a unique and interactive learning environment for students, enabling them to develop their passion and skills in STEM fields by working on applied projects aimed at providing innovative solutions to real-world problems in the sports field using artificial intelligence. Prof. Noora also praised the students' efforts, highlighting their creativity and excellence in presenting new and innovative ideas. Prof. Noora also stressed the center's commitment to providing a distinguished educational platform that meets the needs of students and helps them reach the highest levels of excellence in STEM fields, believing in the significance of students as dynamic members and leaders of the future.