Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing young talent and contributing to Qatar's National Vision 2030 with the successful conclusion of its fifth Summer Research Internship Program in 2023. This program has empowered undergraduate students from various Qatar University (QU) colleges with real-world laboratory experiences, bridging the gap between theory and practice and fostering the development of future leaders.
Internships play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of professionals, providing them with practical knowledge and personal growth opportunities. Recognizing the immense value of such experiences, QUYSC, with the support of several research centers and colleges within QU, embarked on this transformative journey by facilitating 36 multidisciplinary internship projects for 256 students. These young minds came from diverse academic backgrounds, including Engineering, Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Education, Arts and Science, and Business and Economics.
The internship projects spanned a wide spectrum of fields, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, water treatment, sustainable green energy, sustainable agriculture, social science, education, pharmacy, and medicine. By offering a diverse range of opportunities, the program catered to the unique interests and career goals of the participating students.
The Summer Research Internship Program was structured into three distinct tracks, each designed to offer a unique learning experience: Track 1 is the outcome-directed intensive research category. This track offered the students several distinguished courses, like the research methodology course, and it aimed at engaging students in novel research projects with distinct deliverables. Track 2 focused on the skill development or hands-on training of the students by involving them in laboratory or field-based activities. Track 3 focused on engaging students in real-life working experiences, at external sites in collaboration with different governmental and semi-governmental bodies.
Two hundred fifty-six students were selected to work on 36 projects within QU's state-of-the-art laboratories, while others had the unique opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to external organizations. Project mentors played a crucial role in guiding these young talents, providing informal learning opportunities that complemented their academic journey.
The laboratories at QU's research centers offered students the chance to experience real-world, lab-based learning and make education tangible and relevant. This hands-on approach enhanced their comprehension of complex concepts and theories, preparing them for future careers where practical application is key. By participating in the program, students developed critical skills, including resilience, responsibility, and accountability, all of which are vital for personal and professional growth.
As the students interacted with peers and research mentors in real-life situations, they enhanced their emotional intelligence, including empathy, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Engaging with real-world challenges also fosters creative thinking and innovation, and with the overall development of student outcomes, the program transparently makes huge strides towards achieving the goals set by Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030).
Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, said, “The Summer Research Internship Program is a key to progress towards achieving its strategic goals. We provide an educational environment that supports students’ involvement in the practical field. As well as achieving the goals of excellence in scientific research by establishing a culture of research and innovation in areas compatible with the national research priorities that ensures the needs of society are met.”
Prof. Noora Al-Thani, Director of Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC), observed the skill development of the students in the last two months as she recalls, “Our young generation displays high enthusiasm to explore real-world problems. They bravely acknowledge the challenges and are investing their total dedication to innovate and develop solutions, which indeed is an assurance on the direction to meet the goals of QNV2030”.