In pursuit of its strategic goal to promote scientific research culture and enhance research capabilities among students, at all educational levels, the Qatar University (QU) Young Scientists Center has consistently strived for excellence in scientific research. In line with this commitment, a team of experts from the QU Young Scientists Center has developed several innovative research programs, including the Innovative Design Thinking and Creativity Program. This program has achieved remarkable success since its inception, and it is with great enthusiasm that we announce the launch of the fourth edition, scheduled to commence in the autumn of 2023, starting on Sunday, 3 September 2023. The program will involve the participation of students from six different preparatory schools across Qatar.
The experts at the QU Young Scientists Center have meticulously designed and developed the Design Thinking and Creativity Workshop to encompass the fundamental principles and steps of the design thinking process. This includes recognizing the existence of a problem, defining the problem, generating ideas, and culminating in the creation and testing of prototypes. The primary objective of the workshop is to introduce students to the concept of thermal packaging and how to apply it according to scientific, engineering, and economic principles and standards.
This workshop has been designed on the foundation of scientific concepts and principles, adhering to the strategy of laboratory experimentation. Its purpose is to equip students with the creative problem-solving skills needed to address contemporary scientific challenges effectively. In addition to fostering scientific knowledge, the workshop also emphasizes hands-on experimentation following the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum. This approach aims to enhance students' competencies and experiences, enabling them to embark on innovative projects to tackle current scientific issues and ultimately foster proficiency in creative thinking.
Prof. Noora Al-Thani, the Director of the QU Young Scientists Center, emphasized the program's creative and systematic approach. She stated, "The Innovative Design Thinking and Creativity Program utilizes a creative and methodical approach to equip students with effective problem-solving skills to develop new and innovative solutions to real-world problems. It promotes learning through experiments that enrich their scientific knowledge." Dr. Noora Al-Thani extended her gratitude to all the partners of the center, including the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science and the UNESCO Office in Doha, Qatar.
This program's fourth edition promises to be an exceptional opportunity for young minds to delve into the world of design thinking, innovation, and creative problem solving. With a commitment to nurturing the research capabilities of Qatar's youth, the QU Young Scientists Center continues to contribute to the nation's educational and scientific advancement.