The Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC) concluded the fourth edition of the Innovation and Design Thinking Program with a vibrant closing ceremony held at the university's premises. The event witnessed the active participation of six preparatory schools, marking the culmination of an enriching journey aimed at fostering innovative solutions and nurturing the creative minds of Qatar's youth. The Design Thinking and Creativity program is one of the outstanding programs offered by the center, aiming to understand societal needs and discover innovative solutions that meet those needs, contributing to the realization of Qatar's National Vision 2030.
This program's design included a series of scientific workshops and interactive activities applying the STEM approach—synthesizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Emphasizing design-thinking methodologies, these workshops instill practical and cognitive strategies, honing students' problem-solving skills through the application of acquired knowledge and scientific concepts. The ultimate goal is to encourage effective utilization of these skills in the creation of diverse projects and products.
Prof. Noora Jabor Al-Thani, Director of QUYSC, highlighted, “Empowering the younger generation with design thinking skills cultivates a growth mindset, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and fosters innovation. It involves applying a creative and systematic approach to teaching various sciences, guiding students through stages of exploration, ideation, experimentation, and evolution, all in pursuit of innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.”
Expressing gratitude, Prof. Noora Jabor Al-Thani extended thanks to the center's partners, including the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science and the UNESCO Office in Doha, for their invaluable support.
The program's fourth edition saw the participation of 131 students from six preparatory schools: Ibn Khaldoun Preparatory School for Boys, Religious Secondary Preparatory Institute for Boys, Doha Preparatory School for Boys, Osama Bin Zaid Preparatory School for Boys, Al-Ahnaf Preparatory School for Boys, and Al Jazeera Academy.
Following the workshops and project development phase, a team from the center evaluated all groups, selecting the top contenders for the closing ceremony. During the final competition, six selected groups showcased innovative projects focused on reducing heat loss through the implementation of design thinking strategies. A panel of engineers and researchers from QU judged these projects.
In the closing ceremony event, the winning groups were honored: “Scientists of Tomorrow” from the Religious Secondary Preparatory Institute for Boys claimed the first position, followed by “Al-Ahnaf” from Al-Ahnaf Preparatory School for Boys securing the second position, and “The Inventors” from Ibn Khaldoun Preparatory School for Boys achieving the third position.