The Qatar University (QU) Young Scientists Center proudly announces the successful conclusion of its twenty-third annual “I am a Researcher” program, a testament to fostering innovation among high school students. Held at the Research Complex building at QU, this landmark event celebrated thirteen consecutive years, spotlighting the exceptional achievements of students who clinched first place and lauding their outstanding research projects.
The “I am a Researcher” program stands as a cornerstone initiative of the QU Young Scientists Center, aimed at cultivating a spirit of innovation, discovery, and critical thinking among high school students. Aligned with Qatar's National Vision 2030, this program fortifies the country's strategy toward an innovation-based economy by empowering young minds to delve into practical research methodologies.
This pioneering program offers students a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with specialized academics and researchers while leveraging cutting-edge technologies within QU's laboratories. By emphasizing the scientific research process, students learn to develop hypotheses, collect and analyze data systematically, and derive meaningful conclusions—a pivotal skill set aligned with university-level learning.
Diverse scientific research proposals submitted by professors at the QU Young Scientists Center saw participation from four secondary schools: Ahmed bin Hanbal High School for Boys, Umm Hakeem High School for Girls, Al Maha Academy for Boys, and Hind Bint Abi Sufyan High School for Girls, each exploring distinct scientific domains. The scientific research topics were diverse and included the fields of chemistry, materials science, earth and environmental sciences, and energy. These projects, executed over two months within QU laboratories, culminated in a spirited final ceremony. During the final ceremony, a committee of professors and researchers judged the participating projects. The presentation included all the research steps that were followed and the results they reached in the form of presentations documenting their scientific research journey.
The “Al-Sinbouk” team was able to grab first place, consisting of Hussein Al-Khayyat, Rabiaa Al-Kuwari, Fahd Al-Hashimi, and Muhammad Al-Marri from Al-Maha Academy for Boys, for a project entitled “Combustion and Emissions Characteristics of a Diesel Engine Using a New Biodiesel.” The “Masho” team from Ahmed Bin Hanbal High School for Boys, consisting of Tamim Al-Yafei, Ali Al-Khayyat, Ibrahim Al-Ziyara, and Khalifa Al-Nasr, secured recognition for their commitment to sustainable research practices for research entitled “Recycling waste tire rubber powder in a sustainable manner”.
QU Young Scientists Center Director, Professor Dr. Noora Jabr Al-Thani, remarked, “The ‘I am a Researcher’ program is doing a significant achievement in liberating the latent energies of young people, directing them to innovation in the field of scientific research, discovering, developing, and harnessing their abilities to contribute to building the economy based on knowledge innovation.”
Dr. Noora added, “The methodology followed in the program, which researchers at the center developed, is appropriate for the ages of students to be able to research, achieve, and innovate. It relies on foundations, methods, and techniques that provide a fertile environment for learning the basics of research, applying them practically, and implementing projects on the ground, which is thanks to the great development in “the mentality and personality of the participating students, as high school students acquire the knowledge and skills of their peers at the university stage.”
In her address, Professor Dr. Noora lauded the students' dedication, highlighting their potential to shape the nation's future through research and innovation. Expressing gratitude to partners like the UNESCO International Organization-Doha Office and the Qatari National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, she emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents on both local and global platforms.
The success of the “I am a Researcher” program signifies QU’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and research excellence. As the country strides toward an innovation-based economy, initiatives like these pave the way for future leaders and problem solvers.