Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU-YSC) launched the twenty-second cycle of "I am a researcher" program for the twelfth consecutive year on Thursday, September 1, 2022, with a grand opening ceremony at Qatar University.
The center has attracted in this program Qatari students from high schools. The participating students from the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades from six schools in the State of Qatar: Jassim Bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys, Qatar Banking studies and administration school for Boys, Omar Bin Al Khattab School Secondary School for Boys, Al Jazeera Academy, Zubaida Secondary School for Girls and Al-Arqam Academy for Girls.
‘I am a Researcher program’ aims to provide secondary students with extensive scientific research skills and to realize its importance in finding innovative solutions for many of the challenges we face in various fields. During the program, students work as research assistants for experienced researchers at Qatar University to apply what they have learned in conducting scientific research to refine their practical skills and thinking skills, investigate, and arrive at facts. Students also learn about many scientific fields at Qatar University, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participating students were divided into groups that will work on innovative research projects in the university's laboratories. This cycle includes seven scientific researches in different fields.
The first research titled "Electrochemical Lithium mining from seawater", and another research titled "Designing composite membranes for multifunctional applications; Wastewater treatment and Antibacterial Applications", and another research titled "Towards the design and performance enhancement of hole transport layer (HTL) free carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells (c-PSCs) using numerical modeling ", and another research titled "Corrosion inhibition performance of polyolefin smart self-healing composite coatings modified with ZnO@β-Cyclodextrin hybrid particles" and other research projects.
The program offers many important workshops for students to improve scientific research skills and the ability to test hypotheses and analyze results to achieve the best possible outcome and formulate scientific research. In addition to safety and skills workshops in the labs, students are trained in critical thinking and presentation skills. Participating students are also trained in the latest laboratory techniques in Qatar University laboratories. All these workshops shape the student's personality as a researcher and prepare him/her for university life.
In her speech, Prof. Noora Jaber Al-Thani, Director of the Qatar University Young Scientists center, said, "Our need for scientific studies and research is increasing day by day, as science is in a race to obtain as much accurate knowledge as possible derived from the sciences to ensure comfort and well-being for human and guarantee him superiority. The primary function of research is to expand knowledge to create better conditions for human survival, safety, and well-being. Scientific research has a great impact on youth and society, as it helps to develop their abilities to innovate based on knowledge to achieve innovative solutions that provide in all aspects of life. She added,” Scientific research is the main engine of the wheel of development and progress, offered through discoveries in all areas”.
Dr. Noora Al-Thani also thanked the efforts of Center’s partners, UNESCO world organization - Doha Office, and the Qatar National Commission for Education culture and science.