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Pan-Arab Science Contest Encourages New Talent
A total of 58 science projects created by more than 100 Grade nine to 12 students from nine countries across the Middle East and North Africa have been installed at the Qatar National Convention Centre as official entries for the 5th Intel Science Competition Arab World 2014.
The projects were entered into six categories: energy and transportation; engineering; mathematical and computer sciences; chemistry and biochemistry; health sciences; and social sciences.
A grand award will be given to the overall winning project at a closing ceremony.
The students have qualified for the pan-Arab science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) competition by winning their home country’s science competitive heats.
“The Intel Science Competition Arab World is more than a competition; it is a valuable educational programme encouraging continued learning and the pursuit of scientific knowledge,” said Dr Ayman Bassil, head of Research Training at Qatar Foundation (QF) Research and Development.
QF welcomes some of the brightest young scientific minds to the competition. It hopes to inspire many students towards promising careers in science and later contribute to supporting knowledge-based economies in their home countries.
In a press statement, Bassil said QF plays a crucial role in contributing to human development locally, regionally, and internationally. “This competition is firmly in line with this role.”
The Intel Science Competition Arab World aims to empower Arab students with skills and greater proficiency in STEM subjects. It also aims to raise confidence and experience in these subjects in the Arabic language.
The international contest also encourages cultural exchange and social interaction. Visiting students had the opportunity to become acquainted with Qatari culture during a visit to Katara – the Cultural Village.
Fawziya Abdulaziz al-Khater, director of Education Institute, Supreme Education Council, reiterated the importance of STEM saying it equip students with the skills needed to contribute towards an Arab future based on knowledge, innovation and scientific research.
Intel Corporation (Ltd.), the research and development division of QF for education, science and community development, and Qatar’s Supreme Education Council have jointly organised the three-day competition.
Hosted in Qatar for the first time, the event provides students with the opportunity to compete on an international stage, according to QF.
The opening was attended by Dr Wyatt Hume, executive director of Education, Training and Development at QF; Taha Khalifa, Intel general manager for the MENA region; and Rabea Mohammed al-Kaabi, Undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
“With sufficient training, these students will have the opportunity to contribute positively to the development of society and the growth of the economy,” Khalifa said.
Gulf Times