Qatar University's Young Scientists Center (QUYSC) concluded the third cycle of the National Scientific Promotion Program (NSPP) at QU’s Research Complex. The program aims to enhance the national youth's interests in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), enabling them to enhance their research capabilities through “Hands-on learning” and the “Learning by Doing approach.” The program provided a unique opportunity for Qatari high school students and undergraduates at QU to work collaboratively under the supervision of highly qualified faculty members and researchers at the university.

The ceremony was attended by Ms. Maha Al-Ruwaili, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), Prof. Mariam Al-Madeed, Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU, and Dr. Nasser Al-Nuaimi, Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU.
The event witnessed participation from six schools, including Ibn Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys, Omar bin Abdelaziz Secondary School for Boys, Hassan bin Thabit Secondary School for Boys, Qatar Academy (Al-Wakrah), the Swiss International School, and Qatar Leadership Academy. Furthermore, the program extended its reach to include six university students from various scientific colleges at QU.

The ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of top performers and their impactful research contributions. In the high school category, Hassan bin Thabit Secondary School for Boys clinched the first position with their groundbreaking research titled “Evaluation of rhizobacteria isolated from Limonium axillare rhizosphere to enhance the growth of Arugula,” supervised by Prof. Mohammed Abu-Dieyeh from the College of Arts and Science. Ibn Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys secured the second position with their compelling study on “Ecotoxicity Assessment of Produced Water from Gas Fields for Their Efficient Treatment and Reuse Applications,” under the guidance of Dr. Maha Al-Asmakh from the College of Health Science. The Swiss International School garnered the third spot with their innovative project, “Designing Spherical Solar PV to Trap More Energy,” supervised by Dr. Amith Khandakar from the College of Engineering.

In the undergraduate student category, Amira Mohamed from QU was awarded the prestigious Best Poster Award for her exceptional contribution, guided by Dr. Zaid Al-Maayah from the College of Pharmacy. The accolade also included a significant financial prize to facilitate her participation in an esteemed international scientific conference.
In her speech, Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU, stated, “QU is witnessing significant progress in the field of research and innovation as a result of the concerted efforts of researchers and students and their achievements in various scientific fields. We are proud of our students participating in the NSPP, and we are committed to providing opportunities that empower Qatari youth to contribute to sustainable development and the national vision 2030.”

In her address, Ms. Maha Al-Ruwaili emphasized the pivotal role of research and its fundamental importance as a main player in the process of nation-building. She highlighted the vital importance of research and its role as the driving force for the economic and social development of Qatar. She emphasized that MOEHE targets research as a priority in its strategic plan due to its effect on human knowledge.

Ms. Al-Ruwaili added, “NSPP represents a unique opportunity for students to display their research and innovative projects and share them with the community, and this celebration represents an incentive to our students and is consistent with the basic mission of the MOEHE, which is to instill the concepts of entrepreneurial education, develop students’ innovative and research skills, and prepare tomorrow's leaders.”

She added that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education believes in effective partnerships with institutions concerned with scientific research in the country, and this is embodied in the Ministry’s participation with QU, which complements and is compatible with the Ministry’s aim to prepare a generation of researchers proficient in scientific research skills, capable of providing innovative and pioneering ideas that are applicable, contribute to achieving comprehensive human, economic, and social development, and are consistent with Qatar Vision 2030.

Prof. Noora Jabor Al-Thani, the Director of the QUYSC, expressed her pride in the program's outcomes, following the success of previous cycles. She congratulated the winners and praised the efforts of the participating students and supervisors for exchanging their research experiences and collaborating to ensure the quality and efficiency of the research. She also emphasized the importance of the NSPP in providing an exceptional path for Qatari youth to explore the latest methods in scientific research fields, aligning with Qatar's priorities for building national capacities and achieving Qatar's vision in research, development, and innovation.