Doha: The 10th cycle of the ‘I am A Researcher’ module of Qatar University’s (QU) Al Bairaq Programme has begun.
The launch was attended by Al Bairaq Supervisor Dr Noora Al Thani, QU Center of Advanced Materials (CAM) faculty, representatives from Maersk Oil Qatar (gold sponsor) and Shell Qatar (silver sponsor), as well as Grade 12 students and teachers from Qatar Independent Secondary School for Girls; Albayan Secondary Independent School for Girls; Omar Bin Abdulaziz Secondary Independent School for Boys; and Omar Bin Al Khattab Secondary Independent School for Boys.
A team of academics and researchers from Al Bairaq briefed the students and their teachers on research projects under the module. The projects are focused on topics related to issues such as materials science, the environment, and the energy sector, among others.
CAM Director Dr Mariam Al Maadeed said: “Al Bairaq is a unique experience and great opportunity to motivate high school students to innovate and achieve their full potential. It is the result of the committed vision of QU in general, and CAM in particular, to build a generation capable of research and development towards achieving a knowledge-based economy.”
Dr Noora Al Thani highlighted the importance of Al Bairaq in guiding high school students through projects that contribute to shaping their personalities and enhancing their critical-thinking, problem-solving and team-work skills to guide them in academic and life decisions, and channel their future career aspirations.
“It also highlights CAM’s commitment to promote scientific culture and research from high school to university towards achieving Qatar’s objectives and priorities.”
Al Bairaq promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and applied research in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s ambitions towards a knowledge-based economy.
It stresses interdisciplinary research that can cover any and all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects. It is also supported by Unesco Doha Office (partner), and RasGas Company Limited (platinum sponsor).
The Peninsula
