Officials during the launch of the “I am a Researcher” programme.
Doha: Qatar University Young Scientists Centre (QU-YSC) launched the 22nd edition of “I am a Researcher” programme for the 12th consecutive year. The initiative is aimed at Qatari high school students.
The participating students are in 10 to 12 grades from six schools in 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.
The programme will provide secondary students with extensive scientific research skills to realise its importance in finding innovative solutions for many of the challenges we face in various fields. During the programme, students work as research assistants for experienced researchers at QU 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 QU, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This edition includes seven scientific researches in different fields.
The researches are ‘Electrochemical Lithium mining from seawater,’ ‘Designing composite membranes for multifunctional applications,’ ‘Wastewater treatment and Antibacterial Applications,’ and ‘Towards the design and performance enhancement of hole transport layer (HTL) free carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells (c-PSCs) using numerical modelling’ among others.
The programme offers many important workshops for students to improve scientific research skills and the ability to test hypotheses and analyse 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.
In her speech, Prof. Noora Jaber Al Thani, Director of QU-YSC 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."
