Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi (left) visiting the exhibition showcasing research projects by pre-university students.
Doha, Qatar: The 16th National Research and Innovation Week 2024 opened at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) yesterday.
The event, running from September 29 to October 3, aims to showcase research works by students, as the event has become a prominent pre-university research forum in Qatar.
It contributes to exchanging and disseminating scientific research and innovation culture through best international educational practices. The National Research and Innovation Week stems from continuous efforts by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) to hold annual scientific research and innovation exhibitions since 2009.
Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi visited the exhibition to view the research projects of students and teachers, as well as the fun corner for elementary students.
Undersecretary of MoEHE, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi; and Executive Director of the Office of Scientific Research Programs at Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, Dr. Hisham M. Sabir, inaugurated the event.
The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Hisham M. Sabir, and Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at MoEHE, Maha Al Ruwaili. President of Qatar University Dr. Omar Mohamed Al Ansari, leaders, and education experts attended the opening ceremony.
Director of the Curriculum and Learning Resources Department at MoEHE, Sarah Al Sharim, emphasised the prominent role the ministry plays in collaboration with QRDI Council. She also highlighted the importance of scientific research and its role in developing students’ skills and capabilities, enabling them to acquire 21st-century skills. This enhances students’ critical thinking, innovation, research, and inquiry skills in an era of continuous change and rapid technological advancement.
In addition, students can develop essential skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and other important competencies.
The positive impact of these skills is not limited to enhancing academic understanding, it also helps prepare them to compete successfully in local and international competitions. This includes the field of innovative research presented by students from schools in Qatar in collaboration with supporting partners.
Thus, the objectives and aspirations of the organising entities are realised, along with achieving MoEHE’s 2024-2030 strategy. This strategy aims to develop an integrated educational system that fosters creativity and innovation, preparing a generation qualified for successful professional lives.
Director of the Scientific Research Office Program at QRDI Council Dr. Ayman Bassil said, “Qatar focuses on enhancing the role of research and innovation in achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and moving towards a sustainable knowledge-based economy. The council is working to provide the appropriate environment and support to achieve these strategic goals.”
Bassil added, “The world is experiencing rapid and continuous developments at all levels, which necessitates the development of various advanced skills that can positively address these changes and discover multiple opportunities that arise from them.
“Through the programmes and initiatives we launch in collaboration with the ministry and other partners, we are training our students at different educational levels in these skills, contributing to preparing them to lead the future.”
On the first day of the events, the national competition for scientific research and innovation for the middle and secondary stages was held to select winners of the top three positions. Accompanying this competition was a series of training workshops targeting coordinators and supervisors of scientific research accompanying the students.
The workshops covered topics related to scientific research and innovation. They were conducted by a team from MoEHE, Qatar University, and the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation.
Students and parents can visit the student and teacher research and projects exhibition today, October 1. This visit coincides with training workshops targeting all school supervisors and coordinators. The workshops cover topics related to scientific research and innovation. A team from the ministry, Qatar University, a representative from Innovate Digital Solutions, and the Qatari Engineers Association will lead the workshops.
The ministry also intends to honour the winning students with special awards from supporting partners on the fourth day, October 2. On the final day, the winners of the top three positions in the national competition for scientific research and innovation across various categories will be announced, and the winning students and teachers will be recognised.
