The National Science Promotion Program-II cycle (NSPP- II) announces the winning projects of the research grant. The NSP program was initially launched by the Qatar University Young Scientists Center, in cooperation with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPRGS) in December 2020.
The program intents to provide an excellent opportunity to the youth of Qatar by involving them as researchers in research grant projects, and aiding them in investing their cognitive and creative skills in various research of national priority. These grants will permit students of secondary and university levels to perform scientific research under the guidance of researchers, and academicians from the Qatar University. Thus the students will experience a unique environment that will aid in refining their research, metacognitive, and critical thinking skills to continue a bright career in research and the welfare of the country.
The six winning project proposals and awardees of the NSPP-II grant are: Identifying a novel treatment for sepsis-induced cardiac inflammation by Dr. Zaid Almaayah, College of Pharmacy; Effect of Prosopis juliflora leaf ethanolic extract against Penicillium infections in citrus fruits by Prof. Mohammed Abu-Dieyeh, College of Arts and Science; Design and Development of a Dynamic Vibration Absorber for a MDOF Building Prototype by Dr. Asan Gani Bin Abdul Muthalif, College of Engineering; Sustainable development of corrosion through integrated STEM modules by Dr. Noora Al-Qahtani, Centre for Advanced Materials; Green Energy Generation from Polylactic Acid Fiber Nanocomposites by Dr. Deepalekshmi Ponnamma, College of Arts and Science; and Exploring the Role of Air Pollution on the Development of Atherosclerosis Disorder in Human Endothelial Cells by Prof. Hesham M. Korashy, College of Pharmacy.
Since the launch of the NSPP-II in December 2021, proposals from various colleges and research centers of Qatar University were submitted to the online portal. The diversity of the proposals ranged from, materials science, medical, biomedical, pharmaceutical, science, engineering specializations, etc. All the received proposals were reviewed extensively based on the following criteria; The research significance to the state of Qatar, the scientific impact of the project, the research plan; Appropriate research standards for the participating students. All the winning research projects have undergone an extensive audit and review process by a specialized committee of reviewers to shortlist the distinctive research projects of national & scientific significance.
The next stage will be the allocation of Qatari high school students for each research project. Admission of grades ten or eleven students, nominated by the schools would be first-come, first-served basis. One undergraduate student from Qatar University will also participate in each winning project, based on the assessment of the participation letter submitted by the students.
Professor Noora Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the Qatar University Young Scientists center, expresses her pride by saying, "The NSP program is an excellent platform for Qatari youth to experience a research environment and indulge in research of national and scientific significance." She added that the launch of this initiative is a result of the center's long-term efforts in formulating and executing various research programs. This program, in specific, has the potential in refining the scientific capabilities of the young community and it is expected to reinforce promising, innovative output with a prosperous future.
Source: QATAR UNIVERSITY