Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC) seeks to establish a culture of creativity and innovation among the younger generation. They are the basic building block for a knowledge economy based on research and innovation. In this regard, QUYSC launched the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Program for the preparatory schools on Saturday, September 18, 2021. The program aims to enhance students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by engaging students in simulated engineering, medicine, and science environments to develop their critical and creative thinking skills.
Students from six schools from within the State of Qatar participated in the course. The program aims to introduce students to the fields of STEM, which are science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to motivate Qatari youth towards these disciplines from a young age. In addition, it allows them to discover their aspirations and scientific passion, which would facilitate choosing a university major later. The program contains various workshops that follow the STEM Learning System. This innovative educational system aims to advance education and prepare students to deal with modern practical reality through interactive scientific activities based on research and creative learning.
During the first cycle of the “Qatar University Gateway” program, students will learn about several scientific fields at Qatar University, specifically engineering, science, and medical fields represented in the college of medicine, college of dentistry, college of pharmacy, college of science, and college of engineering. During this period, students will embark on an interesting and enjoyable scientific journey within Qatar University to get to know in-depth the different majors offered by each college, in addition to the job opportunities available for each major.
It is worth noting that Qatar University Gateway program for the preparatory level is an extension of the same program designed for the secondary level launched by the Qatar University Young Scientists Center in the previous academic year, in cooperation with the university's scientific faculties. The program aims to introduce secondary school students to scientific disciplines and provide them with expertise and research skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to pave the transition from pre-university education to the university stage.
In a statement, Prof. Noora Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the Qatar University Young Scientists Center, said: "Involving students from the early stages in research programs enhances students' skills and enriches their scientific experiences, in addition to providing them with many skills such as creative thinking and problem solving, which in turn contribute to In refining a new generation of creative leaders who contribute to finding solutions that keep pace with the developments of the era and its renewed needs." She added, "This program enhances the role of the Center and Qatar University as a national leader in attracting Qatari youth towards scientific disciplines and prepares a whole generation of Qataris from various scientific disciplines, to inject them into society in response to the needs of the labor market and to achieve Qatar Vision 2030."
Prof. Noora Al-Thani expressed her happiness with the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Program for the preparatory level, which was fully prepared and developed by the Qatar University Young Scientists Center and presented to students of this age group in a smooth and innovative way. Finally, Prof. Noora thanked the efforts of the Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach program, the sponsor program of the Center and the partners, UNESCO, Doha Office, and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science.
Source: Qatar University