DOHA: The 16th National Week for Scientific Research and Innovation 2024 opened at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) on Monday and will continue until October 3.
Upon the opening, Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi visited the exhibition to view the research and projects of students and teachers, as well as the fun corner for elementary students.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education HE Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi inaugurated the 16th National Research and Innovation Week 2024, in the presence of Executive Director of the Office of Scientific Research Programs at Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council Dr Hisham Mohieldin Saber, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry Maha Al Ruwaili, President of Qatar University Dr Omar Mohammed Al Ansari, leaders, and education experts.
Director of the Curriculum and Learning Resources Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Sarah Al Sharim emphasized the prominent role the ministry plays in collaboration with the Qatar Council for Research, Development, and Innovation. 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 organizing entities are realized, along with achieving the Ministry of Education and Higher Education'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 the Qatar Council for Research, Development, and Innovation Dr Ayman Basil stated the importance of supporting and empowering scientific research and innovation talents as a primary goal of the collaboration between the Qatar Council for Research, Development, and Innovation and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
He 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."
He 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 the multiple opportunities that arise from them."
"Through the programs 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 the 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 the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar University, and the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation.
The ministry allows students and parents to visit the student and teacher research and projects exhibition on the third day, 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 conduct them.
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 recognized.
The National Week for Scientific Research and Innovation stems from the Ministry's continuous efforts to hold annual scientific research and innovation exhibitions since 2009. This week aims to showcase the innovative and distinctive research produced by our students' minds, as it has become one of the most essential pre-university research forums in the State of Qatar. This event contributes to exchanging and disseminating scientific research and innovation culture through the best international educational practices.
