Dubai: Some 50 young Emirati scientists who won the Think Science Competition 2016 were awarded by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at a function at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai on Tuesday.
“Today, younger generations are required to acquire innovation and analysis skills as well as contact with others more than anytime before. We need to solidify the concept of innovation among young people and create an encouraging environment that serves as an incubator for them,” Shaikh Mohammad said during the award ceremony of the competition’s fourth edition.
He called on schools and universities to equip Emirati youth with the most important skills in research. “Science, technology and innovation serve as our road map for a better future for the next generations who are our country’s future leaders,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
“Today’s scientists and next generations are the ones who will lead the UAE in its drive towards more progress and make it one of the most innovative countries in the world,” he added.
The competition is part of the Emirates Foundation’s Think Science programme, which aims to encourage and empower Emirati youth, between the ages of 15 and 35 years, to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries.
“Our vision through this programme is to offer our youths a platform that helps strengthen their creative capabilities and contributes to the country’s policy regarding science, technology and innovation,” said Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Managing Director of the Emirates Foundation.
Shaikh Sultan was speaking on behalf of Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Shaikh Mohammad also honoured the strategic partners of the Think Science programme for their contribution to developing Emirati youths.
The winning projects were selected from among 235 projects that were developed and completed by more than 640 university and high school students. The projects competed at the national level in the science categories of electrical engineering, environmental sciences and management, industrial and mechanical systems, energy, smart and safety systems, physics and chemistry, transportation, aerodynamics and aviation.
This year’s competition opened the door for talented people aged between 25 and 35 years, who have completed their academic study, to participate in the competition.
The contest is supported by the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council, and it demonstrates the foundation’s continuous efforts to inspire and empower UAE youth to innovate in the fields of science and technology.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were also present.
