Qatar
NMoQ uses Cafe Scientifique to bring young people closer to careers in science
A cup of coffee became a gateway to the world of scientific research at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) on Monday, as young people met scientists and explored career pathways through the first Cafe Scientifique session.
Held at Nomad Cafe as part of the ongoing ExxonMobil STEAM Festival, the session brought teenagers and young adults closer to the people behind scientific research in Qatar, with the first discussion focusing on environmental DNA (eDNA), biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
Nadya al-Saleh, director of the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival and acting deputy director of Learning and Outreach at the NMoQ, said the initiative was designed to inspire younger generations to consider science as a career.
"This Cafe targeted the teens and the young generation to be inspired to take a career as a scientist in Qatar,” she told Gulf Times.
The first session featured Nayla al-Naema, environmental and biodiversity lead at ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ), who spoke about her career and research into species and ecosystems using eDNA – genetic material left behind by organisms in their surrounding environment.
She also shared insights into her work on Qatar’s marine environment, including research into local coral species and the use of advanced technologies to understand how marine life responds to environmental conditions.
Al-Saleh said the session offered participants an opportunity to hear about scientific work from someone directly involved in it.
"The first speaker today was from ExxonMobil,” she said. "She inspired us on her career and how to do research regarding sea creatures and the kind of work that she is doing.”
Rather than presenting science only as a classroom subject, Cafe Scientifique is intended to show young people how scientific knowledge is applied to real-world questions and how professionals build careers around their interests.
The session included a presentation followed by a question-and-answer segment, allowing participants to ask about research, careers and experiences in the field.
According to the NMoQ, the Cafe Scientifique series is aimed at connecting young adults aged 16 and above with professionals working across the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields.
The initiative forms part of the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival, which runs at the NMoQ until November 28 and includes hands-on activities, workshops and programmes linking scientific learning with Qatar’s heritage, environment and history.