Hundreds of students take part in workshops on nanotechnology

The Al Bairaq programme has benefited a large number of students.

Students from high schools participating in Qatar University (QU)’s Al Bairaq will be engaged in workshops on nanotechnology among the various scientific fields covered by the programme.  

Speaking at an induction event held recently, Centre for Advanced Materials head Dr Mariam al-Maadeed said the programme increased the number of offerings on modern scientific subjects in the new session, including “Manipulation of light in the nanoworld”.

Nine-hundred students from 30 participating schools and those expected to join the programme were on hand with parents and teachers to learn details of the programme’s modules - “I am a researcher”, “I am discovering materials” and “Science in sport”.

“The benefit to students who have participated in this programme is considerable,” Dr al-Maadeed said. “We are pleased at the results, which show significant progress in the scientific and research knowledge and skills of the students.”

Some 2,518 students from 121 schools have been impacted by this programme and it has grown in popularity since its inception, drawing many organisations and industry partners to participate in developing the next generation of Qatar’s leaders, Dr al-Maadeed stressed.

Al Bairaq head Dr Noora al-Thani pointed to the programme’s sponsors, Unesco Doha (partner), RasGas (platinum sponsor), Maersk Oil (gold sponsor) and Qatar Shell (silver sponsor), saying: “These sponsorships have allowed the programme to develop further and become established as a valuable model for youth engagement in scientific research.

“We have continued to build a culture of research among the youth of Qatar, both boys and girls, to prepare them for future responsibility to advance the country’s development as a knowledge-based economy.

“The proof of the programme’s success is in the increasing number of participating students and the level and quality of the work they produce. They are enthusiastic and passionate about innovation and discovering new things and we are pleased to be part of their journey.”