Over 96 students from 12 independent schools will participate in the Life is Engineering Project (Liep) competition, the annual high-school initiative of Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG).
Details of the competition were outlined in the recent launch of the 7th edition of the project attended by Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department head Prof Elsadig Mahdi, as well as schools students and supervisors.
This year’s Liep will be conducted in partnership with Lusail International Circuit, and sponsored by Qatar Petrochemical Company (gold sponsor), Dolphin Energy, ExxonMobil and Qatar Shell (silver sponsors).
Finalists will compete in the final race on April 25. The winning top three teams will receive awards and other prizes.
CENG dean Dr Khalifa al-Khalifa said the project aims to engage secondary school students in scientific and engineering projects, and motivate them towards studies in engineering. “This will enable them to make significant contributions to the labour market and to the country’s development and growth.”
ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager Alistair Routledge said the skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication are vital for youth to compete in the 21st century global workplace. “These are skills that students develop when they study science, technology, engineering and math subjects.”
Dolphin Energy general manager – Qatar Hassan al-Emadi said: “Life is Engineering brings together industry and academia and we hope our participation helps to inspire and provide opportunities for young, talented Qataris to pursue their dreams..”
Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre’s (QSRTC)  university collaboration manager Maha al-Mannai said: “By sponsoring the Liep competition, Qatar Shell continues to demonstrate its commitment to Qatar University while engaging in the transfer of knowledge and sharing of best practices with the country’s student population.
“As the country drives towards a knowledge-based economy, QSRTC maintains its support of national universities through the sponsorship of young scientific talent and the upskilling of Qatari researchers.”