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Qatar University (QU)’s Young Scientists Centre (YSC) has concluded the seventh edition of its 2025 Summer Research Training Programme, which served as an exceptional platform for students to pursue academic and research excellence.The closing ceremony featured a research poster exhibition showcasing the innovative projects and creative achievements developed by participating students.This year’s programme provided the students opportunities to enhance research skills and engage in innovative projects across several vital fields, including energy and environment, health and biomedical sciences, information and communication technology, and social and human sciences.“Over the years, the programme has proven its effectiveness in empowering students to develop their research capabilities and progress from inquiry to scientific discovery,” said associate vice-president (Research and Graduate Studies) Dr Mohamed Alsafran.He noted that this year saw outstanding participation, with 245 students taking part in 34 research projects across various disciplines.Dr Alsafran emphasised that the programme’s success reflects the productive collaboration among the university’s research centres and colleges, which have actively contributed to strengthening the QU’s multidisciplinary research platform, supporting excellence and innovation, and reinforcing the university’s commitment to building national capacity and achieving sustainable development.Dr Zubair Ahmad, the head of Module Development and Publication at the YSC, highlighted that the Summer Research Training Programme serves as a cornerstone in fostering research capabilities among youth.He described it as a strategic platform that transforms students into researchers and innovators capable of addressing contemporary challenges.Dr Ahmad added that the programme provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in real scientific research designed to enhance their technical and research skills through collaborative work with experts and mentors.He further said that the programme focuses on capacity building, enabling students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to contribute effectively to the knowledge-based economy envisioned in Qatar National Vision 2030.Among the winning projects were:* “The Effect of Catalyst Support Acidity and Basicity on CO₂ Conversion in the RWGS Reaction” in the Energy and Environment category, supervised by Dr Anand Kumar and Dr Parisa Ebrahimi from the College of Engineering.* “Years of Change: How University Life Shapes Students’ Dietary Habits and Physical Activity” in the Health and Biomedical Sciences category, led by Dr Rima Tayyem from the College of Health Sciences.* “A Smart Warning System for Distracted Motorcycle Riders Using Machine Learning Techniques” in the Information Technology category, supervised by Dr Qainat Hussain from the College of Engineering.* “Digital Transformation and AI Integration: Exploring Perceived Educational Benefits in Non-STEM Education” in the Social and Human Sciences category, supervised by Dr Julie Bhadra and Somaya Muneer from the YSC.These achievements reflected not only the quality of academic supervision but also the students’ ability to translate knowledge into pioneering research outcomes with tangible societal impact.The Summer Research Training Programme is one of the QU’s strategic initiatives, reflecting its commitment to developing students’ scientific capabilities and empowering them to become future research leaders capable of innovation and contributing to societal advancement.

Russian scientists have developed smart pharmaceutical formulations capable of changing their physical structure from liquid to gel or solid within the body, depending on environmental conditions, such as temperature or pH. Sechenov Medical University of Russia said in a statement that these pharmaceutical innovations aim to increase treatment effectiveness and facilitate the use of medications in targeted areas such as the eyes, teeth, or nasal mucosa. Among the most notable of these innovations are eye drops containing lidocaine for local anesthetic during eye surgery. These drops transform from a liquid to a gel on the surface of the eye, prolonging the anesthetic effect and improving its effectiveness. The innovations also include a product for patients with atopic dermatitis. This product is applied to the skin like oil and transforms into an emulsion when rinsed off, forming a protective layer that helps restore lost protective functions of the skin. In the field of dentistry, scientists have developed polymer matrices for preparing dental implants. These matrices harden in the socket and release therapeutic substances, accelerating the healing process and reducing the risk of complications. Scientists confirmed that these results represent a promising step toward enhancing the efficacy of topical medications and reducing side effects. They also confirmed their current work on developing medications to deliver vaccines through the nasal mucosa. The expertise and achievements of Sechenov University have attracted international attention. This year, scientists from China, Serbia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan visited its laboratories to learn about its achievements and potential applications during training and summer courses, with plans to develop joint projects in the future.