On November 25, the efforts of the National Scientific Research and Innovation Competition 2020 were awarded through a digital conference.

Out of 720 projects that were submitted for the competition from various schools and educational institutions, three groups of high school students won four prizes which included two first places, a third-place, and a special prize.

All the research involved is distinguished by its distinction, quality of ideas, and innovative solutions that serve different sectors and fields in energy, industry, environment, and agriculture.

Student Anfal Al-Sulaiti from Zubaida secondary school for girls won first place in the Chemistry and Material Sciences category for research titled "Polymeric nanocomposite coating for the protection of steel". The importance of this coating lies in its versatility in the fields of industry, production, and preservation of the environment.

Two students, Abdullah Al-Janahi and Abdullah Al-Nasr, from Qatar Science and Technology secondary school for boys, won third place for another research titled "Smart and robust nanocomposite fibers for self-powering electronic devices" in the Energy Category. This research presents a new, innovative, and more efficient way to produce electricity that is safe for the environment.

Tamim Al-Rashed and Yousef Al-Mahmoud from the Qatar Banking Sciences and Business Administration secondary school for boys won first place in the category of plant and animal sciences, and a special prize for research entitled "Hydrogel sensor for agricultural applications".

This research aims to improve soil properties by creating a smart sensor to irrigate crops according to soil needs, in addition to increasing soil fertility and agricultural production by using agricultural incentives such as Arabic Gum. This project will revolutionize agriculture in the State of Qatar, seeking self-sufficiency in basic agricultural crops.

Dr. Noora Al-Thani, Director of the Qatar University Young Scientists Center, expressed her happiness and said, "scientific research is of great importance in developing societies and refining skills by combining query and knowledge and conducting experiments with data analysis, which leads to the creation of solutions and products". 

Dr. Noora addressed the winning students, saying, "I always feel proud of our students who are used to winning in local and international competitions for research and innovation".

She also praised the efforts of the Center’s sponsors, namely the Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach Program, and the partners, namely, UNESCO-Doha Office, and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.

There is a growing need for scientific research to contribute to economic, social, cultural, and intellectual progress, previously contributing to all scientific, industrial, and technological revolutions.

Hence, Qatar University (QU) Young Scientists Center devotes tremendous efforts and resources to instill the foundations of scientific research and enriching knowledge capital in the younger generation, in order to achieve strategies and goals pivotal in achieving the visions of the country's development.

For more information on Qatar University’s initiatives, please visit qu.edu.qa

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