Emirates Foundation Launches Think Science Fair 2015

UAE’s Top Scientific Minds to Display Latest Innovations at Region’s Biggest Student Science Exhibition

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 5 May, 2015:  Emirates Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation set up by the Abu Dhabi Government to facilitate public-private partnerships for empowering youth across the UAE, has officially today inaugurated this year’s Think Science Fair.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of Emirates Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council, the fair is one of the biggest events of its kind in the region, attracting thousands of school and university youth, parents, academics, investors and private sector representatives.

This year’s event, which is being held from May 5-7, 2015 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dhiab bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Board Member of Emirates Foundation, who welcomed students and participants to the fair.

The Think Science Fair comprises a large exhibition of youths’ innovations participating in the competition, and interactive hands on activities in Science, Engineering, Oil and Gas, Energy, Aviation and Technology sectors showcased by leading companies and organizations from the science and technology fields.

Speaking at the fair, His Highness Sheikh Dhiab Bin Mohammed said: “I am pleased to see the Think Science programme grow year after year and evolve in its unique contribution towards improving the capabilities of the Emirati youth. I have seen how the programme is building the next generation of scientists and Emirati scientific talent who will contribute towards building the future of our nation.”

Highlighting the importance of 2015 as the year of innovation, he added: “Innovation is the major goal that drives the Government’s work. I think this Fair, with its innovative scientific projects, and with its ability to embrace such a large, growing number of creative youths, is an important platform and a forum that helps drive the government’s efforts in this field.

“This Fair can enhance the culture of innovation in all aspects of life and can translate the Government’s vision and goals into real achievements.”

Launched in September 2012, Think Science is an interactive programme aimed at sparking an interest in science among the Emirati youth. Targeted towards young people between the ages of 15 and 24, it aims to inspire, encourage and empower Emirati youth to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries.

The Minister of Education said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Emirates Foundation on this extremely important initiative, which plays such a pivotal role in helping the UAE youth make an active contribution to their country’s development. By bridging the gap between the youth and business sector in the UAE, Think Science is paving the way for the next generation of scientists who will hold the future of our great nation in their hands.”

Clare Woodcraft-Scott, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said the organisation was committed towards providing sustainable, long-term initiatives that empower the youth.
 
She said: “Think Science is a vitally important programme for empowering the youth. We want to encourage talented young people to take an interest in science to support the UAE’s progress and development into a knowledge-based economy.

“This year’s fair will feature some of the UAE’s most promising scientific talent who will have the unique chance to connect with leading private sector companies and institutions specialised in the fields of science and technology. We look forward to welcoming a wide selection of budding scientists to attend what promises to be a highly educational and informative event.”

More than 200 projects representing the work of more than 550 Emirati youth are displayed at the Fair, which aims to encourage UAE youth from public and private schools and universities to participate in an innovative national level science competition. The participating projects have been entered in the competition under the guidance of 160 mentors and supervisors from educational institutions across the UAE.

The judging committee for the competition — made up of more than 52 scientific experts and professors from universities and private corporate entities — will review and evaluate the projects to determine the winners at a ceremony, which is due to take place on May 25.

Maytha Al Habsi Chief Programmes Officer at Emirates Foundation, said bridging the skills gap in the science sector was a top priority of Think Science.

She said: “The path to a sustainable future for the UAE lies in the power of talented youth. Emirati scientists are needed now more than ever to fill positions in diverse sectors such as nuclear engineering, aeronautical engineering, energy and IT.

“The event aims to provide youth with that critical spark with a view to encouraging them to both study science and technology and embark on an exciting and rewarding career in this key area.”

The Think Science Competition includes the schools competition that focuses on Applied Physics, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Environmental sciences and Management, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Energy, Safety systems, Smart Systems and Transportation. The universities competition is centered around three main categories: Energy and Electrical Systems, Smart industrial systems, and Applied Sciences & Engineering.

The fair also act as a platform to connect youth with experts through motivational sessions that focus on key areas in education and innovation.  Discussion panels allow participants to hear from scientist who have made careers out their passion.  There are also 37 companies, organisations and institutes at the fair to offer career advice to those in attendance.

The event will be a heightened engagement initiative connecting young people with a strategic scientific network. The Fair also offers individual companies, academia and government institutions the opportunity to showcase their work and connect directly with UAE youth.

Think Science comprises three interrelated projects designed to help realise the potential of the UAE youth in the field of science - Think Science Competition, Think Science Connect and Think Science Ambassadors.

The Think Science competition was launched in October 2012 by Emirates Foundation as part of its Think Science programme, which aims to motivate, encourage and empower Emirati youth to consider a career in the science sector.

Think Science Connect is a platform for young people to meet with leaders and prominent figures from various scientific sectors while Think Science Ambassadors aims to provide youth with that critical spark by introducing them to role models in the field.

Think Science Ambassadors aims to provide youth with that critical spark by introducing youth to role models in the field, connecting them with mentors, and exposing youth to different extracurricular activities in science.