14 UAE Youth Take Part at International Science and Engineering Fair in United States

Think Science Ambassadors students represented UAE on the international stage

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 18 May, 2015:  A total of 14 UAE youth who participated in this year’s Think Science Fair earlier this month, have taken part at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburg in the United States.

The Emirati students were selected as part of the Think Science Ambassadors programme, which aims to provide Emirati 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. 

Held from 10-15 May, 2015, Intel ISEF is considered the world’s largest international pre-college science competition that annually provides a forum for more than 1,700 high school students for 70 countries, regions and territories to showcase their independent research. 

Commenting on the competition, Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at Emirates Foundation said: “I am very delighted by the legacy we are building through Think Science Fair. The annual event has just held its third highly successful edition and every year we have had exceptional students qualify to compete at the international level. 

“These 14 talented Emiratis have done their country proud and set a precedent for excellence for those who will follow in their footsteps. All of us at Emirates Foundation are very proud of their achievements and I look forward to seeing what great things they will achieve as they now embark on promising careers in the science field.” 

Intel ISEF comes a week after the Think Science Fair, one of the biggest events of its kind in the region, which featured more than 200 submissions representing the work of more than 550 Emirati youth. Organised by Emirates Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation set up by the Abu Dhabi Government to facilitate public-private partnerships for empowering youth across the UAE, the fair attracted more than 10 thousand visitors. 

Mohammed Al Shehi, a student at Applied Technology High School for Boys in Abu Dhabi, one of the youth who took part in the competition, said: “We are extremely honoured to have been selected to take part in Intel ISEF and represent our country. Our incredible experience in the competition is something we will never forget and we are delighted with what we have learned here. 

Maryam Fuad Bukhash, a student from Al Ittihad Private School - Jumeira added “We hope that our participation will inspire others to take part in future events and show the world what the UAE’s best young scientists can do.”

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 the Emirati youth to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries.

In addition to its competition and ambassadors programmes, Think Science also comprises Think Science Connect that takes place annually during Think Science Fair. Think Science Connect is a platform for young people to meet with leaders and prominent figures from various scientific sectors.

The fair acts as a platform to connect youth with experts through motivational sessions that focus on key areas in education and innovation.  The sessions allow participants to hear from scientist who have made careers out their passion. There were also 37 companies, organisations and institutes at the fair to offer career advice. The Fair also offers individual companies, academia and government institutions the opportunity to showcase their work and connect directly with UAE youth.