Qatar Chooses 8 Students to Participate in STEM Forum in London

DOHA—A competition for young science students in Qatar has chosen eight students to represent the gulf country at the London International Youth Science Forum this summer.

The forum, set to run from July 27 to August 10, offers a 15-day summer camp in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics to students ages 16 to 21.

During the event, Qatar’s students will engage with other students and mentors from around the world who are equally passionate about science and research.

The opportunity to participate in the forum is a result of the collaboration between Qatar Foundation, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s Qatar Youth Science Forum.

The goal of this collaboration is to ensure the well-rounded scientific development of the next generation through its efforts with K-12 and higher education. It also encourages high school students to demonstrate scientific creativity and apply research methods to resolve challenges.

Four Winning Teams

The winning teams and their coaches and schools are as follows.

Lara Michaella Z. Espiritu and Marcus Wein E. Monteiro, from Philippine International School Qatar, coached by their teacher Judileine Dabin, placed first in the competition for their poster titled “Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Control System for Seawater Desalination using Ultrasonic Humidification Technique and Filtration System”.

Seth Zackari Balde and Gwyn Steffany Maningo of Philippine School Doha, coached by Evelyn Marinas, placed second for their poster, titled “The Utilisation of Lemongrass in the Creation Biocomposite Dish Plates”.

Nancy Shamel El-Sayed Awadallah Ibrahim and Zena Ahmed Saleh Latif of the Middle East International School, coached by Reena Rajesh, placed third for their poster, “Plantable Biodegradable Masks”.

Rashid Khalifa al-Kuwari and Omar Saad al-Bader of Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, coached by Ibrahim Alnuaimi, placed fourth for their poster, “Automated System for Cleaning Solar Panels using Atmospheric Moisture”.

‘An Amazing Experience’

Espiritu and Monteiro, on the first-place team, said they were happy to be representing Qatar at the forum.

“It has been one of our dreams to help position Qatar in leading a new era of desalination,” Espiritu said. “So, this opportunity is really quite exciting for us.”

“Participating in the Qatar Youth Science Forum has been an amazing experience,” Espiritu said. “My advice to other young innovators seeking to make a mark and benefit their ongoing studies is to make best use of opportunities available in Qatar.”

“And, of course, to remain determined and never lose hope,” Monteiro added.

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The theme for this year’s London International Youth Science Forum is “Science for Society”. It will focus on the challenges that societies face that can be addressed through scientific development and discovery. These include climate change, sustainable energy, viruses, data management, and cyber-security.

The event aims to empower youth from all backgrounds to pursue their STEM potential and participate in globally relevant discussions as citizens of the world.

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