UAE rolls out ‘Scientist in Residence’ initiative at schools

The Emirates Scientists Council (ESC) has launched the ‘Scientist in Residence’ initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, at Nad Al Hamar School in Dubai.

The initiative seeks to transform the way students study STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), by having Emirati scientists and researchers visit local schools to encourage students to develop their interests across a range of scientific disciplines.

Present at the launch event were Sara Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and ESC chairwoman; and Dr Amna Al Dahhak Al Shamsi, the Ministry of Education’s assistant undersecretary for welfare and activities sector.

‘Scientist in Residence’ introduces students to the nature of work conducted by people employed in different science fields. The joint initiative arranges a full day’s activity where invited guests educate students about their jobs, education and experience, with interactive meetings answering students’ queries and providing them with a forum where they can broaden their knowledge and awareness of careers in science. The project aims to assist students in relating the knowledge they acquire in their curriculum with real-life opportunities.

Jameela Al Muhairi said: “The ‘Scientist in Residence’ initiative heralds a new integrated approach towards education. It seeks to grow students’ skills by bringing them together with the most prominent Emirati scientists and thinkers; this encourages students to move beyond the traditional framework of learning and knowledge. It presents topics and motivational questions that contribute to increasing their intellectual and cognitive abilities, all the while providing them with a clearer and more comprehensive idea of a range of scientific disciplines.”

Al Amiri said: “The launch of the ‘Scientist in Residence’ initiative embodies the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, putting scientists, academics and researchers in contact with students to encourage their interest in various scientific disciplines. The initiative is an added value to the educational system, and offers an incubator environment for the development of scientific and innovative skills among children and young people.”

Dr Saeed Al Khazraji, associate professor of chemical engineering and director of the Petroleum Institute research centre at Khalifa University, was present at the initiative’s first leg. He spent a full day with students to answer their questions, shared information about his scientific and academic career, and gave an overview of his contribution to the UAE’s sustainable development.

Read more: https://gulfnews.com/news/uae/education/uae-rolls-out-scientist-in-residence-initiative-at-schools-1.2213448