“Think Science Competition” opens registration for UAE's talented youth from all Emirates

- As part of its Think Science Program,Emirates Foundation is set to welcomeUAEyouthfrom universities and high schools to be part of the competition 
- 15th November, 2014 is the deadline for submitting proposals

Abu Dhabi, 28September, 2014: Emirates Foundation announced today the launch of its the “Think Science Competition” for the academic year 2014/2015. The online registration for the competition is now open for UAE’s brightest young scientific minds from across all Emirates.

The “Think Science Competition”, one of the biggest events of its kind in the region, is one of three projects under the Emirates Foundation’s Think Science Program, whose previous editions were held under the Patronage and guidance of H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Foundation. The Think Science program also includes Think Science Connect and the Think Science Ambassadors Project.

Emirates Foundation “Think Science” program aims to inspire, encourage, and empower Emirati youth, between the ages of 15 and 24 years, to choose science as a field of study and career path and respond to the nation’s demand for science talents.

“Think Science Competition” aims at engaging teams of up to three talented youth from all Emirates, to inspire, encourage and empower UAE youth, as well as to motivate teamwork and provoke fascination for hands-on technology. The competition will allow all UAE’s high school and university youth (age 15-24 Years) to have the opportunity to build interactive scientific projects that have a sustainable social value.

The competition will betargeting up to 600 students from universities and high schools, with 200projects to be competing at the national level in the following science categories: Electrical Engineering, Environmental Sciences & Management, Industrial & Mechanical Systems, Energy, SmartandSafety Systems, Physics & Chemistry, and Transportation.

The contest, whichis supported by the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council, demonstrates Emirates Foundation’s continuous efforts to inspire and empower UAE students to innovate in the fields of science and technology.

As part of Think Science Program , Think Science Connect, is an annual three-day event, which will provide an excellent opportunity for the key stakeholders and academia interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to come together to enthuse and inspire young people about careers and challenges in Science and Technology fields. 30 companies and academia will be chosen according to their hands on activities to participate in the Think Science Connect.
Every year, Emirates Foundation holds the“Think Science Fair” that attracts thousands of school and university youth, parents, academics, investors and private sector representatives to a platform where the competition youth showcase their brain power and innovations in the field of science and technology, and the Connect participants inspire youth about science and technology fields

Commenting on this Initiative, H.E. Eng. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi,UAE Minister of Education said: “Think Science Competition” is in alignment with the ministry’s interests in preparing students to discover their talents, and in motivating them to use their capabilities valuably.”
“The program is aimed at supporting the nation’s young scientific talents; developing and refining their skills and capabilities; fostering an inquiring scientific environment; and creating a new generation of qualified people who are able to respond to the country’s demand for science talents.
“These projects aim at enhancing the status and the development process of our country’s academicscheme, which supports the country’s continued mission in developing the education system.” H.E added.

Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at the Emirates Foundation said: “We encourage talented youth from public and private schools and universities from across the UAE to apply and participate in the competition, as they are welcome to inspire us with their creative scientific and technological minds and skills.”
“The competition will provide excellent opportunity for Emirates youth to showcase their talent in science and technology, develop knowledge and share expertise, and to be part of UAE’s future growth.”Al Habsi added.

“The program is focused on guiding the interest and passion for science in UAE youth towards embracing careers in industry and innovation, It aims to empower the future generation of UAE with the tools necessary that contribute to an evolving innovative society” Al Habsi concluded.
By end of this year, “The Science Competition”accepted submissions will be announced, and executed projects will be judged by 50-60 renowned judges from academia and industry at the final “Think Science Fair”in April 2015, where all participants will showcase their science projects.Winners will be awarded in a remarkable ceremony after the event.

The “Think Science” program was launched in September 2012 as part of the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development’s efforts to inspire and encourage UAE youth to embrace careers in science.
For participation and proposal submission at “Think Science Competition”, students can register online at www.emiratesfoundation.ae/thinkscience.Last day for applying and submitting proposals is 15th November, 2014.