Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre launches the Explore Mars Science Competition for undergraduate and graduate students

Participants must submit scientific research posters on the geology, atmosphere, or habitability of Mars

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the competition 

September 5, 2016
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) - the entity delegated to design, implement and supervise all the phases of the Emirates Mars Mission- Hope, under the supervision of the UAE Space Agency- has announced the launch of the Explore Mars Poster Competition, in which participants will submit scientific research on the Red Planet. The competition offers a unique opportunity for all undergraduate and graduate students to present in-depth research studies with a focus on the geology, atmosphere, or habitability of Mars.

Those interested in participating can register online via the page dedicated to the competition on the MBRSC website, no later than 8th September 2016, with the poster submission deadline coming on the 28th September 2016. The evaluation of the posters will be carried out by a judging committee comprising national and international scientists renowned in the field of Mars exploration research during the 2nd Annual EMM Science Workshop, which will be held on Monday 3rd October at The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City.

Eng. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Assistant Director General for Scientific and Technical Affairs at MBRSC, said: “Scientific research is of great importance, playing a pivotal role in enriching knowledge and achieving comprehensive development.” He also pointed out that “scientific innovation and technology advancement require fostering a culture of scientific research in order to make new scientific and technological discoveries”. 

“Encouraging students to conduct research develops both educational and specialised sectors. It is also very important to create opportunities for all graduate and undergraduate students to deepen their knowledge of Martian science and gain new skills in the field of analysing scientific facts and data,” he added.

“Holding competitions and workshops related to EMM will serve to highlight the endless support given by the UAE Space Agency, as well as MBRSC efforts to develop national capacities and increase the UAE’s global competitiveness with respect to space science,” Al Marri concluded.
Omran Sharaf, Project Manager of EMM at MBRSC said: “The Explore Mars Competition is one of the initiatives that aim to disseminate the culture of exploration and build the capacities of future generations who are interested in space. It’s also a good opportunity to learn more about the Red Planet's surface, atmosphere and climate.”

He added: “We understand the importance of the science and technology sector in the UAE, therefore plans and strategies were developed to attract and empower national capabilities through the Hope project, which is considered a turning point in the industry of advanced technology in the UAE.” 
Sarah Amiri, Deputy Project Manager, and Science Lead of the Emirates Mars Mission, said: “The science team of the project focuses on encouraging graduate and undergraduate students to study in the main science majors”.

She added: “The scientific aspect in any of the outer space exploration projects is as fundamental as the engineering aspect, they complement one another. Thus the main objective of launching this competition is to help students find their way to space science and to Mars in particular in order to develop their research skills." 

The top three entrants to the competition will be awarded with cash prizes. The first winner will receive prize of 10,000 AED, the second winner 7,000 AED, and third 5,000 AED.