Qatar University Young Scientists Center Concludes 10th Cycle of Science in Sports Program

Doha, November 19 (QNA) - Qatar University (QU)'s Young Scientists Center celebrated the successful conclusion of its landmark 10th cycle of the Science in Sports program. Held within the QU Research Complex, this pioneering initiative opens doors for secondary school students, empowering them to delve into innovative scientific concepts and apply the engineering design process to revolutionize the sports industry. This year’s program showcased an inspiring focus on the development of wearable devices and tools tailored for sports applications. The objective was clear: to foster innovations that enhance performance, enable smart injury detection and prevention, facilitate vital monitoring, refine arbitration methods, and elevate the detection of violations within the realm of sports. The Science in Sports Program conducted workshops that engaged 128 students from various esteemed schools across Qatar, including Omar Bin Al Khattab Secondary School for Boys, Al Shamal Secondary School for Boys, Omar Bin Al Aas Secondary School for Boys, Al Hayat Universal School, Tariq Bin Ziyad Secondary School for Boys, and Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys. These workshops seamlessly merged scientific experiments with sports-related activities, integrating a pioneering educational curriculum rooted in the STEM framework (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This approach empowered students to transition from passive recipients of information to active participants in the learning process, encouraging research-driven exploration for solutions. Throughout the workshops, students collaborated in groups, leveraging engineering design concepts and scientific research methodologies to tackle athletic challenges or engineer specific components of sports attire. Subsequently, follow-up visits to schools facilitated the implementation of prototypes for the innovations that were eventually showcased at the closing ceremony. Director of the QU Young Scientists Center Professor Noora Al-Thani expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Our goal is to offer educational programs that captivate students with novel and compelling subjects, fostering their holistic development." Emphasizing the significance of the Science in Sports program, she noted, "This program seamlessly intertwines various scientific disciplines, motivating students towards unparalleled creativity and innovation in sports and sports engineering." She further highlighted that the program's conclusion does not mark the end but the commencement of a journey towards success. The center extends support to students, enabling their participation in international conferences and exhibitions and providing platforms to showcase their projects and demonstrate their prowess and competence. (QNA)