Abu Dhabi, UAE – Jan 21, 2018 – In line with the country’s drive for STI and STEM, Emirates Foundation’s Think Science Ambassadors showcased their project contributions at the Climate Innovation Exchange at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2018 that took place in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from Jan 15-18,2018 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where they were connected with global level entrepreneurs and investors in the fields of climate change and environment.

The Emirates Foundation Think Science Ambassadors were graced by the visit of the UAE leadership members as well as HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Emirates Foundation and member of the board of directors of Emirates Foundation and HE Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs who commended the youth on their valuable contribution of youth to the country’s progress in the field of science, technology and innovation.

The Think Science projects were part of 364 submissions from 65 nations across the globe from budding innovators who applied for the CLIX Climate Innovation Exchange awards. Only 28 projects reached to the finalists, out of which 3 were Think Science Ambassadors projects

Commenting on the participation of Think Science Ambassadors in the WFES CLIX Climate Innovation Exchange, H.E. Maytha Al Habsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation said: “Inspiring the UAE youth to take a vested interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and pursue their passion for innovation is at the heart of Emirates Foundation’s mission. Today we stand proud that 3 of our top Think Science pioneering projects where among 28 projects who have reached the final stage of the Clix Forum and who were selected from 364 projects from 65 countries.”

Al Habsi added: “By igniting the passion for science among the younger generation, we are striving to build a sustainable pipeline of science-oriented future leaders who can fill the increased market demand. We are certainly proud of the impressive performance of our Think Science Ambassadors at this important international event, which was a great opportunity for them to represent the UAE and compete at a global level.”

CLIX is a unique marketplace connecting on a global level entrepreneurs and investors to enable partnerships that will power sustainable climate change solutions through knowledge, innovation, and funding.

Participating Think Science Projects at the CLIX Climate Innovation Exchange

at the World Future Energy Summit 2018 included:

Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell lead by:

Alya Mahmoud Alabdouli – University of Sharjah

Huda Mohamed Alhashmi- United Arab Emirates University

Noura Saeed Alqaseer- University of Glasgow- UK

This project is dedicated to utilizing leftover foods to obtain electric energy. This concept translates into an applicable solution to reuse food waste, it can prove to be highly impactful in finding renewable energy sources. The project won 1st place in Energy Category at the 2016 Think Science Competition.

Smart Personal Microherb Farm lead by:

Almaha Omar Al Muhairi from Higher Colleges of Technology – Dubai Women’s College

The project allows people to incorporate micro herbs into their daily diet trying to replace all traditional vegetables with microherbs, to promote sustainability and to combat obesity. The project won 1st place in Uni-Smart Systems Category at the 2017 Think Science Competition

Use of Soil Bacteria to Improve Phytoremediation of Oil-Polluted Soils lead by:

Noura Salem Al Ahbabi- United Arab Emirates University

Sara Salem Alrashdi- United Arab Emirates University

Maryam Ismail Alblooshi- United Arab Emirates University

Nila Zazai Nabi Jan- United Arab Emirates University

The goal of the project is to enhance the phytoremediation efficiency through the deployment of novel bacteria to clean up oil-polluted soil in the UAE by a new alternative environmentally sound method for the management of oil pollution via the application of a biological product that can be used under local field conditions. The project won“1st place” in Uni-Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry Category, in addition to the “Best of the Best Project” at University Level award in the 2017 Think Science Competition
 

About Think Science Program

Think Science comprises three interrelated projects designed to help realize the potential of the UAE youth in the field of science – Think Science Competition, Think Science Connect and Think Science Ambassadors.

Launched in September 2012 and targeted towards young people between the ages of 15 and 35, the Think Science Competition; set up to explore scientific talents in UAE and seek to encourage creativity and innovation, with an ultimate goal of attracting more youth to work in various fields of science .The Think Science Fair, a key component of the program, aims to inspire, encourage and empower Emirati youth to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries. Think Science Connect is a platform for young people to meet with leaders and prominent figures from various scientific sectors to learn about potential career opportunities and explore projects’ incubational opportunities. This event is held in conjunction with the Think Science Competition at the annual national Think Science Fair.

Think Science Ambassadors aims to provide youth who had previously participated in the Think Science Competition with that critical spark by introducing youth to role models in the field, connecting them with mentors, and exposing youth to different extracurricular activities in science.