ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 31st Oct, 2018) The UAE’s first National Nuclear Science for Development Student Competition concluded today with the winning of three teams after a thorough screening and presentation process. The winners presented their projects to explore the role of nuclear energy to improve human health, generate clean energy and to protect the environment and water resources.
The winners were handpicked by a team of high-level jury comprising Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA; Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, as well as representatives of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, the Ministry of education and the Vienna-based IAEA. Representatives from Dubai Health Authority, DHA, Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi, EAD, and Khalifa University were also on the jury panel.
Targeting high-school students aged between 14 and 18, the competition aims to encourage them to explore the role of peaceful use of nuclear applications to serve the community and sustainable development. The high-school students were encouraged to submit a proposal covering one of three categories and focusing on the role of nuclear science and technology to improve human health; protect the environment and water resources; and generate clean energy.
The Jamila Bu Haired school won in the nuclear science and technology for improving human health category for their project, 'Future Owners - Electromedical Slide'. For protecting the environment and water resources category, the Universal American School of Dubai took home the prize for their project 'Back to the Future - GreenTech', while the Umm Alarab School won in the generating clean energy category with their project, 'Radiation Geeks - Nuclear Transportation Engine'.
"Youth is a vital element for progress in the UAE and in any society. Through this competition we are pioneering once again the UAE principles and values of the Founding Father. The ‘Year of Zayed’ focuses on Sustainability and Human Development. We have combined that vision with valuable input from the youth, and gave them a platform to express how they envision a future where science contributes to development. The students’ response was heartwarming and showcased the big potential of our young men and women alike. We are proud to launch this dynamic initiative which already has a valuable impact nationwide, and will continue empowering the young generations of the UAE and advancing sustainable development," said Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi.
Since its launch in July, over 100 teams registered their proposals to compete in this national competition, first of its kind. A team of technical experts from the UAE and IAEA selected nine finalist teams who took part in the final round showcasing their projects to the high-level jury.
The competition was introduced by the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Education, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, and with support from IAEA.
The three categories of the competition correspond with the UN Sustainable Development Goals which the UAE adopted in 2015.
The winners will travel to attend the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology: Addressing Current and Emerging Development Challenges, which will be held at IAEA’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria from 28th-30th November 2018. They will carry out a number of field visits including to the IAEA laboratories in Seibersdorf; learn about nuclear science and applications in other countries, listen to policy-makers, and connect with scientists and youth from across the globe.
