Aligned with the National Advanced Sciences Agenda 2031 and the 2021 Advanced Science Strategy, to build national scientific capacities and promote youth to take on leadership roles in science & technology, Emirates Foundation Think Science Ambassadors will showcase their sustainability innovation projects at the World Future Energy Summit 2019, taking place between January 14-17 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, Think Science Program has impacted over 70,000 youth, since its establishment in 2013, to explore and experiment in a variety of STEM categories and subject and develop scientific innovations addressing society’s most pressing challenges. Through Think Science Ambassadors, the program has provided youth, who had previously participated in the Think Science Competition, with a platform to showcase their innovations and network with potential investors through both local and international opportunities.
Emirates Foundation Think Science’s active engagement program features speaking opportunities and innovation showcases at the 2019 Youth 4 Sustainability Hub which features the Climate Innovation Exchange (Clix) launched last year, supporting the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment strategy to enable the sourcing and funding of climate change solutions and technologies.
In recognition of their contributions to advancing science and innovation, three Think Science projects were shortlisted for the Climate Innovation Exchange (CLIX) global awards, from among 811 submissions from 83 nations across the globe. The Think Science projects, focused on sustainability in space, future of energy and future of food and agriculture, will be competing with 48 projects, with results to be announced on January 17, 2019.
The Think Science Ambassadors will also take to the stage on January 17, 2019 to share their journey to develop projects that support space exploration, address water scarcity and promote innovative emergency response, and advancing science and innovation advancement in the UAE.
Commenting on the participation of Think Science Ambassadors in the World Future Energy Summit, H.E. Maytha Al Habsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation said: “Inspiring youth to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and careers is one of our mission’s key pillars at Emirates Foundation. Having three Think Science projects shortlisted for this prestigious innovation award, alongside projects from around the world, is an achievement that every youth and educator in the UAE should be proud of. We are very proud of our Think Science Ambassadors who represented the UAE, competing at a global level, and sharing their journey to hopefully encourage many more youth to embrace innovation.”
Al Habsi added: “By igniting our youth’s passion for science and innovation, we are striving to build a sustainable pipeline of future leaders ready for the market place’s demands and who are making a meaningful contribution to the socio-economic progress and technology-driven future of our nation. ”
Made in the UAE Youth Innovation
Participating Think Science Projects at the CLIX Climate Innovation Exchange
at the World Future Energy Summit 2019 included:
Design Implementation of Novel Antennas for the Emirati CubeSat
In this project, this Think Science Ambassadors team, who are all Emirati youth, designed antennas required for the first Emirati small satellite (CubeSat) which were also optimized and tested. This will support space science which is advancing rapidly in the United Arab Emirates in recent years.
Anti-fire Drone
The second Think Science Ambassadors team, who are all Emirati youth, designed a drone that detects smoke and temperature increase, alerts authorities and extinguish fire using carbon dioxide foam to assist firefighters for an improved coverage. This will support the Emergency Response capabilities in the UAE.
H2O Desalination and Purification Using CNT and Silver Nanoparticles
In response to the water scarcity challenge in the UAE and worldwide, The third Think Science Ambassadors, who are all Emirati youth, designed and built a cost-effective system for an improved water desalination system using silver nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes that will facilitate availability for residents.
