Emirates Foundation, the national foundation of the UAE established to facilitate public-private partnerships for empowering youth, has joined hands with global technology giant Honeywell which has pledged support for Emirates Foundation's efforts to nurture a new generation of UAE scientists and engineers.

Under the agreement, Honeywell has signed up as silver partner for Emirates Foundation's 2015-2016 Think Science competition. The initiative, which is part of Honeywell's commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers in the UAE, will see the global technology leader provide guidance and support to Think Science participants as they develop, design and build aerospace projects that aim to solve real-world problems.

The Think Science competition, is part of a national programme that seeks to inspire, encourage and empower Emirati youth aged 15 to 35 to embrace careers in science-related fields and to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in engineering, energy, aviation and other tech industries.

The nationwide contest engages UAE youth to develop, design and build science-based innovations that respond to society's most pressing needs.

"The UAE 2021 vision outlines the need for the private and public sectors to work together to create a competitive economy that will be driven by knowledgeable and innovative Emirati talent. Delivering this vision starts here with the Emirates Foundation," said Norm Gilsdorf, President, Honeywell High Growth Regions, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia. "Honeywell is pleased to make a meaningful contribution to the Think Science program and inspire today's students to become passionate about building innovations that create a world that's safer and more secure, more energy efficient, and where our quality of life is always improving.

Over the course of the competition, Honeywell engineers will mentor students on engineering techniques and methods to give them the best chance of advancing through the contest. Participants will showcase their projects at the Think Science Fair in April 2016, where winning students can progress to the Think Science Ambassadors Programme to take part in further activities focused on science and technology.

"Our alliance with the Emirates Foundation demonstrates our commitment to the UAE and its vision to become a centre of excellence in global aerospace," said James Bryson, President, EMEAI (Europe, Middle East, Africa, India), Honeywell Aerospace. "The UAE has become an international travel hub and home to a number of the world's most dynamic airlines. We are excited to work with the Think Science team to support local youth as they explore their interest in a career in aerospace."

Mohanna Obaid Al Muhairi, Chief Operations Officer, Emirates Foundation said: "We are pleased to attract a global name such as Honeywell to join our efforts to develop a talent pool of future aerospace engineers and scientists. Honeywell is a valuable addition to our growing network of public and private partners who are committed to the socio-economic development of the UAE and we hope such engagements will further enhance our ability to inspire and encourage talented individuals to pursue their curiosity and passion for science."

"Honeywell's vast expertise in technology and engineering will help this years Think Science competitors to make valuable contributions to some of the major challenges of modern life. Our ability to inspire and encourage talented individuals to pursue their passion for science is essential to building a strong and capable group of future industry
innovators." Al Muhairi added.

The Think Science competition is a unique UAE initiative that is perfectly in line with the UAE Government's emphasis on encouraging the young generations to excel in science and come up with creative ideas. The competition aims to attract youth to pursue careers in scientific fields, such as engineering, aviation industry, energy and health to meet the nation's demand for scientific talents.

This year's edition is targeting up to 600 university and high schools youth and other individuals, who will put forth 220 projects for competition at the national level in the science categories of electrical engineering, environmental sciences and management, industrial and mechanical systems, energy, smart and safety systems, physics and chemistry, transportation, aerodynamics and aviation.

"Emirates Foundation remains committed to delivering the UAE leadership's vision of empowering the young generation to help build a strong base of highly qualified native cadres who can lead our modernisation drive," Al Muhairi said.

Think Science aims to encourage and celebrate youth across the UAE providing them with opportunities to develop their knowledge and analytical thinking, enabling them to become active participants in finding groundbreaking solutions to local and global technological issues.

A prime focus of the Think Science initiative has been on embedding innovation in the education process, while encouraging schools and universities to instill a passion for research, investigation and exploration. Students are now becoming more familiar with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics related fields in par with
tomorrow's economy which requires equipping a competent and innovative workforce of students.

The competition provides a unique opportunity for Emirati youth to showcase their talent in science and technology, develop knowledge and share expertise, and be part of the UAE's growth today and in the
future.

The Think Science program comprises three interrelated projects designed to help realise the potential of the UAE youth in the field of science: Think Science Competition, Think Science Connect and Think Science Ambassadors.

By the end of this year, the accepted submissions will be announced, and executed projects will be judged by 50-60 renowned judges from academia and industry at the final Think Science Fair in April 2016, where all participants will showcase their projects. The winning projects will be announced in a special ceremony in May 2016.

The Foundation also organises an annual Think Science fair, a three-day event that provides a platform for young innovators to showcase their innovations. The fair, which is considered one of the major scientific events in the region, also offers individual companies, academia and government institutions the opportunity to showcase their work and connect directly with UAE youth Selected Emirati youth will be given the opportunity to participate in regional and international fairs (depending on their age group). Selected Participants will be given the opportunity to participate in different empowerment activities in science and technology.
 

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear