First batch of GMU‘s 'Future Scientists of the UAE’ initiative complete research internship
Ajman, UAE: Students of the first batch of the ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ initiative launched by Gulf Medical University (GMU) last year, in collaboration with GEMS International Schools successfully completed their research internship at the University and were awarded certificates on 15th June 2019.
The initiative was launched in January 2018, in line with the strategic initiatives for the Emirates Scientists Council launched by the Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the aim of creating a conducive environment for innovation and scientific research in the country.
Addressing the gathering of students, faculty members and parents at the certificate distribution ceremony, Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said that the ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ program had been launched with the aim of providing research exposure to school students, so that they become inquisitive and innovative early on in their student lives. “Usually research is introduced very late during the learning process. However, learning takes place through research and socialization, and it is important to embed the learner in the environment at the earliest possible stage,” he explained, adding, “Today marks the completion of the first batch of this program. There will be subsequent batches.”
Prof. Salem Chouaib, Vice Chancellor, Research, GMU said, “One of the important missions of GMU is to help the students discover the world of research and help them become people generating knowledge, rather than mere knowledge consumers.”
The students of the first batch had been selected from grades 9 to 12 from various schools under GEMS, through a competitive admission process. The future scientists were mentored by research scientists, professors and clinical staff at Gulf Medical University. Faculty mentors also encouraged thinking outside of the box: students first learned the concept of developing a research question, followed by the selection and conducting of the necessary experiments to answer their question of interest and finally, interpreting and presenting the results in relation to the research objective. GMU’s world-class research facility, The Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine - played a central role in the program.
Recounting her experience attending the program, one of the participant students, Rosemary Woolley said, “This program has helped me realize the importance of research in the scientific community. It has made me excited for future discoveries in cancer research. I’ve enjoyed my time at GMU and I hope that someday I would be able to play a role in the research community. I’m grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had and I hope to contribute constructively in future research programs.”
Another participant, Adithya Mathew explained how the program enriched his thirst for knowledge and research: “I was only looking into a career in science, before enrolling in this program. This program has given me valuable theoretical and practical knowledge that is not only helping me in school, but will also help me in the future. My love for science and research has increased tenfold; thanks to this program. I cannot express how grateful I am, for this learning experience.”
Varsha Bijali, a participant, said that the program gave her the opportunity to work alongside the nation’s leading professors of biochemistry and cancer-cell biology. This gave me the perfect opportunity to understand the field of medicine beyond the academic curriculum. I’ll be taking the knowledge I gained from this program when I start medical university this September,” she said.
Ahsan Nayaz was another participant who shared a similar experience. “We learned a lot more than we usually learn at school, at a pace that never became a burden on us. We got hands-on experience and exposure to the research world, but overall we had fun, interacting with each other and with the professors, gaining new knowledge in the process. I feel proud and privileged to be a part of this program. I will be taking the knowledge gained here, towards my future medical endeavors,” he said.
Dr. Kierstan Connors, Associate Director of GEMS College & Career Counseling Worldwide said that the program was a one-of-its-kind opportunity for high school students, to get involved in hands-on research, in the company of highly-experienced faculty members. “For our students, this has been a lifetime experience of research, learning and curiosity. It was 16 students from GEMS who committed to the first batch. I now get about 10 student/parent requests a week, to ask about the next batch of the program,” she said, commenting on the rising popularity and effectiveness of the program. The second batch of ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ is scheduled to begin from September 2019.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
