Abu Dhabi University organizes 2nd Annual “UAE Undergraduate Student Research Competition”

Under the patronage of H.E Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abu Dhabi University announced the launch of the second annual “United Arab Emirates Undergraduate Student Research Competition (UGSRC)”. As part of the “Step Up Shabab” initiative which fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, the 2^nd UAE-UGSRC aims to showcase, recognize and promote outstanding student research conducted at any higher educational institution in the UAE, while providing students with the opportunity of presenting their results in a nationwide competition, to be held in Abu Dhabi University, on 22^nd of May 2014. 

The announcement was made during a press conference held yesterday (Tuesday) on Abu Dhabi University’s campus in the presence of Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, Dr. Aly Nazmy Interim Provost and Dean of ADU’s College of Engineering, Dr. Sherine Farouk Director of Undergraduate Student Research at ADU, , Mr. Charles Diab Director of Marketing and Communications and Dr. Radwan Al Jarrah Dean of ADU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Terry Motiuk Vice Chancellor of ADU. 

Emphasizing the importance of the competition, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University explained that as the first of its kind in the UAE, the competition promotes undergraduate research efforts throughout universities around the UAE and enhances student skills, critical and analytical thinking as well as instills a sense of confidence in their research abilities. “In its first year, the UAE-UGSRC attracted more than 127 students from different universities who formed teams and presented more than 62 research papers. Some of these research projects covered engineering, natural sciences, health and humanities, information technology, business administration, arts and sciences, and education. The research was then presented throughout sessions with a specialized committee composed of 30 professors and experts from various universities and industries that covered the scope of the competition. Eighteen winning teams were finally announced, with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners in each category of the competition awarded 10,000 AED, 7,000 AED, and 5,000 AED, respectively”, said Dr. Ibrahim. 

Dr. Ibrahim pointed out that the University is looking to attract more students this year to participate in the competition. “Especially as it coincides with ADU’s celebrations of its 10 year anniversary since its inception in 2003, and is inspired by the UAE’s wise leadership’s keenness in establishing a knowledge- based economy through supporting higher education and scientific research thus ensuring the development of specialized national cadres. We are also grateful for the patronage of H.E Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research as it will enhance the importance of undergraduate research among university students”, concluded Dr. Ibrahim. 

On her part, Dr. Sherine Farouk Director of Undergraduate Student Research at ADU explained that the competition is an excellent opportunity to spread the research culture and its role in finding possible solutions to different issues that haunt our society today. “This year we’re targeting around 280 higher education institutions throughout the UAE to give more students the chance to showcase and present their research. Teams can consist of up to four students from one or several universities. Once registration for the competition ends on February 20^th, 100 shortlisted teams will be selected to present their research projects during the closing ceremony on May 22^nd. 

The second annual “United Arab Emirates Undergraduate Student Research Competition” emphasizes research in Engineering including: Architecture and Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Project and Engineering Management, and Chemical Engineering. Or Business Administration in: Accounting/ Finance, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources Management, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing. While research projects in Arts and Social Sciences can cover: Mathematics, Public Relations and Mass Communications, Psychology, Sociology and Statistics. Furthermore, in Information Technology research projects can be in Artificial Intelligence Applications and Mobile Applications. While Education covers Instructional Technologies, Gifted and Special Needs, the Natural and Health Sciences category includes Energy, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health, and Public Health.