16 school students gain 'future scientist' title

The first batch of the 'Future Scientists of the UAE' initiative - 16 students from Grade 9 to 12 from various Gems schools - have completed a two-year research stint at the Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman. 
The programme was launched last year in line with the strategic initiatives for the Emirates Scientists Council launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative aimed at creating a conducive environment for innovation and scientific research in the country.
Students in this programme worked with the team of researchers at the GMU's research facility, The Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine on topics related to cancer cell biology - on understanding how cancer cells behave when exposed to different factors in their environment; how they respond to less oxygen (hypoxia); and how they respond to chemotherapy drugs and how the immune system can recognise the cancer cells. They did experiments ranging from using the microscope to visualise the cancer cells and specific proteins inside the cells.
For the last two years, these students dedicated their weekends to get trained under the top researchers and professors at the university and were awarded certificates for their research work and achievement recently.
Prof Hossam Hamdy, chancellor of the GMU, said the 'Future Scientists of the UAE' programme 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 socialisation, and it is important to embed the learner in the environment at the earliest possible stage," he explained.
Clearing the concepts
One of the participant students, Rosemary Woolley, who researched on genetic mutations, said, "This programme has helped me realise 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 the GMU. I hope that someday I would be able to play a role in the research community."
Another participant, Adithya Mathew, explained how the programme enriched his thirst for knowledge and research. "I was only looking into a career in science, before enrolling in this programme. It 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 programme."
Another student, Varsha Bijali, said the programme 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 programme when I start medical university this September," she said.
Dr Kierstan Connors, associate director of the GEMS College and Career Counseling Worldwide, said the programme 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. The second batch of 'Future Scientists of the UAE' is scheduled to begin from September 2019.
saman@khaleejtimes.com