Science boffins recognised for impressive hard work

Science communicators awarded by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee. — Wam

An awards ceremony celebrating the hard work and achievements of science educators in the emirate was hosted on Saturday, in light of the recent success of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF).

The Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) — which organises the festival — hosted the ceremony and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, was guest of honour.

The TDC’s Director-General, Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, praised the outstanding performance of the ADSF 2013 science communicators. “We are all very impressed with our science communicators. Their commitment, enthusiasm and genuine love for promoting the fun of science to kids has come across very clearly; they are superb role models for the UAE youth. We are extremely proud of each and every one of them who volunteered their time, energy and passion to help create the best Festival to date.”

ADSF 2013 has already received glowing reports and feedback from around the world, with many comments commending the festival’s continuous progress year-on-year.

Al Calily said the festival’s success “is testament to the hard work, professionalism and collaboration between the many stakeholders without whom none of this would be possible”.

He personally thanked Adec and the sponsors and partners of the festival, saying they have come together to help inspire, excite and empower the younger generation to become the innovators, technologists and scientists who shape tomorrow.

“Due to their efforts and leadership, we can all be certain that our drive to realise the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 of creating a knowledge-based economy is becoming more of a certainty every year,” he said.

The third edition of the Festival witnessed an increase in the involvement of science communicators with nearly 900 university students including ADSF Alumni being recruited locally.

Receivers of the awards included Faris Al Masri for Team Work, Aysha Al Salih for Most Improved and Maitha Al Ameri for Most Innovative.

The Science Communicator Alumni programme, launched in 2012, capitalises on the success of the Science Communicator programme and grants all science communicators automatic membership once they complete their first festival. The Alumni members play a crucial role in acting as ambassadors in the community, recruiting new science communicators and inspiring UAE youth with their expertise.

Alumni science communicator Asmaa Al Rouh, who is returning to her third edition of the festival, described her experience saying, “I love being involved. The training we receive is great and the things I keep learning are incredible. The most satisfying experience of all though is being able to see the smiles on all the children’s faces and this makes me know that I am making a difference in someone’s life.”

Sozeena Kamal, a student at the Abu Dhabi University who is joining the festival for the first time, said: “I am studying to become a teacher, and the time that I have spent participating in the Abu Dhabi Science Festival has opened my eyes to my future, making me look forward to my career. It has been just amazing spending time with children and teaching them and most importantly learning from them and the team leaders. This is my first time here and I cannot wait till next year’s festival.”