Under the direct support and patronage of H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Tawazun has sponsored the Third annual UAE Undergraduate Student Research Competition (UGSRC) which was held in the Abu Dhabi University Campus, on May 21st 2015.
In collaboration with Abu Dhabi University, the 3rd UAE-UGSRC showcased, recognized and promoted outstanding student researches conducted at higher educational institution in the UAE, which provides students with the opportunity of presenting their results in a nationwide competition.
Dr. Yehya Al Marzouqi, Executive Director, Project Management Office at Tawazun welcomed the participants, wished all them all great success and best of luck in the competition while emphasizing the importance of creating a culture of innovation and creativity through sound and science-based research and development. Innovation does not occur without R&D.
“The development of national human resources is an essential foundation for our economy. It also requires collaborative efforts and cooperation among all sectors, namely; government, educational institutions and industries in order to strengthen a competitive culture throughout the nation,” he said.
He went on explaining further that Tawazun is proud to be associated with such event which supports R&D at undergraduate level. UGSRC, as he named it an excellent platform to spread the research culture and its role in finding possible solutions to different issues facing industries, community and society today.
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.
“Over 350 submissions are recorded from all major universities in the UAE. This have increased with 100 more submissions from the last year which is an important indicator that the competition is raising serious awareness among universities and students to start taking research at the undergraduate level more seriously,” he said.
The panel combined judges for six categories that participated in this year’s innovative program, according to Sarah Al Hashimi, Relations Manager at ADU Advancement Dept. who pointed out the following; Engineering, Business Administration, Arts and Social Sciences, IT, Education, and Natural & Health Sciences.
