The UAE Space Agency participated in the International Conference on Women Leaders in Science, Technology and Engineering, held at the Arab Organisations Headquarters in Kuwait. The Agency highlighted its efforts to encourage STEM education scientific research among students, especially in the early stages of their education.
During the conference, Dr Fatima Al Aydaroos, Space Science Senior Specialist at the UAE Space Agency, gave a presentation highlighting the progress achieved in the UAE space sector, as well as the projects, companies, and research centres under its umbrella.
Dr Al Aydaroos also briefed attendees on the Agency’s regional and global footprint, highlighting its prominent projects and initiatives, alongside its global partnerships, sector investments and on the leading roles women play within the Agency and wider UAE space sector.
Dr Al Aydaroos also commended the involvement of youth groups in national development and the key role they play in the UAE’s future, especially in the space sector. She went on to discuss how the Space Agency worked with governmental authorities and educational institutions to incorporate space science into curriculums and how the Agency promoted specialized space publications, including a range of books, magazines and newsletters.
The Agency’s Space Science Senior Specialist then stressed the importance of interactive and activity-based learning that inspires students and motivates them to pursue careers in science-related subjects. This, according to Dr Al Aydaroos, includes educational tours to local and international scientific and astronomical centres, launching scientific competitions such as UAE Genes in Space, organizing summer camps and astronomical observation events and most importantly, scholarships and training opportunities to encourage outstanding students to complete their studies in space science and astronomy.
Dr Al Aydaroos also called upon academic institutions, universities and schools to enhance methods of teaching scientific subjects by organising training courses for school teachers in university labs, encouraging students to carry out scientific experiments with the support of their professors, launching scientific competitions to encourage students to apply what they have learned and organizing workshops with leading scientists, engineers, astronauts and entrepreneurs.
His Excellency Dr Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: "Attracting and training UAE nationals to become pioneers in space science, encouraging and supporting scientific research and innovation in the UAE, and promoting the development of specialized space skills among professionals are a part of the Agency’s strategic plans. We are making significant progress in this direction through the implementation of various educational and awareness initiatives that target students during the early stages of their education, and continue through to their time at university.”
"Through these educational activities and initiatives, the Agency seeks to encourage students to study scientific subjects in order to produce a generation of engineers and scientists capable of leading the national space sector and reaching its future objectives. This is especially important for projects and initiatives that span decades or more, which require the support and attention of a scientific generation driven by a passion for knowledge,” concluded Al Ahbabi.