“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead

The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at HBKU sees the promotion of science and research among young people as a fundamental component of their mission and believes that the youth have a crucial role to play in bringing about a sustainable significant positive change. 

As part of QEERI’s contribution to developing ‘thoughtful, committed citizens that can change the world’, the institute  has consistently been committed to not just creating awareness and education about sustainability, but to give young people an immersive experience. One which challenges them creatively, and makes them push boundaries. This is at the core of the Young Innovator Competition: To learn, explore, transform, research, and implement a concept that can revolutionize our approach to climate change mitigation. 

“There’s one issue that will define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other, and that is the urgent threat of a changing climate.” — Barack Obama

The theme for this year’s competition is related to sustainability and climate change mitigation. Each entry can explore topics that include (but are not limited to) sea level rise, water scarcity, energy shortage and renewable energy, pollution, degradation of infrastructure, and natural disasters.

Details about the Young Innovator Competition:

What is it? 
A competition open to all school pupils in Qatar, with specific activities for different age groups. Students will be required to submit artwork, essays, research posters and presentations, depending on their category. 

What is the topic?
“How can you mitigate climate change challenges and promote sustainability in your home, and surroundings?”

Who can participate?

• Student groups from all Qatar-based schools recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education
• Students with a valid Qatar ID 

Guidelines

• Every entry should have a faculty mentor and supervisor who will be the liaison point for QEERI
• Each school can only nominate a maximum of two entries per category
• Each participant can only submit one entry

What are the categories and competitions?
Students will be categorized according to their age:
Junior Level: 6-9 years: Drawing and Painting*

• Junior Category 1 (JC1): 6-7 years old
• Junior Category 2 (JC2): 8-9 years old

* Individual entries only, no teams.  

Intermediate Level: 10-13 years: Research Poster and Presentation**

• Intermediate Category 1: 10-11 years old
• Intermediate Category 2: 12-13 years old

** Minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 persons per team. 

Senior Level: 14-17 years: Research Paper and Presentation*

• Senior Category 1: 14-15 years old
• Senior Category 2: 16-17 years old 

***** Minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 persons per team. 

What is needed to register? 

• The registration form needs to be filled in and submitted through the website
• Copies of the Qatar IDs of all the team members will need to be submitted
• Each team to have a faculty representative (teacher in-charge)    

What are the important dates?

• Registration Deadline: November 8, 2020
• Submission of Entries (Intermediate and Senior Category): November 18, 2020
• Submission of Artwork (Junior Category): November 25, 2020
• Finalists Announced: November 28, 2020
• Final Round Presentations and Award Announcement: December 8, 2020

What platform will be used for the competition?
All competitions will have online submissions only. After submitting their entry, participants will receive an email confirmation that the application was received. 

The finals will be held on an online platform: Webex Events. 

More information about event finals will be shared closer to date.

This competition is being organized with the approval of the Ministry of Education

Please click here to download the rules of the Award.

For more information or clarification, please contact: qeeri-communication@hbku.edu.qa