Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Smithsonian Science Advance STEM Learning in Qatar

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE), through a Qatar Foundation-sponsored initiative, is partnering with the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) to expand Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities for K–12 students across Qatar. The collaboration introduces ‘Innovation: How can we create new solutions for the changing climate?’, a research guide designed to encourage young learners to apply STEM knowledge in tackling environmental and societal challenges. 

Prepared by the SSEC alongside the InterAcademy Partnership, the guide introduces students to innovation as an approach to addressing climate-related problems. It invites students to explore creative possibilities, test ideas, and explore solutions that positively impact their communities.

The project aligns with Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s commitment to strengthening STEM education and expanding its K–12 outreach activities, while building a sustainable pipeline of young researchers in Qatar. The program was first piloted at Qatar Academy in September 2025, where students and educators engaged with the guide through classroom-based activities and discussions on climate challenges and innovation.

Building on this, the CSE hosted a webinar for schools across Qatar Foundation and the wider education community. Students, educators, and administrators learned about the research guide and how schools can participate in and benefit from the initiative. The session also highlighted the role of interdisciplinary STEM education in developing capabilities from an early age. 

By integrating the Smithsonian guide into school curricula, students will benefit from supplementary learning experiences exposing them to STEM pathways and applied research. The program further reflects Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and connecting global expertise with local education priorities.