Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has launched its 2019 Student Outreach Program with a visit from students of Arab International Academy. The program is in line with QEERI’s mission to inspire an interest in science and research among the nation’s younger generation, and to educate them about energy, technology, water security, environment and sustainability in Qatar.

The 42 students visited four activity stations that represent the research work done at QEERI which tackles challenges related to Qatar’s grand challenges. They also visited its Core Lab facilities.

The outreach program aims to educate school students on the uses and benefits of green innovations, and emphasizes the growing need to use renewable sources of energy, while underlining the children’s role in protecting the environment. The activities also helped students gain a better understanding of the air quality in Qatar and the process of desalination.

Dr. Marc Vermeersch, executive director, QEERI said: “At QEERI, we truly believe in the power of education. The best way to bring about a change in mindset is to educate children. They will carry these lessons home to their families, and into the future. We hope that our Student Outreach Program will demonstrate to our youth that there are endless possibilities if they wish to pursue a career in science and research, and that they can play an important role in building a sustainable future for the country.”

Dilraz Kunnummal, research communications specialist, QEERI, added: “Receiving the students from Arab International Academy has been a very motivating and exciting experience for us at QEERI. They paid close attention to what our researchers had to say, and asked excellent questions too. We hope that they have learned some key lessons, and this visit has inspired at least one of them to work in this field someday.”

At the various stations across QEERI, students and teachers could witness how research is done in energy, water, environment and sustainability, and how it impacts their everyday life.

Jad Abdel Sater, math and science coordinator, Arab International Academy, said: “The trip has been very informative, and well organized. Our students have definitely learnt a lot during the visit about how we get drinking water at home, how we measure the quality of the air around us, and how we can use solar energy. We thank QEERI for this opportunity.”

Grade 4 student Mariam El Masry thoroughly enjoyed the visit: “The visit was a fun way to learn about how we use energy, and what we as children and adults can do to save the planet,” she said. “I learnt about how solar power is green energy that is not harmful to the planet, and that we can also use solar energy at night by saving it in batteries.”

For fellow grade 4 student Kareem Tamer Almmisahal, one of the best parts was learning about how air quality is assessed. “The scientists explained how they send a big balloon into the air to measure humidity and air quality,” he said. “That was cool. And they also explained how sea water becomes the water we use at home.”

The Student Outreach Program is open to all school students in Qatar. Please email qeeri-communication@hbku.edu.qa to schedule a visit to QEERI.