Qeeri launches third edition of Young Innovator Awards

Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University has initiated the third edition of its Young Innovator Awards Competition.

The initiative seeks to offer a platform that encourages youth to devise practical solutions to ensure environmentally responsible approaches that can be adapted into sustainable lifestyle practices.

Open to students of all national and international schools in Qatar, the competition is in line with Qeeri’s mission to create awareness among the youth about Qatar’s grand challenges in general, while giving them a deeper understanding on climate change and sustainability.

This year’s topic is: “Old problems, new solutions: the next big thing for the EnergyWater-Environment nexus?”

The competition is being organised as part of Qeeri’s flagship forum, the International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climate 2021, taking place between November 22-25.

Young Innovator participants will be divided into age groups. The junior category (6-9 years) will present their ideas by drawing their solutions for more sustainable living, while the intermediate category contestants (10-13 years) are required to submit research posters.

The senior category (14-17 years) will provide a research abstract and undertake project presentations.

All levels begin with a preliminary round, and five finalists in each category will have the chance to showcase their entries during the conference.

Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive director, Qeeri, said: “It is heartening to see that besides scientists and environmentalists, the youth of today are becoming increasingly aware of the urgent work needed toward protecting our environment; they literally become our ambassadors in their families, in schools and in the country. The Young Innovator Awards Competition 2021 aims to inspire the youth of today - the change-makers of tomorrow - to explore and understand today’s challenges and envision and conceive practical solutions that will help not only Qatar but the region achieve its sustainability goals.”

Dilraz Kunnummal, PR, Outreach and Communications Specialist, Qeeri, who manages student outreach, added: “Over the last two years, we have had over 1,200 students participate in this event. The scientific acumen and creativity we have seen, even from children as young as six years old, has been awe-inspiring.”