As part of its continuous efforts to foster a culture of scientific inquiry and empowering young minds, the University of Sharjah (UoS) has launched the Youth Research and Innovation Award under the theme “With Youth, We Can.” The initiative, organized by the Research Outreach Department at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, was introduced during a ceremony held at the university to announce the award’s vision, objectives, and categories, as well as its role in advancing research, innovation, and youth empowerment.

 

During the launch, H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, described the award as a pivotal milestone in the university’s continuous efforts to promote research and innovation. He explained that the initiative embodies the university’s belief in the transformative potential of young people and its commitment to nurturing their creative energy. Providing a stimulating academic environment, he added, plays a crucial role in unlocking students’ research capabilities and transforming their ideas into meaningful scientific contributions.

 

“The award will inspire students to engage in research early in their academic journey,” Prof. Agamy said, “strengthening their critical thinking and innovation skills while fostering active collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners.” He noted that such cooperation supports the national innovation ecosystem and contributes to the UAE’s sustainable development goals. Aajami also expressed gratitude to the university’s strategic partners and sponsors for their support and engagement in bringing this forward-looking initiative to fruition.

 

Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, emphasized that the award represents an essential platform for encouraging students to pursue research-based solutions to global challenges. Supporting innovative projects and ideas, he said, reinforces the University’s role in building an integrated research and innovation framework locally and internationally.

 

The Youth Research and Innovation Award aims to empower young researchers by providing resources and opportunities to help them become future leaders in science and innovation. It encourages students to continue their research journeys, supports outstanding projects, and strengthens collaboration between students, researchers, and experts. The award features two main categories, Innovative Projects and Innovative Ideas, allowing students to showcase their creativity and translate their concepts into viable research initiatives. Open exclusively to undergraduate students at the University of Sharjah, the competition will begin accepting submissions in early January.

 

The launch ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests and sponsor representatives, including H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of University Hospital Sharjah; Dr. Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital Sharjah; Engineer Masoud Al Hammadi, Executive Director of Exploration and Production at the Sharjah National Oil Corporation; H.E. Dr. Firas Habbal, Chair of the UAE Researchers and Studies Center and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Sherry Tong from Huawei; Arwa Al Ghammami, Partnerships Advisor at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); and Ghada Al Zaabi, Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Youth Center. The ceremony also drew the participation of Dr. Noura Al Karbi, Chair of the Research Outreach Department, college deans, members of the judging committee, and faculty representatives.

 

To conclude the event, the University recognized its strategic sponsors and community partners namely University Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah National Oil Corporation, Huawei, the UAE Researchers and Studies Center, the Federal Youth Authority, and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), in appreciation of their contributions to supporting research, innovation, and youth empowerment.