Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation participates in World Council for Gifted and Talented Children Conference 2025 in Braga, Portugal
Dr Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Giftedness and Innovation and head of the delegation, said: 'Our participation in the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children Conference is an important opportunity to present our evidence-based expertise and practices to leading global experts, and to exchange experiences with pioneering institutions in the field of talent development. Being present at this international forum reflects the Foundation's commitment to advancing scientific research and developing programs that meet the needs of gifted students, while aligning our efforts with national and international priorities in innovation and sustainable development. We believe that investing in gifted individuals is an investment in a more prosperous future, and that global partnerships are a key pillar in maximizing the positive impact of our programs.'
In the research track, Dr. Zulaikha Mohammed presented a paper titled 'Mentoring through Self-Learning: An Analysis Through Mentee's Feedback on Training Units', which examined the outcomes of the Global Mentorship Program in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine). The initiative connects gifted students with specialized experts in their respective fields. The study highlighted the importance of collecting participant feedback to enhance content, design new training modules, and provide targeted support, thereby improving the effectiveness and relevance of digital self-learning to meet students' needs.
In the applied track, Dr Mariam Al Ghawi delivered a session titled 'Cultivating Gifted Students at the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Giftedness and Innovation', showcasing the Centre's integrated model for identifying and empowering gifted students. The model encompasses talent discovery, nurturing, personal mentorship, advanced STEM pathways, and opportunities for international collaboration with leading academic and industrial institutions. The presentation emphasized 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, aligning services with national and global priorities in sustainable development and innovation, and sharing success stories that illustrate how scientific research can be linked to educational policy and practice to deliver high-quality, diverse services.
Together, the two sessions underscored the integration between research and practice, where program evaluations generate actionable evidence, and applied frameworks translate that evidence into sustainable educational outcomes. This approach reflects the Foundation's role in offering a pioneering model that can be adopted by educational centers and institutions seeking to enhance their talent development services.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Zawya
IGCF 2025 to feature three global voices delivering inspirational talks on communication and quality of life
Sharjah, Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025) will be held on September 10–11 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Communication for Quality of Life'. This year's forum will explore how strategic communication can support wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable development across key sectors. From harnessing education to build a happiness economy, to developing human-centred artificial intelligence and reimagining food systems, keynote addresses will offer insights to inspire policy, innovation, and practical actions that enhance quality of life worldwide. The forum will bring together three leading international figures in education, innovation and science, alongside global leaders, decision-makers, and communication experts. Across 22 interactive platforms, the two-day programme will feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, and workshops focused on solutions to today's most pressing global challenges. From challenge to local innovation Malawian Engineer and Inventor William Kamkwamba will share his journey in a keynote titled 'When Thought Becomes a Force for Change'. Drawing on his experience of building a wind turbine from simple materials to help his drought-stricken village, Kamkwamba will demonstrate how government communication can identify and support grassroots innovations. He will discuss how empowering communities to create context-specific solutions strengthens food security and builds resilience. Interactive intelligence with human values In a keynote titled 'New Life Code… Human Intelligence and Interactive Technology', Oussama Khatib, Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University and President of the International Foundation of Robotics Research (IFRR), will present the latest advances in interactive robotics. A recipient of the "Arab Genius" award, he will explain how robotics can improve the quality of life in sectors such as healthcare, education, and crisis management. Prof. Khatib will emphasise the importance of embedding ethical and human values into the development of smart technologies to ensure they serve humanity's well-being. Food Communication and the Protein Revolution: What Lies Ahead? Dr. Karan Rajan, a best-selling author and surgeon at the UK's National Health Service (NHS), will deliver a keynote titled 'Food Communication and the Protein Revolution: What Lies Ahead?' He will explore how communication can raise public awareness of scientific advances in protein development and guide communities in adopting sustainable food systems that support global food security. 22 platforms to foster innovation and exchange Spread across 22 platforms, the two-day forum will feature diverse sessions, bringing together experts and specialists from various sectors, alongside representatives from government entities, international organisations, academic institutions, and the media. The 14th edition of IGCF will focus on five global priorities: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy. Through a series of discussions and knowledge exchange opportunities, the forum aims to promote quality of life, strengthen communication between governments and communities, and inspire collaborative action towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Khaleej Times
19 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Over 1,000 teachers to teach AI curriculum this academic year
For the first time, the new academic year 2025-2026 will witness the gradual inclusion of an artificial intelligence curriculum in schools. One class will be allocated every two weeks for students in the first and second cycles, and a weekly class for students in the third cycle, taught by more than 1,000 specialised teachers. "A computing class will be allocated to the Artificial Intelligence course, which will be offered as a standalone course. We have dedicated a session within the computing course specifically for teaching AI,' Amna Al Saleh, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Curriculum and Assessment Sector at the Ministry of Education, told Khaleej Times. 'There will be 1,000 qualified teachers delivering the subject, equipped with the right expertise to teach AI." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Qualified teachers Teachers will undergo intensive training during the upcoming professional development week to ensure they are fully prepared to deliver the programme this academic year. Regular training sessions and follow-up meetings will also be held, alongside a committee tasked with monitoring implementation to ensure the subject is taught effectively. The AI curriculum will emphasise teaching students how to use artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically, while building future-ready skills. Key areas Khaleej Times previously reported that the Minister of Education, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, noted that the new AI curriculum will cover key areas, including: fundamental AI concepts such as data and algorithms, software applications, ethical awareness, real-world applications, AI-driven innovation and project design, as well as AI policies and community engagement. She added that teachers will be provided with comprehensive resources, including activities, templates, and adaptable lesson plans. New academic year preparation During a media briefing held on Tuesday by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the UAE Government Media Office, the ministry outlined its key preparations for the 2025–2026 academic year. Al Amiri confirmed that schools across the country are ready to welcome nearly one million students, following extensive preparations that began in January. These included comprehensive maintenance of schools and facilities, readiness of school buses, distribution of textbooks, provision of school uniforms, and training for teaching staff. The ministry further announced major reforms in assessment policies. Centralised exams for the second semester have been abolished and replaced with school-based assessments for all grades. Centralised exams will now only be held in the first and third terms. Additionally, the second phase of project-based learning and assessment will be rolled out to all second-cycle students in public and private schools following the ministry's curriculum. The ministry has also developed the National Assessment System by approving a new standardised proficiency test to measure Arabic, English, and mathematics skills for students from Grades 4 to 11 in public schools.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Top international talent to join AUS ahead of the new academic year
Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah (AUS) has recently welcomed a cohort of new leaders and faculty members from top institutions around the world. As it advances toward ambitious strategic goals for 2030, the university views these appointments as key milestones in expanding its regional and global impact. 'These appointments come at a time of strategic growth and development at both institutional and college levels,' said Chancellor Dr. Tod A. Laursen. 'We are excited to welcome such accomplished talent from around the world to AUS. These individuals bring outstanding academic and professional distinction, as well as the global perspective and collaborative spirit that define our university. I have no doubt they will make important and tangible contributions toward our ambitions to become a globally recognized, research-intensive institution.' Dr. Matthias Ruth (third from left in the photo) joined AUS in July as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, following his role as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York in the UK, where he led the development and implementation of the university's research strategy. He previously held senior leadership positions at the University of Alberta, University of Maryland and Boston University. Dr. Ruth is also an internationally recognized scholar, with a multidisciplinary background that spans economics, engineering and biology and has served as an advisor to many governments and agencies, including the OECD, the European Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency. With his rare combination of scholarly depth and institutional leadership, he is well placed to help drive AUS' goal of building a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment forward. Dr. Salah Brahimi (second from left in the photo) joined the AUS executive team as the university's first Vice Chancellor for External Relations. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles across academia, industry and global development. A former World Bank executive and current CEO of Grey Matter LLC in Washington, DC, Dr. Brahimi has led innovation portfolios across multiple sectors and advised governments and institutions around the world. His appointment reflects AUS' growing emphasis on cultivating outward-facing partnerships, including international collaboration, strategic communications and institutional advancement. On the administrative side, Dr. Jihad Mohaidat (far right in the photo) has been appointed as Registrar. He brings deep expertise in leveraging technology to advance institutional systems, and has served in senior roles at the Higher Colleges of Technology and the National Center for Innovation in Jordan. At AUS, he will play an important role in strengthening operational systems and enriching the student experience through technology-driven innovation. At the college level, Joseph Colistra (far left in the photo) has assumed the role of Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design this August, transitioning from his most recent position as professor in the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Kansas and director of KU's Institute for Smart Cities. With more than two decades of professional and academic experience, he is the founder of the in situ Design studio and has led numerous award-winning smart-city and community housing initiatives. In addition to these senior appointments, a strong new contingent of faculty recruited from leading global institutions is also set to join AUS over the summer break. Together, these additions mark the beginning of a new chapter for the university, defined by an ambitious research agenda, robust global partnerships and a world-class, innovative student experience. About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
