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Kuwait Times
06-05-2025
- Science
- Kuwait Times
Kuwaiti youths shine in science and engineering competition
KUWAIT: Former Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah affirmed that the 11th Kuwait Science and Engineering Competition (KSEC) stands as a distinguished national scientific platform that underscores Kuwait's commitment to supporting scientific excellence, academic achievement, and strategic investment in the country's youth—the future leaders and architects of Kuwait's renaissance. Representing the competition's sponsor, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser delivered a statement during the closing ceremony on Monday, commending the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) for its sponsorship of the event. He lauded the participating students for showcasing exceptional creativity and innovation, stating that their contributions reflect the high potential of Kuwaiti youth to lead future development and progress. 'All our children are winners through their participation in this national scientific gathering,' he said. 'We ask Allah Almighty to grant them success in continuing their service to Kuwait under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.' Second place winners of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Award. The first place winners of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Award. Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Scientific Club takes a group photo with other officials during the ceremony. Sheikh Dr Ahmad extended his appreciation to Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Science Club, Talal Al-Kharafi, and the board members for their efforts in ensuring the competition's success. He also commended the jury for their professional and objective evaluation of the student projects, and expressed sincere gratitude to the volunteers, administrators, and academic organizers whose contributions were pivotal to the event's success. He paid special tribute to the students and their parents for their ongoing encouragement and support. Speaking at the ceremony, Al-Kharafi said the competition has evolved into a premier platform that unites young innovators and fosters their scientific and technological capabilities. 'This event is no longer merely a venue for presenting projects—it is a testament to the boundless creativity of our youth and their role in building the future,' he said. He added that witnessing students transform their ideas into real-world projects is a source of national pride. 'They are the changemakers who will shape the future through their creativity and ambition,' Al-Kharafi said. He also praised the panel of judges—comprised of distinguished Kuwaiti academics—for their continued voluntary contributions since the competition's inception. Al-Kharafi congratulated the winners of this year's awards and extended his heartfelt thanks to His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for his steadfast sponsorship, which he described as a cornerstone of the competition's enduring success. He also thanked Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser for his presence at both the opening and closing ceremonies, and expressed gratitude to all sponsors and strategic partners—including KFAS, Kuwait University, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), and EQUATE Petrochemical Company—for their belief in the importance of education and youth empowerment. The 2025 Grand Prize, the His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Award for Scientific Research, was awarded to students Khaled Al-Jumaa and Mohammed Al-Dhabiyan from Ahmed Mishari Al-Adwani Secondary School for Boys for their project 'Farewell to the Oil Well Explosions.' Second place went to Adnan Al-Ateeqi and Mohammed Al-Hasawi from the Joint Talent Academy for Boys for their innovative agricultural project 'The Smart Farmer.' Third place was secured by Wahsh Al-Rajeeb and Nawal Malallah from Mishref Secondary School for Girls for their project, 'Neu.' The 11th edition of the competition featured participation across 22 diverse scientific fields—including the rarely represented social and behavioral sciences—demonstrating the organizing committee's commitment to scientific diversity and inclusive engagement across a broad spectrum of interests. - KUNA


Times of Oman
06-03-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
Omani students develop innovative solar panel defect detection system
Muscat: A student team from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Shinas has created an innovative technique for detecting defects in solar panels using a drone equipped with thermal imaging. This technology enables rapid defect analysis and resolution, earning the team numerous local and regional awards, as well as presentations at various scientific conferences and events. Fatma bint Mohammed Al-Maamari, a team member, explained that the project addresses defects caused by environmental, electrical, and mechanical stress. The drone, carrying a thermal camera, gathers data which is then processed using advanced technologies, including a "Deep Learning Mod." The project progressed through research, preparation, data collection, and evaluation stages. The team focused on improving defect detection accuracy and reducing processing time, categorizing solar panel images as intact or defective, and enhancing them with contrast and filtering techniques. Mahra bint Saeed Al-Kaabi, another team member, noted that the prototype was tested on solar panels at the university. Practical experiments and adjustments were conducted to refine the model. The team then deployed the model in a real-world environment to monitor solar panel performance periodically, documenting all stages and results in a detailed report. Zahra bint Saleh Al-Sanani highlighted the team's ongoing work to integrate drones with augmented reality and advanced artificial intelligence applications to further enhance defect detection accuracy. They are also developing 3D models for better defect visualization and automated processes for defect detection and maintenance scheduling. Sara bint Saeed Al-Saidi emphasized the project's significance, noting its publication in prestigious international scientific journals, including "Energy," "Hydrogen Energy," and "IEEE Xplore." The project has been presented at events such as the Oman Science Festival, the Second International Conference on Computing and Data Analysis, the Sixth International Gas Conference at Qatar University, and the Fifteenth International Conference on Hydropower Production at the University of Sharjah in the UAE. The team earned third place in the Royal Army of Oman's Scientific Club competition for the best innovation and received the Research Excellence Award at Majan College.