Latest news with #giftedness
Zawya
12-08-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation participates in World Council for Gifted and Talented Children Conference 2025 in Braga, Portugal
Dubai, UAE: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences participated in the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children Conference (WCGTC 2025), held in Braga, Portugal, from 29 July to 2 August 2025. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of experts, academics, and specialists in giftedness and excellence from around the world. 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.
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-06-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
GRI Enrichment Program Kicks Off at KACST to Nurture Gifted Students
The Generation Research and Innovation Enrichment Program (GRI Enrichment Program) 2025 was launched at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), bringing together over 90 talented male and female students from across the Kingdom. Organized by KACST through Academy 32, in cooperation with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the program aims to foster a culture of research, development, and innovation among gifted students by introducing them to the fundamentals and importance of scientific research. It connects participants with leading research centers and specialists, enhances their skills through practical training, and encourages them to contribute to enriching local content in the fields of science and innovation, SPA reported. During the opening ceremony, Academy 32 CEO Dr. Amani Al-Shawi highlighted the program's role in nurturing emerging talent and preparing students for participation in local, regional, and international competitions. She pointed to recent achievements, including the success of Saudi students at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2025) and their winning of over 12 gold and silver medals at the International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2025) in Malaysia. Al-Shawi urged participants to take full advantage of the research infrastructure available at the National Laboratory and the Innovation Oasis at KACST, stressing the importance of continuous learning, development, and scientific exploration to support national goals in research and innovation.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Hamdan Talent Scale identifies over 400 gifted students across UAE schools since start of 2025
Dubai, UAE: Hamdan Center for Giftedness and Innovation, part of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, announced that the Hamdan Talent Scale has played a key role in identifying a large number of gifted students in schools across the UAE. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 9,000 students have been evaluated through the national Talent Identification Program, resulting in the discovery of more than 400 gifted students. This outcome underscores the accuracy and efficiency of the scale and reinforces the development of tailored programs to support this exceptional group of learners. Dr Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, commented: 'Through the grace of God and the dedicated efforts of those overseeing the program, we have successfully identified a substantial number of gifted students across the Emirates. This progress reflects the Foundation's commitment to staying abreast of global advances in talent identification and is deeply rooted in the long-term vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (may he rest in peace). His enduring belief in the importance of nurturing gifted individuals continues to inspire our mission to highlight, support, and enhance their capabilities so they may contribute meaningfully to the country's development and align with the leadership's aspirations for national growth and sustainability.' Dr. Al Ghawi emphasized that the Hamdan Talent Scale is distinguished by its focus on a broad set of academic, scientific, and cognitive skills, while also integrating environmental and cultural dimensions specific to the UAE context. The Talent Identification Program targets students from Grade 4 to Grade 12 in both public and private schools across all Emirates. Students may be nominated through two pathways: self-nomination, where the student or guardian submits an application via the Foundation's website, or group nomination, coordinated directly with schools and relevant educational bodies. Program officials noted that Hamdan Talent Scale has gained widespread recognition among educators and talent development centers both within the UAE and internationally. This momentum has led to the launch of several initiatives focused on identifying gifted students, including strategic partnerships with government and private institutions, participation in academic conferences and expert forums, and delivery of specialized training workshops on using the scale. These efforts are part of a broader strategic vision to promote a culture of giftedness, apply the latest scientific methodologies and international best practices, address implementation challenges, and share successful experiences with institutions committed to talent development.
