Latest news with #scientificeducation
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Science
- Zawya
57th International Chemistry Olympiad sets new benchmarks for participation and organisation
United Arab Emirates: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has concluded the 57th edition of the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), hosted in the UAE. The event welcomed over 360 students from 96 countries, marking the largest-ever participation since the Olympiad's launch in 1968. IChO 2025 earned global praise for its success, driven by record participation and world-class organisation. Thanks to the Ministry's advanced infrastructure and meticulous planning, students took part in simultaneous practical exams, setting a new benchmark in the Olympiad's history. Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, congratulated the winning students for their outstanding achievements and praised the efforts of all teams involved in delivering this exceptional edition of the Olympiad. She noted that investing in the new generation is at the heart of the UAE's development vision, and hosting this global event reflects the country's commitment to equipping youth with the tools needed to shape a brighter future. Her Excellency said: 'IChO serves as a platform for knowledge and cultural exchange across the globe. We in the UAE are proud to host this milestone edition of the Olympiad, continuing its legacy and reinforcing its place on the global knowledge map.' A milestone in global scientific education His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Al Qasim, Undersecretary of MoE, said: 'The UAE's hosting of the 57th IChO reflects the country's status as a global hub for education and research. This achievement highlights our continued investment in education and ability to support leading scientific initiatives. The Olympiad offered students an ideal platform to enhance their skills and engage in a global, innovation-driven experience.' World-class scientific competitions with global oversight IChO 2025 featured intense competition through rigorous theoretical and practical exams, designed in line with the highest international standards. Overseen by a committee of 23 experts from 12 countries, the exams were developed with support from over 120 researchers and research assistants from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). More than 10,000 hours of preparation reflected the scientific effort and the quality of the academic content. Team UAE: Exemplifying national excellence The UAE's 2025 Olympiad team, selected through national trials, trained intensively for months, including camps at Russia's Sirius Educational Centre and UAEU, as part of the Ministry's dedication to nurturing top scientific talent. Bridging science and culture The 10-day Olympiad agenda blended academic tests with cultural and recreational activities, fostering global interaction between students and mentors. MoE, in partnership with key stakeholders, delivered a memorable experience rooted in academic excellence, creativity, and shared pursuit of knowledge. Final ceremony and winner recognition At the closing ceremony, His Excellency Eng. Al Qasim honoured the gold medallists. First place went to Xian Du (China), second to Vaclav Verner (Czechia), and third to Zilu Song (China). A total of 30 gold, 73 silver, and 107 bronze medals were awarded, alongside 30 certificates of appreciation for outstanding participation. MoE then handed over the Olympiad flag to Uzbekistan, the host of the next edition. UAE: Leading the way in scientific gatherings IChO 2025 builds on the UAE's successful track record of hosting events like the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2021 and the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2023, showcasing its ability to deliver world-class scientific and educational events.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
ADFD, ICBA sign partnership agreement at ‘Make it in the Emirates'
In a landmark move to advance sustainability and scientific education across the region, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have signed a sponsorship agreement to develop the Middle East and North Africa's first comprehensive guide for establishing and operating soil museums. The announcement was made during the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates,' reinforcing the UAE's role as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and science-based policy. Designed to promote soil conservation and responsible resource management in arid environments, the guide will serve as a blueprint for institutions across the region. Backed by ADFD funding, the guide will be transformed into a practical training and capacity-building programme featuring technical workshops and scientific mentoring. ICBA will lead the technical delivery, drawing on its expertise in sustainable agriculture and its success in launching and operating the Emirates Soil Museum. Speaking on the occasion, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said, 'This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and knowledge partnerships. We believe science-backed solutions like this museum guide can shape regional resilience and inform effective policies for generations to come.' Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director-General of ICBA, added, 'We are proud to continue our partnership with ADFD to take the Emirates Soil Museum's impact even further. This guide will be a scalable tool for institutions across the region—advancing environmental awareness, building scientific capacity, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. The Emirates Soil Museum was made in the UAE, and today it begins its journey to the world.' The agreement also outlines the organisation of an international scientific symposium on 5th December 2025 to coincide with World Soil Day, with the participation of over 200 experts, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world to discuss soil, salinity, and climate change issues in arid regions. Established in December 2016 with support from ADFD, Emirates Soil Museum is the first specialised soil museum in the region. Located at ICBA's headquarters in Dubai, the museum aims to raise awareness about the role of soil in the environment, agriculture, and food security, while showcasing the diversity of soil types in the UAE. Since its launch, the museum has welcomed more than 13,500 visitors from various sectors of society and has become a reference centre for environmental awareness and non-traditional education. This partnership between ADFD and ICBA reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and positioning the UAE as a regional hub for environmental knowledge and scientific innovation, in line with 'UAE Vision 2030' and the 'UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.'
Zawya
21-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
ADFD and ICBA sign partnership agreement to launch region's first soil museum guide at "Make it in the Emirates"
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: In a landmark move to advance sustainability and scientific education across the region, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have signed a sponsorship agreement to develop the Middle East and North Africa's first comprehensive guide for establishing and operating soil museums. The announcement was made during the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates,' reinforcing the UAE's role as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and science-based policy. Designed to promote soil conservation and responsible resource management in arid environments, the guide will serve as a blueprint for institutions across the region. Backed by ADFD funding, the guide will be transformed into a practical training and capacity-building programme featuring technical workshops and scientific mentoring. ICBA will lead the technical delivery, drawing on its expertise in sustainable agriculture and its success in launching and operating the Emirates Soil Museum. Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: 'This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and knowledge partnerships. We believe science-backed solutions like this museum guide can shape regional resilience and inform effective policies for generations to come.' Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, added: 'We are proud to continue our partnership with ADFD to take the Emirates Soil Museum's impact even further. This guide will be a scalable tool for institutions across the region—advancing environmental awareness, building scientific capacity, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. The Emirates Soil Museum was made in the UAE, and today it begins its journey to the world.' The agreement also outlines the organization of an international scientific symposium on 5 December 2025 to coincide with World Soil Day, with the participation of over 200 experts, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world to discuss soil, salinity, and climate change issues in arid regions. Established in December 2016 with support from ADFD, Emirates Soil Museum is the first specialized soil museum in the region. Located at ICBA's headquarters in Dubai, the museum aims to raise awareness about the role of soil in the environment, agriculture, and food security, while showcasing the diversity of soil types in the UAE. Since its launch, the museum has welcomed more than 13,500 visitors from various sectors of society and has become a reference center for environmental awareness and non-traditional education. This partnership between ADFD and ICBA reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and positioning the UAE as a regional hub for environmental knowledge and scientific innovation, in line with 'UAE Vision 2030' and the 'UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.'
