Local and regional high schools participate in WCM-Q research competition

Two hundred and seventeen students from 34 high schools in Qatar and across the region presented their research projects to a panel of expert judges during this year’s edition of the Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) High School Research Competition (HSRC).

The competition aims to inspire high school students to explore medicine, employ scientific research methods, and develop their presentation skills. With a focus on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and their applications in Qatar, project themes included health and wellbeing, water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production.

This year, 45 teams represented Qatar, while four hailed from high schools located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan. Each school was represented by a maximum of four teams, comprising a maximum of five students from grades 9 to 12 and led by a science or math teacher.

Teams based in Qatar presented their research projects at WCM-Q premises, while those based abroad presented virtually.

Organized by the WCM-Q’s Office of Student Outreach and Educational Development, the competition is part of the Doctors of the Future Conference—a gathering of educational leaders and future medical professionals that is scheduled to take place on February 23 and 24, 2024.

The top teams will be given the opportunity to present their projects during the conference, and three winning teams will be granted the prestigious Doctors of the Future Conference award.

Dr. Rachid Bendriss, associate dean for foundation, student outreach and educational development programs, said: “Participating in these events helps sharpen a student’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fosters friendships, and serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of scientists and scholars. This valuable experience will undoubtedly positively influence future academic and professional pursuits.”

Noha Saleh, director of pre-medical administration, student outreach and educational development, said: “The competition provided a platform for students to cultivate their passion for science and enhance their academic excellence. The students demonstrated such admirable enthusiasm throughout their research project presentations—a testament to their eagerness to learn more about medicine. I am confident that many of them will be interested in pursuing science careers in the future.”

Participating schools included ACS International School Doha, Al Arqam Academy for Girls, Al Jazeera Academy, Al Wakra Independent School for Girls, American School of Doha, Birla Public School, DPS - Modern Indian School, DeBakey High School for Health Professionals at Qatar, Doha British School, Doha College, Doha Modern Indian School, Dukhan English School, Edison International Academy, Hayat Universal Bilingual School (HUBS), Ideal Indian School, International School of London-Qatar, Newton International Academy (NIA)- Barwa City, Noble International School (Al Wakrah), Omar Bin Al-Khattab Independent School for Boys, Pak Shama School, Pakistan International School Qatar, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar Academy Al Wakra, Qatar Academy for Science and Technology, Qatar International School, Swiss International School in Qatar, The English Modern School, The Gulf English School, The Lebanese School of Qatar, The Next Generation School, Vision International School, and West Virginia Academy from Qatar, and Al Salam Community School and King’s Academy from the UAE and Jordan, respectively.