QU CENG prepares for 7th LIEP competition

Over 96 students from 12 independent schools will participate in the Life is Engineering Project (LIEP) competition, the annual high-school initiative of Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG).

Details of the competition were outlined in the recent launch of the 7th edition of the project attended by Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department head Prof ElsadigMahdi, as well as schools students and supervisors. This year’s LIEP will be conducted in partnership with Losail International Circuit, and sponsored by Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) (Gold sponsors), Dolphin Energy, ExxonMobil and Qatar Shell (Silver sponsors). Finalists will compete in the final race that will be held on April 25. The winning top three teams will receive awards and other prizes.

Commenting on the event, CENG dean Dr KhalifaAl-Khalifa thanked the sponsors, LIEP organizing committee and the participating schools, and added: “This project aims to engage secondary school students in scientific and engineering projects, and motivate them towards studies in engineering. This will enable them to make significant contributions to the labor market and to the country’s development and growth, in line with the Human Development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

President and general manager for ExxonMobil Qatar Alistair Routledge said: “The skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication are vital for youth to compete in the 21^st century global workplace. These are skills that students develop when they study science, technology, engineering and math subjects -- collectively known as STEM. At ExxonMobil Qatar, we believe that an investment in STEM education is an investment that fuels industries, drives innovation and creates a brighter, healthier future for Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. We are proud to support programs such as Life is Engineering that offer a meaningful and engaging way to involve youth in activities that introduce them to these important subjects.”

Dolphin Energy general manager – Qatar Mr Hassan Al-Emadi said: “Dolphin Energy is proud to sponsor programs that support Qatar National Vision 2030 and foster the next generation of leaders. Life is Engineering brings together industry and academia and we hope our participation helps to inspire and provide opportunities for young, talented Qataris to pursue their dreams. I would like to extend my congratulations to the winners and to all those who participated.”

Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre’s (QSRTC) university collaboration manager Ms MahaAl-Mannai said: “By sponsoring the LIEP competition, Qatar Shell continues to demonstrate its commitment to Qatar University while engaging in the transfer of knowledge and sharing of best practices with the country’s student population. As the country drives towards a knowledge-based economy, QSRTC maintains its support of national universities through the sponsorship of young scientific talent and the upskilling of Qatari researchers, who will go on to lead the country’s research and development efforts driven by Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Prof Mahdi said: “LIEP is a reflection of the College’s mission to serve the community, and engage youth in a wide range of activities that develop their leadership skills, help them overcome various challenges, and enhance their sense of responsibility towards building the country.” Secondary School for Boys Mr Khaled Al Omari team supervisor Tariq Ben Ziyad said: “LIEP helps students discover their talents and motivates them to face challenges and reach their goals towards success. It also contributes to strengthening their skills in various areas such as engineering, leadership, teamwork and time management.”