By ; Mohamed Shawky
Stars of Science alumni have joined the global fight against COVID-19, answering the call to collaborate and help their communities face challenges in the wake of the pandemic.
“Perseverance is a virtue that Stars of Science has emphasized to all of its contestants since the show started in 2009,” said Wadha Al-Adgham, Program Manager of Education at Qatar Science & Technology Park. “The importance of effective problem-solving has been highlighted as scientists work at a furious pace to help the world cope with an unprecedented crisis. The Arab world and beyond can depend on our alumni network as an invaluable resource, with inventors dedicated to giving back to their communities.”
Several alumni from the Qatar Foundation (QF) TV show have used their talents to reinforce the healthcare sector. Frontline employee, Zainab Abosuhail, a Season 9 contestant, puts her life on the line working as a nurse and helping treat coronavirus patients every day.
Others devised ways to protect the lives of healthcare workers. Dr. Mohamad Ziad Chaari, Season 3 alumnus, and Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis, Season 11 finalist, designed multiple innovations including a protective suit equipped with a respirator to purify and filter air. Season 3 finalist Mohammed Al-Rifai and Season 9 contestant Wassim El Hariri focused on prevention and came up with a hand sanitizer wristband and a cutting-edge disinfecting robot.
Former contestants also sought to bolster critical healthcare resources. Dr. Nour Majbour, Season 10 finalist, won an innovation award from QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University for her work on a novel COVID-19 testing kit. Many alumni across the world worked on mechanical ventilators and a group of them utilized the show’s alumni network to share knowledge such as Amine Mohamed Besbes from Season 5, Mohamed Farag from Season7, Dr. Mourad Benosman from Season 9, and Dr. Youssef El Azzouzi from Season 11.
Elsewhere, innovators from the Stars of Science network assisted communities in spreading valuable information. Majed Lababidi, Season 3, developed a mobile application to raise awareness and increase prevention among the diverse communities in Qatar. Dr. Imadeddine Azzouz, from Season 11, created an application that connects volunteers with places in need, such as in hospitals across Paris. Dr. Mohamed Watfa, from Season 4, and Anwar Almojarkesh, from Season 5, focused their efforts on community support by hosting workshops for teachers or developing applications to help people fight the virus.
Watch the Season 12 semi-final this weekend across eight channels, tuning in to find out who will secure their place in the Grand Final and grab a share of the $600,000 seed fund.
For the broadcast guide, please visit www.starsofscience.com
