TV competition show Stars of Science will return for a third series at 10pm KSA today on MBC4. Stars of Science is a pan-Arab docu-reality TV programme dedicated to innovation. Episodes one and two show highlights of a regional casting tour in Qatar, Kuwait, Tunisia, Jordan, KSA, Egypt, Syria and Lebanon. Contestants with the most […]
TV competition show Stars of Science will return for a third series at 10pm KSA today on MBC4.
Stars of Science is a pan-Arab docu-reality TV programme dedicated to innovation. Episodes one and two show highlights of a regional casting tour in Qatar, Kuwait, Tunisia, Jordan, KSA, Egypt, Syria and Lebanon.
Contestants with the most promising project ideas will be invited to a the next stage of selection that will take place during episode three in Doha. The show was launched in 2009 by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).
This year, candidates will try to impress two permanent jury members who are experts within the fields of Science & Technology – Engineer Mohamad Al Kuwari, GM of EADS Competence Center of Qatar; and Professor Fouad Mrad, executive director of the Regional Technology Center-United Nations ESCWA; as well as a third, local juror who joins them in each of the countries on the tour.
Stars of Science involves a three-step selection process, beginning with an online application via the programs website (www.starsofscience.com or www.nojoumeloloum.com). Candidates must be aged between 18 and 30, and of Arab nationality.
A committee of up to 20 product development experts will examine all the applications to establish a shortlist who are invited to pitch their project ideas during the casting tour.
The committee bases its selection on the complexity of the project or invention; on its potential usefulness for society; on the likely demand and marketability of the eventual product; and on whether the idea includes a novel scientific feature.
A variety of nationalities were represented at the casting sessions, including Iraq, Syria, KSA, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sudan, Egypt, Bahrain and Qatar.
Project ideas in the casting sessions sprang from a wide range of scientific fields including: Veterinary Medicine, Biofuels, Robots and Electronic Operations, Heating and Cooling, Telecommunications and Global Positioning, Electronic Tools, Medical Equipment, Steering Systems, Smart Computer Software and Construction Techniques.
While some candidates are Ph.D. and masters students who have been working on project ideas prior to the programme, others are amateur science and technology enthusiasts hoping for a major break. The programme also accepts a number of walk-ins who missed the application deadline, adding an element of surprise to early episodes. The main requirements are to have a passion for science, technology and innovation, and to have faith in an original idea.
Permanent judge, engineer Mohamad Al Kuwari, stated: As a strong supporter and advocate of the role that young people can play in the development of innovation in the region, I was honoured to be asked to become a permanent jury member for series three of Stars of Science.”
Only 16 of the thousands of applicants will secure a place in the Stars of Science workshop, a specially-designed space at Qatar Science & Technology Park where they can develop their ideas into products. During a live finale on 1 December, viewers and jury members will choose a winner and three runners-up, and up to $600,000 in prize money will be distributed among the final four to help them develop their innovations.
