Stars and STEM Stories
Student Research Competition Strengthens Scientific Engagement in NENA Region
The Near East and North Africa (NENA) region of the GLOBE Program has successfully concluded a virtual regional research competition aimed at strengthening student scientific engagement modeled after GLOBE’s Virtual Science Symposium (VSS). The competition, which focused on air temperature’s effect on land cover and biology diversity, ran from 1 January through 31 March 2026 and generated strong interest across the region.
Designed as both a preparatory platform and a complementary opportunity to the VSS, the competition encouraged students to develop research projects using the same methodology and scientific standards as the VSS. It also provided offered students who had not previously participated in the VSS the chance to gain experience and receive feedback from local judges from Oman, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The competition received 62 student research submissions, reflecting a high level of engagement. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 27 projects advanced to the final stage. From those, seven outstanding research projects were selected as winners. The quality of submissions highlights the growing capacity of students in the region to address environmental challenges through scientific inquiry.
The initiative contributed to broader VSS goals by strengthening students’ skills in scientific investigation, data collection, and analysis, while also increasing the number and quality of research projects aligned with VSS standards. It further promoted regional collaboration and scientific exchange among participating countries.
Overall, this competition represents an important step toward fostering a culture of research, innovation, and environmental awareness among youth in the NENA region.