The second edition of the Scientific Research Incubator will introduce students to academic research, source evaluation, citation and research presentation

Grade 12 students in Sharjah can gain an early introduction to university-level research through the second edition of the Scientific Research Incubator, launched by Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) in collaboration with the University of Al Dhaid.

The programme is designed to help students develop the research and academic skills they will need as they transition into higher education. Registration is now open, with sessions taking place every Sunday throughout September at the Al Dhaid library branch from 9am to noon.

Across four weekly themes, students will learn how to develop research questions, find and evaluate reliable sources, select appropriate research methods, write academically, cite references and present their findings.

From finding information to understanding it

With information now readily available online, the programme aims to teach students how to assess and use that information critically rather than simply find it.

Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, said the challenge for students today is knowing how to ask the right questions, identify credible sources and turn information into knowledge.

“Developing these skills before university helps students become more independent thinkers and make informed judgements,” she said.

Bushlaibi also highlighted the role libraries can play in developing students’ intellectual independence.

“Libraries play a key role in developing intellectual independence by giving students the tools to question, research, verify and build knowledge for themselves,” she said.

Through the partnership with the University of Al Dhaid, students will be introduced to academic research practices before entering university, helping them develop skills that can influence how they approach learning and research in higher education.

Four stages of academic research

The programme begins with “Discovering Scientific Research,” where students will explore the fundamentals of academic research. They will learn how to distinguish scientific evidence from information that is commonly circulated and how to formulate a focused research question. Each participant will select a topic and develop a question for their project.

The second theme, “Smart Research,” focuses on research techniques. Students will learn how to use Boolean operators and academic databases, while also assessing the credibility and relevance of different sources. They will begin collecting references and research material for their projects.

Under “Methodologies and Ethics,” participants will be introduced to qualitative, quantitative and experimental research methods. They will develop a basic research plan, explore data-collection tools and learn about the ethical principles involved in responsible research.

The final theme, “Academic Writing and Citation,” will introduce students to research report structures and recognised citation methods, including APA style. Students will then prepare a written research summary and practise presenting their findings.

The sessions will be delivered by academics from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Al Dhaid, including Dr. Wassila Yaiche, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and college coordinator; Dr. Asaad Aburumman, head of the Cultural Committee and coordinator of the Social Sciences Forum; and Dr. Areen Al Zoubi, assistant professor of Digital Media.

From classroom learning to a research project

The programme will culminate in a practical mini research project, giving students an opportunity to apply what they have learned.

Each participant will present their project to fellow students and a judging panel. Projects will be assessed on factors including the clarity of the research question, quality of sources, content and analysis, organisation, academic writing, presentation, creativity and originality.

The programme will conclude with a Mini Research Competition, where students will receive feedback from a jury panel. The top three projects will receive prizes at the closing ceremony.

The winning project will also have the opportunity to be published in a scientific journal, giving the student first-hand experience of taking a research idea from its initial concept through to publication.

Building on the first edition

The inaugural edition of the Scientific Research Incubator brought together 75 students, with 45 participating at Kalba Public Library and 30 at Khorfakkan Public Library. Participants came from Kalba, Khorfakkan, Wadi Al Helo and Dibba Al Hisn.

The second edition builds on that initiative by giving another group of Grade 12 students the opportunity to develop practical research skills before they begin university.