UOS crowns winners in Design for Future Higher Edu. Competition

Sharjah 24: The University of Sharjah’s (UOS) Institute of Leadership in Higher Education brought the campus to life this week with the grand finale and awards ceremony for its annual student competition, “Design for the Future of Higher Education.” The event, designed to spark creativity and innovation among students, drew participants from across the University’s 15 colleges, each eager to present bold solutions for the evolving landscape of higher education.

Students competed in three main categories: Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of Education, Social Impact and Sustainability in Education, and Emerging Technologies in Education. Their projects reflected a deep awareness of both the challenges and the opportunities facing higher education today, and the finalists dazzled judges with their ingenuity and forward-thinking vision.

Artificial Intelligence and Education Transformation category

In the Artificial Intelligence and Education Transformation category, first prize went to Shahzeen Malik from the College of Computing and Informatics for her project “Al-Markazat.” The runner-up was “Eduverse for AI” by Rawaan Hijazi, also from the College of Computing and Informatics, while third place was awarded to “PharmaWorld” by Amir Gouda, Nada Yasser, and Zahraa Shubber from the College of Pharmacy.

Emerging Technologies in Education category

The Emerging Technologies in Education category saw “Muraja’a,” a project by Bumika Rajani and Nabeel Jassim from the College of Sciences, claim the top spot. Second place went to “Automated Ninhydrin Fingerprint Processing Room” by Mohammed Adnan, also from the College of Sciences, while “Your Smart University Assistant” by Awab Abdul Sattar from the College of Engineering rounded out the winners.

Social Impact and Sustainability in Education category

Meanwhile, the Social Impact and Sustainability in Education category was led by “Converting Pedestrian Movement into Sustainable Energy to Improve Indoor Air Quality,” a project by Nabeel Mohammed, Lara Al-Sharq, Amal Khitam, and Haneen Nassif from the College of Sciences. “Luma: An Inclusive, Sensory AI-Powered Learning Environment” by Saadia Liaqat and Nabeel Mohammed from the College of Sciences, alongside Sundus Mohammed from the College of Computing and Informatics, took second place. Third prize went to “Global Classroom” by Abdulraouf Hit Ammar and Omnia Mamoun from the College of Pharmacy.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, expressed his delight at the caliber of the student projects, underscoring the University of Sharjah’s commitment to nurturing innovation and providing a supportive environment for developing future-ready skills. He emphasised that such initiatives enhance students’ prospects in an ever-evolving job market.

Prof. Maher Omar, Director of the Institute of Leadership in Higher Education, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the students’ achievements and the depth of their understanding of the future and challenges of education. He praised the competition as a dynamic platform for creativity and innovation, stressing the importance of supporting student initiatives that blend practical application with social impact and keep pace with the digital transformation sweeping the education sector.

The ceremony was attended by members of the academic community, panel judges, and students, who celebrated the winning teams and applauded their achievements. The victors received commemorative awards.