The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), mandated to form an R&D ecosystem that accelerates an intelligence-based economic system, has efficiently concluded the inaugural ATRC School Program. The academic initiative, designed to nurture the subsequent technology of scientists, engineers, and expertise leaders, goals to assist Abu Dhabi’s intelligence-based economic system and its ambition to turn out to be the world’s first totally AI-native authorities by 2027.
Developed in partnership with researchers from ATRC’s utilized analysis arm, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the ATRC School Program is a year-long STEM initiative designed to convey superior science and expertise straight into school rooms throughout Abu Dhabi. Delivered bilingually in English and Arabic, the programme combines theoretical studying, hands-on actions, expert-led workshops, and student-led tasks throughout 9 cutting-edge expertise domains: autonomous robotics, synthetic intelligence and digital science, safe techniques, renewable and sustainable power, propulsion and area expertise, directed power, cryptography, quantum applied sciences, and superior supplies. Through direct engagement with main scientists and researchers, college students achieve sensible publicity to rising applied sciences and insights into careers shaping the future.
Since launching initially of the 2025/26 tutorial yr, the programme, endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, has engaged 5,391 college students throughout 84 public and non-public center and excessive faculties in Abu Dhabi. Supported by 209 taking part academics who obtained specialised coaching and curriculum assets, the initiative supplied real-time entry to cutting-edge analysis and has already turn out to be one of many largest research-integrated STEM programmes on the faculty stage within the emirate.
His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Dosari, Executive Director, Advanced Technology Research Council, stated: “The ATRC School Program shows what is possible when students are brought closer to advanced science, technology and the people driving discovery. We are proud to have engaged more than 5,000 students across Abu Dhabi, helping nurture the next generation of STEM talent who will strengthen national R&D capability and create solutions with local relevance and global impact.”
Dr Mae AlMansoori, Director, R&D Talent Enablement Program at Advanced Technology Research Council stated: “When we launched this initiative, our purpose was easy: to offer younger individuals a front-row seat to the science and applied sciences shaping our future. I’m immensely happy with what this program achieved in its first yr. Seeing college students embrace advanced scientific ideas, tackling actual world challenges has impressed each researcher and educator concerned, and we’re excited to see how these college students will remodel their potential into discoveries that profit the world.”
Throughout the yr, college students accomplished quizzes, participated in hands-on actions, and developed tasks addressing real-world challenges throughout the 9 expertise domains. The programme generated 1,137 undertaking submissions, demonstrating distinctive ranges of pupil engagement, creativity, and technical understanding.
The 2025/26 programme culminated in a commencement and awards ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, the place 159 pupil winners have been recognised for excellent undertaking submissions throughout the 9 expertise fields. ATRC additionally honoured excellent academics for his or her dedication to inspiring future innovators and recognised Applied Technology School – AQB, Applied Technology School – Baniyas, and Al Ain Juniors School because the top-performing faculties based mostly on pupil participation and undertaking submissions.