QF’s Stars of Science crowns first female winner

Sumaiya Said Sulaiman Al Siyabi became the first woman to win the title of top Arab innovator on Qatar Foundation’s Stars of Science, with the support of the jury and the public in a historic Season 14 final.

Khalid Al Jumaily, the show’s longtime host, revealed that she received a total of 82.3 points for her invention, the Remediation and Disposal of Micro-Plastics project, securing the Omani contestant the winning share of the Grand Prize. 

“This is a truly special honor! Arab women have a key role in shaping the future of science and technology in the region, and I hope that I can inspire the next generation of female innovators to pursue their dreams and introduce new technologies that benefit our communities,” said Al Siyabi.

The Micro-Plastics Remediation and Disposal System is a floating sphere made of microbial mats and nanomaterials that dissolves micro-plastics that come into contact with it. The environmentally friendly device, which is free of harsh chemicals, would float among patches of plastic garbage on our oceans, trapping and disposing of microplastics that break free. 

“Al Siyabi’s invention addresses a major environmental issue that affects bodies of water across the globe. To realize this, she received support from local and international experts, symbolizing how Stars of Science promotes collaboration across disciplines and borders,” said Khalifa Essa Al Kubaisi, Director of Media at Qatar Foundation.

“The success of Stars of Science can be measured by the millions of young people it has encouraged to dream big, through their exposure to the show and its inspirational alumni, and it has long advocated for inclusive development by giving a platform for countless Arab women to demonstrate their ideas and scientific prowess. At Qatar Foundation, we are committed to nurturing a diverse innovation ecosystem and fostering higher levels of participation in the fields of science and technology” said Al Kubaisi.

Noraldin Al-Deri came in second place with his Infant Intellectual Auto Classifier, a diagnostic tool that assesses a child’s intellectual capabilities during their early developmental years by collecting and analyzing behavioral and physiological data as they respond to audiovisual stimuli. Jordan’s entry received 38.9 points and a share of the Grand Prize.

The season’s top seven innovators will all become members of the illustrious Stars of Science alumni community, where they will work to deliver locally relevant technological solutions and drive change in their communities across the Arab world and beyond.

Aspiring Arab innovators are encouraged to apply for the next season of Stars of Science. Applications should be submitted online at starsofscience.com.