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OverviewNSTI X icon

The Emirates Young Scientist Competition is the centerpiece of the National Science Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Festival, offering a premier platform for students in grades 5 to 12 to showcase their scientific ideas, projects, and research in a science fair setup. Held annually in Dubai, this prestigious competition promotes a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by encouraging students to apply scientific methodology and present innovative solutions. With participation from students in public, private, and vocational education sectors, the competition fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all while nurturing future leaders in the fields of science and technology.

Featuring 23 monetary awards, including special awards from government and private entities, the competition recognizes outstanding achievements in various STEM disciplines. The top 100 projects are showcased and evaluated during the five-day NSTI Festival, giving students the opportunity to present their work to esteemed judges and experts. Through this competition, students are empowered to take their passion for science to the next level, gaining valuable experience that supports their educational and professional aspirations, while contributing to the UAE's vision of a scientifically advanced future.

Participation Rules

Participation Levels

Intermediate Level

Students in grades 5 to 8

Senior Level

Students in grades 9 to 12

Guidelines

Eligibility

Open to all students within the specified grade levels from public, private, and vocational education institutes across the UAE.

Nationality requirements are explained below in Team Composition.

Team Composition

  • Individual Projects (UAE Nationals Only): Undertaken by a single Emirati student.
  • Group Projects: Collaborations of up to THREE (3) students per project. Note: a maximum of one (1) non-UAE national is allowed in group projects.
  • Supervision: Each project must have a designated teacher or project supervisor.
  • A student may only enter one project into the competition, whether they are entering as an individual or as part of a group.

Registration

The teacher or project supervisor must create an account and register the students and their project proposals by the specified deadlines.

Project Submission

Projects must be based on scientific methodology and demonstrate originality, creativity, and must be linked to one of EYSC scientific categories.

Students must clearly acknowledge any source of information used in their scientific reports in addition to any support received from any entity.

AI Tools Usage

Any utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during the research, implementation, or documentation phases of the project must be explicitly stated and acknowledged by both the supervisors and the participating students. Any submissions of AI generated project proposals will be disqualified

Reusing Previous Projects

Projects displayed in previous EYSC are NOT allowed unless a considerable enhancement has been made to the original project idea.

EYSC Scientific Categories

Participants are invited to submit their projects under one of the following main categories:

Technology Icon

Technology

Projects eligible for the Technology category must focus on the application of technology in novel or enhanced ways, improved efficiencies, innovative solutions, or superior methodologies. This category encompasses areas such as the Internet, communications, electronic systems, robotics, control technology, technological applications, biotechnology, computing, and automation. Projects may involve innovative developments addressing existing problems or the creation of new technological tools. Students are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the underlying scientific principles to fully realize the potential of their technological projects.

Biological & Ecological Sciences Icon

Biological & Ecological Sciences

Projects eligible for the Biological & Ecological Sciences category must have a biological and/or ecological focus, investigating aspects of animal, human, microbial, or plant biology. Typical areas of study include agriculture, anatomy, animal science, biochemistry, biotechnology, disease, ecology, environmental science, enzymology, forestry, food science, genetics, horticulture, medical science, metabolism, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, physiotherapy, plant science, and veterinary science. Students are expected to apply scientific methods to explore and understand biological systems and ecological relationships.

Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences Icon

Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences

Projects eligible for the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category must be grounded in chemistry, physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, or engineering. Typical areas of study include analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, nuclear physics, optics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, algebra, calculus, statistics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials science. Additionally, projects based on earth and space sciences—such as meteorology, geophysics, geology, and astronomy—are also welcomed. Students are expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of scientific principles and methodologies relevant to their chosen field.

Behavioral & Social Sciences Icon

Behavioral & Social Sciences

Projects eligible for the Behavioral & Social Sciences category must focus on social and behavioral sciences, including economic, geographical, psychological, or sociological studies of human behavior, attitudes, and experiences. This category encompasses social analyses of environmental factors, demography, learning, and perception. Studies of attitudes and behaviors in relation to health, nutrition, work, leisure, and lifestyle habits are included. Additionally, projects involving consumer affairs, societal impacts, social anthropology, and political science are eligible, provided they employ scientific methods. Students should demonstrate the application of rigorous scientific methodologies to investigate complex social and behavioral phenomena.

Awards

The competition offers a total of 23 monetary awards sponsored by the Ministry of Education, alongside a wide range of special awards sponsored by government and private entities, and opportunities for international participation to be announced post the festival.

Top Honors

Young Scientist Award

Young Scientist Award

Prize: AED 40,000

Young Scientist Runner-up Award

Young Scientist Runner-up

Prize: AED 20,000

Category Awards

Technology Icon

Technology

Intermediate Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Senior Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Supervisor
  • Educator of Excellence Award: AED 10,000, given to one supervisor in this category
Biological and Ecological Sciences Icon

Biological & Ecological Sciences

Intermediate Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Senior Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Supervisor
  • Educator of Excellence Award: AED 10,000, given to one supervisor in this category
Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences Icon

Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences

Intermediate Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Senior Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Supervisor
  • Educator of Excellence Award: AED 10,000, given to one supervisor in this category
Behavioral & Social Sciences Icon

Behavioral & Social Sciences

Intermediate Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Senior Level
  • Best Individual Project: AED 10,000
  • Best Group Project: AED 10,000
Supervisor
  • Educator of Excellence Award: AED 10,000, given to one supervisor in this category

Special Recognition

Most Supportive School Award

Most Supportive School

Prize: AED 15,000

Timeline

October 6, 2024

Announcement of the Emirates Young Scientist Competition

Invitation to participate extended to eligible students and educators.

October 7, 2024

Registration and Project Proposal

Teachers or project supervisors create accounts and register students and their project proposals.

November 1, 2024

Registration and Proposal Deadline

Completion of the first stage of registration.

November 17, 2024

Phase 2 Submission

Results of phase 1 evaluation are released. Qualified projects receive instructions for phase 2 and progress video submissions.

December 9, 2024

Phase 2 Deadline

Submission of progress videos and all other Phase 2 requirements.

December 20, 2024

Announcement of Qualified Projects for the 2025 Emirates Young Scientist Competition

The top 100 selected projects receive invitations to attend the NSTI Festival from February 1 to 5, 2025.

February 1–5, 2025

National Science Technology and Innovation Festival

Projects are evaluated by professional judges over five days, with winners announced during the closing ceremony.

Registration Process

Step 1 - Supervisor Registration

The project supervisor/teacher has to create an account, activate it using the verification link sent to their email, and then login using their email and password.

Step 2 - Access your Projects Dashboard

Supervisors can login to access their "Projects Dashboard" where they can submit or manage their projects.

Step 3 - Project Proposal Submission

Submit your project proposal by filling in the necessary details, including category, age group, title, and overview.

Step 4 - Student Registration

Register students by adding their details, including Emirates ID number, under the "Students List" section.

Step 5 - Assigning Students to Projects

Assign registered students to the project in the "Students List" section.

Step 6 - Submit Project

After assigning students and completing the proposal, click "Submit Project" to complete your submission.