Problem Statement: The Global Innovation Index by WIPO indicates weaknesses in Bahrain’s number of researchers per million people and the percentage of research talent in businesses. This project aims to elevate research talent in Bahrain, especially among university students and fresh graduates. 

 

Proposed Solution: To address the gap, the project revolved around 3 pillars (1) inspire the youth to consider a career in research (2) improve their research skills and (3) improve their employability in research positions. 

 

Hub Activities: 

 

Pillar (1): To inspire the youth to consider a career in research, we hosted awareness sessions to explore the opportunities of a career in research, required skills and possible career paths. The sessions were delivered by experienced professionals in research. 

 

Pillar (2): To improve the youth’s research skills, we hosted a 2-day training workshop in SDGs Policy Research, in collaboration with Dr. Najat Es’haqi, an expert in sustainable development strategies and a consulting member of academia major group at the UN for achieving SDGs. Participants were tasked to develop research-based policy presentations and present to an expert panel of judges.

 

Pillar (3): To improve the youth’s employability in research, we collaborated with leading entities in Bahrain to offer paid internships in research positions. 

 

 

Short & Long-Term Results: The project fulfilled its mandate of inspiring the youth to consider a career in research, it transcended the awareness level to actually engaging our target audience through the training and internships, all of which has a sustainable impact on shaping their careers. This is evidenced by the positive feedback we received from the participants when asked about their key takeaways, “Application of research as a career towards the local community in Bahrain,” and “the training was very insightful and eye-opening. All of the given information will definitely help upscale my career.”

 

Metrics: 

 

3 events were held; an awareness session for university students, an awareness session for fresh graduates, and a 2-day training. Collectively, around 47 participants joined. 

 

There was a 53% increase in familiarity with research careers, and 22% increase in interest towards research careers. 

 

So far, we facilitated 4 paid internships in research positions, and have established a good relationship with the entities for future internship opportunities.