As part of its commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers in the United Arab Emirates, Honeywell has teamed up with the Emirates Foundation for its 2015‒2016 Think Science competition.

The initiative will see Honeywell provide guidance and support to participants as they develop, design and build aerospace projects that aim to solve real-world problems.

Think Science, run by the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, is a national program that seeks to inspire, encourage and empower Emiratis between the ages of 15 and 35 to embrace careers in science-related fields. Honeywell’s involvement with the competition is supported by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, which has helped to inspire more than 2 million students at all grade levels to embrace science, technology, engineering and math education.

Throughout the competition Honeywell engineers will mentor students on engineering techniques and methods to give them the best chance of advancing through the contest. Winners will be selected at a project showcase in April 2016, where students can progress to the Think Science Ambassadors Programme to take part in further activities focused on science and technology.

“The UAE 2021 vision outlines the need for the private and public sectors to work together to create a competitive economy, which will be driven by knowledgeable and innovative Emirati talent. Delivering this vision starts here with the Emirates Foundation, empowering and inspiring the next generation of national human capital,” said Norm Gilsdorf, president, Honeywell High Growth Regions, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia. “We are privileged to be part of this initiative and believe that the 22,000 Honeywell engineers we have working to develop products and solutions to improve the quality of life for people around the world enables us to make a meaningful contribution to the Think Science program.”

“Our alliance with the Emirates Foundation demonstrates our commitment to the UAE and its vision to become a centre of excellence in global aerospace,” said James Bryson, president, EMEAI, Honeywell Aerospace. “The UAE has become an international hub and home to a number of the world’s most dynamic airlines. We are excited to work with the Think Science team to support local youth as they explore their interest in a career in aerospace.”

Mohanna Obaid Al Muhairi, chief operations officer, Emirates Foundation, said: “We are pleased to attract such a global name as Honeywell to our continuous efforts to develop a talent pool of future aerospace engineers and scientists. Honeywell is a valuable addition to our growing network of public and private partners who are committed to the socio-economic development of the UAE, and we hope such engagements will further enhance our ability to inspire and encourage talented individuals to pursue their curiosity and passion for science.

“Honeywell’s vast expertise in technology and engineering will help this year’s Think Science competitors to make valuable contributions to some of the major challenges of modern life. Our ability to inspire and encourage talented individuals to pursue their passion for science is essential to building a strong and capable group of future industry innovators,” Al Muhairi added.