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Empowering Young Researchers: TRENDS Hosts Youth Panel on “research, student exchange, and young researchers’ skills” at Paris International Book Fair 2024

14 Apr 2024

Empowering Young Researchers: TRENDS Hosts Youth Panel on “research, student exchange, and young researchers’ skills” at Paris International Book Fair 2024

14 Apr 2024

TRENDS Research & Advisory, in collaboration with the Alettihad News Center, demonstrated its commitment to nurturing and empowering young researchers by hosting a compelling panel titled “Empowering Young Researchers: The Significance of Research and Student Exchange” at TRENDS’ pavilion in the “Paris International Book Fair 2024”. Held at TRENDS’ pavilion within the Exhibition Center of the Grand Palais Éphémère in the heart of Paris, the event featured Dr. Patrice Brodeur, an associate professor at the University of Montreal, alongside UAE students from the Sorbonne University, researchers, media influencers and content creators.   The panel explored the pivotal role of research and student exchange in honing the skills of young researchers and fostering global dialogue. Esteemed speakers highlighted the collaborative efforts of think tanks, universities, educational institutions, and media in facilitating skill development among youth. Expert Insights Dr. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, highlighted the Center’s dedication to strengthening research collaboration with both local and international academic institutions. He emphasized TRENDS’ role in providing training in scientific research methodologies to numerous students and young researchers.   Dr. Al-Ali pointed out that several young researchers affiliated with TRENDS have engaged in research exchange initiatives with international academic institutions. These programs aim to refine their skills, empower them through exposure to diverse experiences, and enhance their research and analytical capabilities.   Dr. Mohammad Al-Ali emphasized the significant role of the training department at TRENDS, dedicated to advancing these efforts. He underscored the Center’s multiple research partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing and empowering young individuals in scientific research to prepare them as future leaders, in line with global standards. Gateway to understanding others Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, CEO of the Alettihad News Center, lauded TRENDS’ endeavors in bolstering the skills of young researchers, underlining the media’s crucial role in fostering global cultural exchange and tightening closer ties between peoples and cultures. He stressed the significance of communication and dialogue, underscoring that knowledge and culture serve as the gateway to understanding others and realizing the principles of coexistence and tolerance.   Dr. Al Kaabi highlighted the importance of prominent media platforms in supporting youth in their research and knowledge pursuits by providing avenues for them to disseminate their research findings and ideas. He added, “We are dedicated at the Alettihad News Center to strengthening collaboration with research and academic institutions to enhance students’ and young researchers’ intellectual awareness, and to actively engage with their ideas and visions for the future.” Boosting Competencies and Expertise Dr. Patrice Brodeur, an associate professor at the University of Montreal, Canada, underlined the numerous benefits for students involved in research and student exchange programs across diverse countries and cultures. These advantages include gaining insights into various cultures and elevating their educational achievements.   Dr. Brodeur highlighted the positive impact of collaboration between universities and research centers in enhancing the research and intellectual abilities of both students and young researchers. TRENDS’ youth arm Researcher Warda Al-Menhali, a member of the TRENDS Youth Council, spotlighted the council’s role as the youth branch of TRENDS, dedicated to empowering young individuals in research and knowledge. She emphasized the council’s initiatives aimed at raising awareness among young researchers and students about the significance of knowledge and educational exchange.   Al-Menhali remarked the council’s supervision of a scientific research program for young researchers, facilitating the publication of their work in collaboration with universities and research centers. Adding, she noted that TRENDS organize an array of international events to empower youth, broaden their knowledge, and highlight the importance of investing in them. Fostering Research Skills Researcher Maryam Al-Ketbi, also a member of the TRENDS Youth Council, discussed the Center’s efforts in developing the skills of young researchers through specialized training programs conducted by experts and researchers. These programs are designed to further enhance their research capabilities.   Acquiring Diverse Experiences Hazza Bu Hazza and Rashid Al Hosani, UAE students at the Sorbonne University, explained how imperative research and student exchange programs are in improving the skills of young researchers and providing them with diverse research experiences. They shared their own experiences at the Sorbonne University and other academic institutions, paying tributes to TRENDS’ tireless efforts to develop and hone the skills of young researchers, recognizing its pivotal role in this domain.   Expansive Intellectual Hub The TRENDS’ pavilion at the “Paris International Book Fair 2024” remained a focal point, drawing attendees eager to explore its publications. Many lauded its diversity and relevance to current events. Some visitors were particularly interested in TRENDS’ encyclopedia on the Muslim Brotherhood, hailing its role in challenging and debunking the group’s ideologies.   Notable visitors to the pavilion, including Christos Dimas, Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Culture, and historian Sissi Papathanasiou, Director of the Department of Literature at the Greek Ministry of Culture, commended the quality and variety of knowledge titles showcased.   A substantial number of researchers, writers and officials from various participating pavilions sought information about TRENDS and its initiatives.   Forging Research Alliances As part of its endeavors to expand its global presence and establish strategic research partnerships, TRENDS Research & Advisory team, present at the “Paris International Book Fair 2024”, engaged with the Quebec Pavilion, Canada, the Fair’s guest of honor known for its vibrant cultural landscape. Similar interactions took place at the Pavilion of the Romanian Cultural Institute, where the team met with its director, Doina Marian, to explore opportunities for collaboration in research and knowledge exchange. Impressive Media Engagement TRENDS’ pavilion at the “Paris International Book Fair 2024” has attracted a momentous attention from the media, including social media influencers who have spotlighted the pavilion’s excellence across their platforms. They have talked about its unique status as the sole Arab pavilion at the exhibition, championing its global research vision that serves as a bridge between the East, the Middle East, and the West. These influencers offered analyses of various publications showcased at the pavilion, highlighting their depth and balanced, well-documented approach to events. They recognize the potential of such research to shape perspectives, develop solutions, and address challenges.   The Media Communications Department at TRENDS plays a major role in facilitating information dissemination to journalists and celebrities, ensuring the public stays informed about the activities at the Center’s pavilion in Paris and other associated events through various platforms. Additionally, three episodes of the “TRENDS Podcast” were recorded in Paris, chronicling the French European tour and TRENDS’ participation in the exhibition through interviews with notable figures covering a range of topics.