The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science for the benefit of society. With more than 20,000 members in 100 countries, the Academy promotes scientific and technical knowledge, addresses global challenges with science-based solutions, and sponsors a wide variety of educational initiatives at all levels for STEM and STEM-related fields. Recently, the academy partnered with Ericsson and the Omani Ministry of Education’s Centre of Excellence to promote STEM related innovation in Oman.
The New York Academy of Sciences and Ericsson have partnered in a two-year programme to provide 200 students in Oman an opportunity to collaborate on a global Internet of Things (IoT) science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) innovation challenge.
Through the academy’s Launchpad Platform, teams of up to six students aged 13 to 17 are paired with a mentor who is a STEM professional, graduate student, or post-doctoral fellow. In the Fall Challenge, the teams designed smart homes that integrate technology to collect, process, and store environmental and health information. The data is to be used to promote the sustainable use of energy as well as the physical and mental health of the homes’ residents.
With Ericsson’s support, 100 Omani students will participate in the programme each year through the Omani Ministry of Education’s Centre of Excellence. This past semester, teams from around Oman took on some big ideas to integrate IoT technology in homes. Some teams used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve Wi-Fi performance or IoT to improve quality of life for people with mobility challenges. One team investigated how Virtual Reality (VR) can improve interactions with smart devices while another incentivised the use of smart devices to save families money. While the projects vary, the themes are clear – how can students use STEM to improve their communities?
“We are pleased to work closely with Ericsson and the New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy,” said Huda Al Dughaishi, Innovation Specialist at the Ministry of Education in Oman. “This programme will help turn our passionate students into problem solvers as they design innovative solutions for smart houses and other global challenges. We are confident students will gain through self-learning. They will deepen their subject knowledge and strengthen their ability to take action to solve real-world problems in Oman.”
Nicholas Dirks, President and CEO, New York Academy of Sciences, said: “We are happy to be partnering with Oman’s Ministry of Education and Ericsson to help students in Oman develop global STEM skills. This Internet of Things Smart Homes Challenge is just one way in which the Academy’s Global STEM Alliance builds bridges between students around the world. We welcome the Omani students as they join our network of 20,000 young people in 100 countries.”
Alhassan Al Ryami, whose team designed a smart home that used roof-top solar panels to protect against power outages, said: “It gives me a chance to be in a great group, develop research, innovate, and discuss a real issue. Thanks to the Junior Academy for giving me this opportunity, which taught me how to develop research for a real problem. Also, it develops my collaboration skills.”
“The latest IoT competition deepens the knowledge of young Omanis about smart homes.” said Abdullah Al Balushi, Country Manager, Ericsson Oman. “The talent and calibre of the students that we have witnessed is very impressive and we believe our joint efforts with the Junior Academy programme is successful at honing the skills of the students for the technological future.”
Students participate in these Innovation Challenges through the New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy programme. The Junior Academy is currently accepting applications, through June 30th 2022. A second cohort of students from Oman will be entering the programme.
Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans networks, digital services, managed services, and emerging business and is designed to help its customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s investments in innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world.
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science for the benefit of society. With more than 20,000 members in 100 countries, the Academy promotes scientific and technical knowledge, addresses global challenges with science-based solutions, and sponsors a wide variety of educational initiatives at all levels for STEM and STEM-related fields. The academy hosts programmes and publishes content in the life and physical sciences, the social sciences, nutrition, Artificial Intelligence, computer science, and sustainability. The academy also provides professional and educational resources for researchers across all phases of their careers.
