DUBAI — The UAE Space Agency and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has announced the kick-off of "Generation Hope" initiative under the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) — Hope Probe, the first interplanetary mission undertaken by an Arab nation, that comes as part of its education and outreach efforts. Held between November 2020 until January 2021, it provides an avenue for qualified youth and interested individuals to develop an interest in space science field. Since its inception six years ago, the EMM aims inspire the youth through the Mars mission journey, motivate youth to develop an interest in STEM studies, and to build capabilities in space science research, specifically Mars science, within UAE students and science community by providing the opportunity through different outreach and education programs. In line with the mission’s goal, Generation Hope seeks to also promote space science education and research, and engage with the public from all age groups in the mission. Generation Hope will also host Hope’s Science Journey webinars series throughout November. It will provide a scientific overview of the mission, introduction to a Mars visualization tools, information on EMM science data access, and more. The first introduction session was held on Nov. 1 and the second will take place on Nov. 4. The in-depth session will be held the following week. Registrations for both sessions of the Hope’s Science Journey webinar are now open. Also, bi-weekly webinars in English and Arabic will be held with the Emirates Mars Mission team to highlight different concepts in space systems and science and showcase the team members’ roles in the mission. Generation Hope will be running two camps in December and January. The first is a five-day Generation Hope Camp in December that will focus on hosting workshops for middle and high school students aged 12 to 18 years old about Mars and related science topics, and the latest updates on the EMM. The second is a two-day a specialized and intensive camp titled A Journey to Mars, that will be held for distinguished undergraduates in STEM fields, where the EMM Science Team will share their experience and expertise on their journey of development through the mission and insights about important scientific topics related to the mission and Mars research. Generation Hope’s series of interactive activities also include the annual Teacher Ambassador Program (TAP), now in its fifth year, which is designed to fully equip STEM educators from different schools in the UAE to serve as ‘ambassador teachers’ at EMM educational initiatives. EMM will provide the teachers with the knowledge and material required to educate and train a new generation of space scientists and engineers. The program will also launch a competition in December 2020, titled Newton STEM Challenge, which aims to utilize teachers’ creativity in process of activities development. In this first version, the teachers will need to design a game, experiment or activity to explain Newton’s laws of motion based on their current curriculum learning objectives. Omran Sharaf, project director of the Emirates Mars Mission, said, "Generation Hope’s initiatives are in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers in UAE. “Reaching Mars is not the final goal, but it’s the means for us to build a culture built on research, exploration, and innovation. At the same time, these outreach programs provide the mission team with an opportunity to share its knowledge and experience with the next generation. “We are pleased to see the growing interest in the space sector and look forward to continue hosting students in activities and events related to space exploration, and hopefully encourage them to consider careers in STEM." Noora Al Rafi, deputy project manager - strategic planning of Emirates Mars Mission, said, "Inspiring youth and increasing their interest in the space sector is one of the most important strategic objectives of the Emirates Mars Mission. It comes as part of the efforts to contribute to the national diversified economy — one that is built on knowledge and innovation. “As a result, we put a strong focus on the Generation Hope initiative and the qualitative programs that fall under its umbrella. We appreciate the efforts of the Generation Hope partners and their close cooperation to achieve the specific objectives." Also held under the Generation Hope Initiative is the Research Experience for Undergraduates, REU, Program; a unique program designed to offer Emirati students specializing in science and engineering an opportunity to gain practical and research-based experience at distinguished space science facilities in the UAE and abroad. Students will be mentored by EMM’s science team, as well as local and international scientists in the field of space science. Scheduled for next summer, registration for the seventh edition of the REU will open soon. Hessa Al Matrooshi, science deputy project manager, said, "Developing scientific capabilities in the UAE is an important pillar for the UAE government’s vision as encourage an environment that motivates innovation and scientific research and fosters a new generation of Emirati scientists, researchers and academics. “The Generation Hope initiatives provide youth and students with opportunities to interact and benefit from the expertise of many space experts from leading centers around the world through the REU, the educational outreach program hosted by the Emirates Mars Mission, in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center. We look forward to welcoming another batch of students in the upcoming seventh edition of the program next summer." Moza Alsharif, Emirates Mars Mission Science Initiatives coordinator, said, "Since the beginning of the REU program in 2015, the number of students applying has continuously increased, and more than ever, we’ve noticed a larger number of students specialized in sciences who have shared an interest. “Overall, the program has impacted dozens of students, and some changed their career path to pursue space science research as a career. We look forward to more success stories as a result of this program." Since the announcement of the project six years ago, there has been an increase in interest for STEM studies. Today, more than 100,000 students and teachers have engaged in these community outreach programs, most notably the Generation Hope initiative. — WAM