Jordan Young Scientist Programme: a cornerstone of STEM education

The Jordan Young Scientist Programme (JoYS) has quickly become a cornerstone event in the educational landscape of Jordan.

Conceived as a way to empower students and unlock the great potential that exists within the young people of Jordan, the annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education initiative has recently celebrated its third successful exhibition.

Launched in 2022, the Programme aims to ignite a passion for STEM subjects in students across Jordan, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and encouraging students to think critically and creatively.

By promoting STEM education, JoYS seeks to equip the younger generation with the skills necessary to tackle future challenges and contribute to the development of their communities.

“The Jordan Young Scientist Programme is more than just a competition; it is a journey of discovery and innovation for our young participants,” says Mohammad Tahboub, JoYS Chairperson.

Modelled on the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSE) in Ireland, JoYS invites young people aged 12-17 to develop and showcase their innovative STEM projects to a diverse audience, including academia, private sector, civic society, and others.

The Programme includes training, mentorships and a bootcamp to create intensive and immersive learning experiences, that enable students to turn their inventive ideas into reality. Students showcase their completed projects at the Exhibition, which is a celebration of ingenuity and hard work, culminating in the awards ceremony where winning projects are recognised and celebrated. The overall winners then get the opportunity to present their project at BTYSE in Ireland.

“The training and mentorship provided by the JoYS programme are pivotal in shaping our students' futures. With 17 specialised training sessions, these opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience and develop critical thinking skills that are essential in today’s world.

The exhibition itself is more than just a showcase of their projects; it's a platform where their ideas come to life, their creativity is celebrated, and they gain confidence in presenting their work to a wider audience. It’s a rewarding experience that empowers them to take their next steps with assurance and ambition," explains Tahboub.

Reflecting on the 2024 exhibition, Marianne Bolger, Ambassador of Ireland to Jordan says: “I have, once again, been astounded by the talent at JoYS and was delighted to visit so many booths to learn about projects covering so many subjects.

The dedication, curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence in these projects has resulted in ground-breaking innovations and discoveries. It is truly an inspiration to witness the students’ passion, drive, and talent. I have no doubt about their ability to go forward and make positive, lasting impacts on society.”

The JoYS programme has grown hugely in its first three years. In 2024, 559 students from 238 schools across Jordan showcased at the Exhibition, marking a big increase in uptake from the 141 students from 21 schools that took part in the inaugural event.

Over 65% of this year’s participants were female, highlighting the programme's success in encouraging young women to pursue STEM fields.

“This exponential growth reflects the increasing interest and enthusiasm for STEM education among Jordanian students. It's truly inspiring to witness the rising number of young minds eager to explore and engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

These students are not only embracing STEM but are also pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve. Their curiosity and determination are a testament to the potential that exists within our youth. We are thrilled to see this momentum build, as it indicates a brighter future for Jordan's innovation landscape. By fostering this enthusiasm, we are helping to cultivate a generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders who will make significant contributions to their communities and the world at large," says Tahboub.

The 2024 judges selected 24 winning projects, and the winning students were presented with prizes at an awards ceremony with over 1,000 attendees. There were three winners in each of the four categories (Technology, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry, and Social and Behavioural Sciences) and three overall winners. The overall first prize went to the Yarmouk University Model School in Irbid for a project on the Intracranial Tumour Detector.

"Participating in JoYS has been an incredible journey. Winning first prize was beyond our expectations, and we are thrilled to represent Jordan at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) in Ireland. This opportunity will allow us to learn from other young scientists and bring new ideas back to our country," says the winning team from the Yarmouk University Model School.

The success of JoYS is a testament to the strong partnerships and generous sponsorships it has garnered. Founded by the Embassy of Ireland in Jordan, the programme’s key partners include the Crown Prince Foundation (CPF), which has been instrumental in promoting STEM learning and integration in education.

Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) has hosted the exhibition for the past three years, providing state-of-the-art facilities for the event. Other partners include the Queen Rania Foundation, ICT Association of Jordan (INTAJ), Education for Employment (EFE), and various private sector sponsors such as Bank al Etihad, Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, Umniah Telecommunication Company, and more. These collaborations highlight the community's commitment to nurturing scientific talent.

The Jordan Young Scientist Programme (JoYS) continues to be a beacon of inspiration for young scientists in Jordan.

The programme's growth over the past three years is a testament to the power of collaboration and the limitless potential of young minds. "Seeing these students' dedication and creativity gives us hope for a bright future in STEM," says a representative from Bank al Etihad, core sponsor for JoYS

There is a bright future ahead as the JoYS programme continues to evolve further, reaching more students, and creating even greater opportunities for young scientists to shine.

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