News Article

Canadian Astronaut to attend CNA-Qatar event


5/2/2008 2:08:00 PM


Special guest judge astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar, the world’s first neurologist in space and Canada's first woman in space, is in Doha for the WVSEF May 9 and 10. The event is organized by College of the North Atlantic-Qatar, Qatar's premier technical college, in partnership with Qtel.

Today, the College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) announced that the special guest and judge at the forthcoming World Virtual Science and Engineering Fair (WVSEF) will be the Canadian Astronaut, Physician, Scientist, Author and Photographer, Dr. Roberta Bondar. Dr. Bondar was the world’s first neurologist and first Canadian woman in space on the shuttle Discovery mission in 1992.

The WVSEF brings together young scientists from five continents. Out of 103 science students from around the world who submitted science projects virtually, over the Internet, eight finalist teams are travelling to Doha for the final judging and WVSEF awards ceremony on May 9-10, 2008.

The finalists come from Qatar, Canada, Pakistan, Germany, Malaysia and Australia, and the scientific projects range from research to find viable, alternative sources for biodiesel fuel to the development of mobile technological software for the hearing impaired.

Dr. Bondar said, “I am delighted to be participating in this unique scientific endeavour. These young finalists represent the scientists of tomorrow. We have found the standard of entry to be exceptionally high, and it will be difficult to choose the winning entrants. Nevertheless, by reaching the final stages, all the participants should be proud of themselves.”

All of the finalists have been filmed in their home countries, talking about their projects and their ambitions. These will all be shown at the awards ceremony on May 10th.

There will be three winners in both the high school and college categories with total prize money to be allocated of over 80,000 USD.

Dr. Harald Jorch said, “This CNA-Q event, in partnership with Qtel, represents our dedication in supporting and encouraging student scientific research worldwide. We are honoured to welcome all of the finalists and Dr. Bondar to our college and Qatar.”


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INFORMATION:

Roger Hulan
Public Information Officer - Qatar Project
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.0811