The Impact of University based Science Workshops on UAE School Students’ Perceptions of Science Study and Careers

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) transitions from a country with a primary dependence on fossil fuel revenue to one driven by a knowledge-based economy, it is becoming increasingly important to have national representation in key employment sectors, one of which is STEM. In order for this to become a reality, representation of Emirati STEM students in higher education is critical. In this research study, Emirati high-school students took part in university-based workshops led by undergraduate science degree students, also Emirati. In order to explore their views on the experience, and investigate whether this impacted on their views about studying science, science careers, and themselves as future scientists, we collected qualitative focus group interview data from 56 students and quantitative survey questionnaire data from 203 students in this mixed methods study. Key findings were that participating in the workshops within the university setting (and away from the school setting) were instrumental to their impact, and that being taught by trainers of their own culture and nationality was powerful enough to make some students consider studying science at university. The findings of the study have implications for universities and schools in terms of effective intervention planning and recruitment design to increase interest in science or science-related degrees.