The Zayed University Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (ZU URSP), an Office of Research initiative,  completed the Fall semester of its Module 1 on 13 January 2011.  During this module selected scholars, who came from different colleges and departments of  Zayed University, went through a series of lectures and hosted guest speaker sessions that enhanced their insight into the field of research and continued research learning, which started with an intensive Summer Institute Program in 2010.  

Module 1 of URSP started at the end of October and stretched until mid-January. In that time period, the scholars attended a series of 10 lecture sessions given by Dr. Maher Khelifa in Dubai and Dr. Fatme Al Anouti in Abu Dhabi. During these sessions they were familiarized with quantitative and qualitative research methods; questionnaire design and development; interview methods (both designing and conducting the interviews); the difference between group interviews and focus groups, and designing and conducting field research. In addition, the scholars were introduced to data management and analysis by learning how to use SPSS. 

The scholars also had the chance to meet guest speakers and listen to what they had to say about research in their own field. These talks were eye-openers for the scholars that gave them the opportunity to look inside the field from the point of view of the researchers themselves. The guest list consisted of many researchers such as Dr. Chet Jablonski,  Dean of Graduate Studies;  Dr. Stephen Anderson researching in the field of education; Dr. Fabiana Tesselee, COO at Tadweer; Dr. Zakaria Maamar, a professor from the College of Information Technology; Dr. Cathy Strong who discussed how research in the media industry is done, and Dr. Abdulla Ismail Abdullah, Head of the Science and Technology Program at Emirates Foundation.

The scholars not only listened to the talks given by the guest speakers, but also participated; they were encouraged to discuss and ask questions in order for them to develop and evolve. With Dr. Abdulla Ismail they discussed the importance of research in the United Arab Emirates, how they could raise awareness, and how to grab the industry’s attention. They also paid a visit to the Emirates Foundation in Abu Dhabi, where they learned about the procedures of conducting research and how the foundation supports researchers. 

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program at Zayed University aims to develop the required skills needed for research in a group of selected scholars who have shown interest in research and want to pursue their graduate studies or a career in a research based occupation. The program’s Module 1 will continue in Spring semester  2011, but can already now report on laurels gained.