Dubai: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences announced the winners of the 2025 World Giftedness Center (WGC) Awards, which include the International Applied Research Award in Gifted Education and the International School Initiatives Award in Gifted Education.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year's cycle saw an expansion in global participation. The Applied Research Award attracted 11 research papers from 10 countries, while the School Initiatives Award received 7 initiatives from 5 countries, reflecting the growing international interest in research, innovation, and excellence in gifted education.
Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, stated that the World Giftedness Center Awards continue to maintain their global standing as a platform for scientific research and educational innovation. He noted that the increasing number of submissions reflects the confidence researchers and educational institutions have in the award's standards and its role in highlighting initiatives that enhance education quality and empower gifted students.
Al Qatami highlighted a major milestone with the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) formally approving a partnership with the Foundation. This step enhances the awards' global profile and reinforces the trust of leading international institutions in their impact.
He further expressed congratulations to the winners for their contributions and reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to supporting talent and creativity, as well as strengthening international cooperation for building innovative learning environments.
Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, noted significant growth in international participation. The International Applied Research Award received 11 submissions from 10 countries, with Jonathan Wai from the USA winning for his study published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. The International School Initiatives Award, which attracted seven initiatives, was granted to Al Mutaqadimah for Smart Learning Schools in Saudi Arabia for their initiative titled: TEMpathy: Where Innovation Meets Humanity.
Dr. Al Suwaidi explained that these results reflect the expanding global reach of the awards and the rising quality of submissions. He emphasized the Foundation's ongoing dedication to advancing gifted education through high-level partnerships and internationally recognized standards, supporting innovative solutions that cater to the needs of gifted learners.