The UNESCO Chair in Water Technology at Qatar University (QU), led by Prof. Syed Javaid Zaidi and based at the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), is committed to advancing innovation, research, and international collaboration to address critical water-related challenges. The Chair plays a pivotal role in supporting Qatar's efforts toward water security, aligning closely with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Research Strategy.
It is at the forefront of addressing water security challenges, aligning its research initiatives with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Research Strategy. The Chair is pioneering research in integrated water resources management, focusing on water treatment technologies, quality monitoring, and advanced materials for water applications. QU's commitment is exemplified by its Water Technology Unit, housed within the CAM, which spearheads innovative research in desalination, membrane fabrication, and pilot-scale testing. The UNESCO Chair facilitates international collaborations and capacity-building initiatives to address water challenges.
QU's research portfolio spans a range of emerging technologies, including Forward Osmosis (FO) pretreatment for thermal and RO desalination plants, Nanofiltration/RO, Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO), Electrodialysis-based systems, Membrane Distillation (MD), and Brine Mineral Mining. Notable achievements include exploration of RO and energy parameters, the establishment of a new PRO system for lab-scale membrane testing, and the patenting of an ultrafast water flux nanofiber-based thin film composite membrane for FO.
Looking to the future, the UNESCO Chair at QU is focusing on critical areas such as brine management, addressing disposal challenges and exploring valorization technologies, while also advancing nanostructured membrane development to enhance properties for water treatment and desalination applications.
A key emphasis of QU's research strategy is the localization of research and the promotion of sustainability. The UNESCO Chair at QU is pioneering the development of membranes using nanomaterials derived from biowaste, particularly utilizing date palm waste prevalent in the GCC region. This innovative approach includes extracting cellulose, creating graphene quantum dots, and developing biomaterial from date palm waste for water treatment. Through these multifaceted research initiatives, international collaborations, and focus on local resources and challenges, QU is positioning itself as a leader in water technology innovation, supporting Qatar's vision for water security and sustainable development.
QUs comprehensive focus on water research and development is multifaceted and strategically aligned with both national priorities and global environmental concerns. Water security, identified as a grand challenge in Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Research Strategy, serves as the primary driver for QU's research efforts, ensuring that academic endeavors contribute meaningfully to national goals.
The UNESCO Chair's focus on developing specialized water management solutions is crucial given Qatar's arid climate, which necessitates innovative approaches to water treatment and conservation. From an economic perspective, the development of efficient water technologies has the potential to significantly reduce costs associated with water treatment and desalination, contributing to Qatar's long-term economic sustainability. By investing in cutting-edge technologies such as Forward Osmosis, Pressure Retarded Osmosis, and Membrane Distillation, QU is addressing immediate water challenges and driving water technology innovation.
The Chair's emphasis on resource valorization, particularly the utilization of local biowaste from date palm for membrane development, demonstrates a commitment to circular economy principles and resource efficiency. This approach not only addresses waste management issues but also creates value from locally abundant materials, further enhancing the sustainability of water treatment processes.
As the host of the UNESCO Chair for Desalination in the GCC region, QU is strategically positioned to address water challenges in Qatar, enhancing its significance and fostering regional cooperation in water management. This role is complemented by the university's strong focus on capacity building through educational outreach and international collaborations, which are crucial for developing local expertise.
Expanding industrial partnerships is another key focus, with plans to strengthen ties with local and international water treatment companies. This approach will ensure that research aligns closely with industry needs and facilitate commercialization of innovations.
Recognizing the importance of public engagement in water technology and capacity building, UNESCO Chair organized and conducted a number of workshops, training courses, seminars and Panel Discussions on water related research and technology and contributed to the capacity building in this strategic area of water desalination.
The UNESCO Chair recently organized the Qatar Symposium on Desalination and Water Treatment in QU. Focused on “Recent Advances and Innovations in Desalination and Water Treatment Technologies and Cutting-Edge Solutions," the event brought together experts, researchers, and industry professionals to explore innovations, challenges, and solutions in water treatment practices.
The panel discussion on water solutions for sustainable agriculture in Qatar emphasized a multidisciplinary approach to tackling water scarcity and enhancing agricultural sustainability, showcasing QU's strategic initiatives in these areas. The insights and collaborative strategies outlined during the Panel session are set to drive significant progress in sustainable water management and agricultural practices in Qatar.
The UNESCO Chair also conducted a number of short courses and training courses for industry professionals. This training initiative exemplifies Qatar's unwavering commitment to addressing water-related challenges and promoting sustainable water management practices. By fostering academic-industry collaboration and continuous learning, the desalination industry seeks to bolster its capabilities in water treatment, thus contributing significantly to the nation's development and resilience in water resource management.