Qatar University (QU) hosted the Annual Research Forum and Exhibition 2023 under the theme ‘Research for Future Aspirations.’ The opening ceremony was attended by HE Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, who took part in a leadership dialogue during the opening ceremony; HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; HE Dr. Mohamed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar's former Minister of Energy and Industry; QU President Dr. Omar Al-Ansari and other dignitaries in the state. In addition to, senior officials from the University.
The Annual Research Forum and Exhibition is the meeting platform for students, researchers and academics from the University’s colleges, research centers, and institutes, including partners and stakeholders internally and externally, to assess, review and discuss QU’s research output and activities.
QU President Dr. Omar Al-Ansari said in his opening speech, “The Annual Research Forum and Exhibition is considered one of the university's most important events in its continuous pursuit of research, education, and community service. This qualitative event promotes a culture of awareness and research, nourishing sustainability and innovation projects while keeping pace with technology, artificial intelligence, and serving decision-makers.”
He adds, “This forum marks a significant milestone in the activities of the research and higher studies sector, providing a platform that brings together students, researchers, and stakeholders from various public and private entities, both internally and externally. It is an opportunity to review the achieved research milestones and look forward to new prospects that contribute to the country's journey towards establishing a knowledge-based economy and achieving the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to ExxonMobil, the gold sponsor of the forum. The academic collaboration enhances the research and activities of Qatar University.”
“We are proud of the elite participation in the exhibition, forum, levels, competitions and more than 230 research posters—a commendable effort by colleagues in the research and higher studies sector. It is an inspiring station that propels Qatar University to advanced positions in serving the nation and future generations.”
Dominic Genetti, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar stated, “Congratulations to our long-term partner Qatar University on a highly successful Annual Research Forum.”
He added, “Vital discussions took place at the forum, exploring pathways to a more sustainable future through science, innovation, and technology. We anticipate that its key takeaways can help contribute to sustainability efforts in Qatar, and look forward to next year’s event.”
Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU presented the guests an overview of the research sector at QU. She noted that the Annual Research Forum began in 2009 and had been consistent over the years in addressing various topics related to research, commerce, innovation and sustainability. This year's focus is on the four pillars of research at QU: Energy and Environment, Health and Biomedical Sciences, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Social Sciences and Humanities. She also discussed the various ways in which QU contributes to the Qatar National Vision 2030, QU's scholarly output, the external grants that support QU research and various programs and initiatives that promote research at QU.
The Annual Research Forum and Exhibition offers QU the opportunity to demonstrate how it has been addressing the community’s challenges through research anchored on a vibrant partnership with industry and other stakeholders, including institutions and research centers. QU aims to achieve research-driven learning, discovery and entrepreneurship. The event also provides an advantage for QU faculty and students to access and maximize the use of opportunities offered by the respective partners. It will also highlight the impactful and award-winning research carried out at QU that promotes the University’s vision and supports Qatar's research priorities and the Qatar National Vision 2030 goals.
The first day of the forum also featured the opening of the Research Exhibition, the distribution of awards and three panel discussions revolving around the forum’s theme. It also resulted in the publication of the Posters Abstracts Proceedings by QU Press.
On the second day, there were two more panel discussion and the announcement of the Internal Grant Award Cycle 7.
Professor Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, said: “We are pleased to meet an elite group of scholars, students, stakeholders, policy makers and those interested locally and globally at our university in this distinguished research event every year. The achievements are presented from all Qatar University colleges and research centers where creativity and dialogue meet in addition, ideas and initiatives are discussed.”
Professor Al-Maadeed added, “Our Forum is an embodiment of the university’s commitment to implementing national and university research plans and priorities. As well as keeping pace with scientific progress. This year’s forum hosted HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah and his leadership dialogue. The panel discussions also revolved around the role of sustainability, technology, artificial intelligence, research, leadership and innovation in building a future that achieves the goals of comprehensive and sustainable development. I congratulate the researchers, graduate students and all the winners in this forum and congratulate their sincere efforts that serve the nation and society.”