In 2015, the center entered a new phase where its mission has been re-defined, and a new staff structure has been implemented to define its research activities into several research clusters, namely: The Marine Science Cluster, that encompasses Physical and Chemical Oceanography, as well as Marine Biology; the Atmospheric Science Cluster; and the Earth & Terrestrial Science Cluster. Each cluster is led by a Science Leader, with supporting Research Coordinators and Laboratory Assistants. The new research strategy of the ESC is aligned Qatar’s 2030 National Vision with respect to: “The management of the environment such that there is harmony between economic growth, social development and environmental protection”.
The ESC at Qatar University has a long history of fundamental and applied research, consultancy and national capacity building since its early inception. The center was first established in 1980 by a special Amiri Decree as the Scientific and Applied Research Center (SARC). In 2005, Qatar University restructured the SARC, renaming it as the Environmental Studies Center (ESC) with a mission to conduct research and commissioned studies for the environmentally sustainable development of the country. In 2015, the name of the center was changed to the Environmental Science Center to better reflect our research-driven objectives.
The integrated research endeavours of the ESC on marine and atmospheric science are supported by our class-leading research vessel, the RV Janan, that is fully capable of conducting scientific missions across the Arabian Gulf. In addition, the ESC’s strategic partnerships have been recently strengthened through research-focused Memorandum of Understandings with overseas university and government partners.
The ESC is a valuable asset for research activities within and beyond Qatar University. We strive to involve our faculty members, researchers and students in our research and services, and make our facilities available wherever there is an opportunity to serve the community.