The Social & Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University (QU) held a workshop on “Advanced Sampling” on October 10-13, aimed to introduce researchers to the principles and practice of analyzing data from complex sample surveys.

The event brought together over 40 participants across QU to exchange their ideas and knowledge, and to share their experiences on complex sample survey data. SESRI Director Dr Hassan Al-Sayed delivered the opening remarks.

The workshop was led by Professor and Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan and Research Professor and Joint Program in Survey Methodology at the University of Maryland Prof James M Lepkowski, and Senior Research Associate in the Survey Methodology Program at the Institute for Social Research Prof Patricia Berglund. They presented the principles of survey design and how design features affect analysis methods as well as the use of statistical software to do such analysis. They also illustrated methods for analyzing survey data with such features through examples using an education survey from Qatar, and implemented such analyses using two statistical software systems -- SPSS and Stata. 

In his remarks, Dr Hassan Al-Sayed noted that complex sample surveys are those employing one or more basic sampling design or estimation techniques such as weights, stratification, cluster sampling, nonlinear estimation, variance estimation, or imputation. He further noted that the nature of these features are examined to help participants understand why these features make analysis of such data more complex. 

He added: “By hosting this event, SESRI is working towards QU’s strategic objective to seek efficient solutions to issues that impact the wider community and to ensure that research efforts address contemporary challenges in Qatar and beyond. SESRI continues to deliver on its mission to enhance research capacity by studying and monitoring important societal changes, and to provide sound and reliable data to guide policy formulation, priority-setting, and evidence-based planning and research in the social and economic sectors.”

Qatar University College of Law (QU-LAWC) yesterday hosted the “Qatari-South Korean Law Forum: Comparative and International Approaches” aimed to discuss the legal framework of international relations related to business and trading between Qatar and South Korea.

Organized in collaboration with Korea University Law School, the forum was an opportunity to promote dialogue among students, researchers and experts from Qatar and beyond to share their ideas and knowledge on comparative and international approaches of Qatari-South Korean Law.

Ambassador of South Korea to the State of Qatar H.E. Mr Park Heung-kyeong delivered the welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony followed by LAWC Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies and Professor of Civil Law Prof Faouzi Belknani, and Professor of Law at Korea University Law School Prof Young-Hwan Chung. The event’s program included a film screening on LAWC and 2 panel discussions themed “New Laws, Policies and Trends in Qatari-Korean Business” and “Business Dispute Resolution”.

Discussions focused on a wide range of topics such as “International Legal Aspects of Monetary Relations within Northeast Asia: Selected Issues”, “Evaluation of the Conditional-Absolute Payment Issue in Letters of Credit: Identifying which Position Provides Maximum Party Autonomy, Certainty, Flexibility, Fairness and Good Faith”, “Assessment of Shareholders Protection in the New Qatari Corporate Law: Paving the Road for Investors”, “The protection of minority shareholders in Qatari corporate Law”, “Protection of Personal Data in Korea”, “Models of Dispute Resolution and Economic Development: QIC & DRC. DFCC and Singapore International Court as the Real Alternative”, “Access to Korean Judicial System for Foreign Nationals”, “Good faith in contracts: Qatari Law perspective”, “Electronic Litigation in Korea”, and “The Enforcement of Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation”.

LAWC Dean Dr Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi said: “This forum is the first-of-its-kind in the region to highlight the solid relations between Qatar and South Korea, and both countries’ legislations from the perspective of commercial law.” Dr Al-Khulaifi stressed on the importance to provide a legal environment which contributes to the establishment of legislations that protect investment and preserve the rights of investors. He also highlighted the need to create an effective and efficient justice which is one of the most significant factors for the sustainability and the development of Qatar’s openness to foreign investment. He said: “Qatar became the Arab world’s engine of growth and development. The country was named first in the Arab world and 14^th internationally in the index of global competitiveness 2015-2016.”

H.E. Mr Park Heung-kyeong said: “I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to the College of Law at Qatar University and Korea University Law School for organizing this significant law forum here in Doha. This forum is both opportune and appropriate in discussing important legal aspects of business between Qatari and Korean companies from monetary relations, financial transactions and investments to dispute resolutions and the application of Korean judicial systems for foreign nationals. We are witnessing the activity of many large Korean companies and small and medium companies exploring business opportunities in Qatar.”

He added: “I would like also to express my deep gratitude to Qatar University for offering a Korean language program starting this semester, a collaboration between Qatar University and the Korea Foundation. Korea University, one of the best universities in Korea, has been committed to cooperating with Qatar University by last year signing an agreement for joint exchanges in Masters’ and PhD programs at both institutions.”

Prof Faouzi Belknani said: “The economic development and the increase in the number of Korean companies in Qatar led to the need for the establishment of a legal environment with the aim to enhance the growing investments in the country. In this regard, the creation of legislations should meet the needs of various developments that are taking place in the country, while maintaining Qatar’s political, economic and social roots. This forum is a valuable opportunity to establish comparative and international approaches of the Qatari and South Korean law, and to provide a better understanding of each country’s legal culture.”

Qatar University (QU) Health Clinic will organize its annual flu vaccination campaign on October  31. The campaign aims to increase community awareness on the importance of getting an annual flu vaccine. By getting an annual flu vaccine, we can minimize the impact of seasonal influenza (flu) on QU members, allowing us to create a safe learning environment for all.

During this time, the Health Clinic’s medical team will be available from 8am to 2pm to provide free flu vaccination shots at the Female Health Clinic. The Health Clinic will also provide information leaflets on the importance of flu vaccinations, and staff members will be available to answer the questions or concerns that QU members may have about flu vaccinations.

Commenting on the event, Health Clinic Head Dr Hafsa Hashad said: “The campaign aligns with QU mission to raising community awareness on health-related issues and to providing the ultimate support to Qatar’s healthcare sector. Millions of people are hospitalized each year from the flu, and over 30,000 people die from flu-related problems annually. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missing work and school due to the flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Although the elderly, pregnant women and children are at high risk of the flu, healthy children and adults can also get very sick and spread the flu to their families and friends. Getting vaccinated protects you as well as the people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, the elderly, and those with certain chronic health conditions.”

QU Health Clinic will continue to provide flu vaccinations until June 2017. Qatari ID is required to get the flu vaccination shot.

The Center for Volunteerism and Community Service at Qatar University (QU) yesterday launched the 2^nd edition of the “I Relief” campaign in collaboration with Qatar Charity.

The campaign, which will engage over 150 male and female volunteers from various colleges within QU, is part of an agreement signed in July 2016 between the two institutions. It aims to raise community awareness on the role of youth and university students in volunteering activities that serve humanitarian issues.

The campaign will run during this month. It includes the restoration of a school in Syria by QU students, and a wide range of charity events on and outside QU campus. It also includes workshops and training sessions on various areas such as volunteerism, project management, teamwork, communication skills, and more. Commenting on the campaign, QU Student Services & Activities Director Mr Abdulla Al-Yafei said: “We, at QU, are keen to engage our students in community service activities to build a healthy learning environment based on research, planning and student leadership. The “I relief’ campaign will contribute to providing our students with numerous opportunities to invest their skills and knowledge and to serve community needs.”

Programs Director at Qatar Charity Executive Department for Local Development Mr Nasser Al Megheiseb said: “We are delighted to launch the 2^nd edition of the “I relief” campaign, as a result of our solid partnership with Qatar University. Through this initiative, we provide youth with ultimate volunteering opportunities that unlock their potential and help them contribute to the restoration of a school in Syria and apply their theoretical and practical knowledge in humanitarian relief.”

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG) recently hosted the '2nd Industry Integrated Computing Education Curricula Workshop'.

The event, which was supported by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), aimed to highlight the needs of local information security and cyber security institutions, and build new cooperative learning curricula based on competency frameworks.

The first day's programme featured a seminar on 'Industry, Business and Workplace Competency Based Curricula; Models and Case Studies' moderated by CSE Professor of Computer Science and Pro-Skima NPRP Lead Project Investigator Prof Abdelaziz Bouras and CENG Head of Technology Innovation & Engineering Education Dr Mahmoud Abdulwahed, and presented by Senior Project Manager at Swiss Federal Institute for VET Emanuel W'fcthrich, Program Development Chair at the College of North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) Samah Gammar, and Associate Professor of Education Sciences at University of Lyon Dr Laurent Veillard. They gave an overview of several international approaches for industry/business/academia collaboration, and presented various methods to build a competency framework and a training curriculum.

The second day's programme included a series of presentations delivered by Prof Abdelaziz Bouras, QNRF Education Program Manager Dr Abdellahi Hussein, Emanuel W'fcthrich, and Dr Laurent Veillard. Discussed topics focused on 'NPRP Pro-SKIMA Project Presentation', 'Importance of academia/industry link for ICT higher education in Qatar and NPRP program support', and 'Overview on Industry-Integrated education in Switzerland, France and Canada'. It also included an industry brainstorming session 'IT Security function roles and activities, and how to increase the number of Qatari security practitioners within companies in Qatar' moderated by Prof Abdelaziz Bouras, CSE assistant professor in Computer Engineering and Thales Cybersecurity Chair Dr Thieyacine Ely Fall, and Emanuel W'fcthrich.

Commenting on the workshop, CSE Head Dr Sumaya al Maadeed said:"It is part of CSE efforts to strengthen links with local business and industry to better capture their requirements and needs and reflect that on the existing and future curricula in computer science and engineering. The department continues to deliver on its mission to share knowledge and expertise to benefit the society in Qatar and beyond, and to promote computer and information science and engineering by equipping graduates with the knowledge, abilities and skills to become innovators and leaders who are able to contribute to the aspirations of the country."

Prof Abdelaziz Bouras said:"Through Pro-SKIMA NPRP project we are making benchmarking and prototypes to enhance such relationship between Qatar University curricula and the local industry." Dr Abdellahi Hussein said:"The academia/industry link in Qatar is highly important today, and QNRF is happy to support multidisciplinary research in the field of education through its National Priority Research Program."

Qatar University (QU) Student Affairs Sector launched its upcoming student leadership conference “Taqadam: Tanmeea, Enjaz, Qiaadah” at a press conference held yesterday.

Details of the 2-day conference (November 26-27) were outlined by QU VP for Students Affairs Dr Khalid Al-Khanji, College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) President Dr Ken MacLeod, Community College of Qatar (CCQ) Dean Dr Abdulla Hazaimeh, and Stenden University Qatar Executive Dean Dr Ivan Ninov, in the presence of officials from QU and the partnering institutions, and representatives of the local media.

The conference, first-of-its-kind in Qatar, will be held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute and Reach Out To Asia. It is organized in partnership with CCQ, CNA-Q, Stenden University Qatar and Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and sponsored by Qatar Development Bank (QDB). The conference will bring together students from colleges and universities across Qatar to network and exchange their knowledge and experiences on leadership development in the GCC region.

Commenting on the conference, Dr Khalid Al-Khanji said: “I am delighted to welcome you all at QU to announce the launch of the second edition of the student leadership conference “Taqadam” which brings together students from higher education institutions in Qatar and the GCC. Some may think that leadership is a talent, while others think it is acquired. We are keen to provide students from QU and from other higher education institutions with opportunities that help them acquire leadership skills and uplift their talents to become future leaders. In hosting this conference, QU is also demonstrating its ongoing efforts to raise its student’s awareness on the importance of gaining theoretical leadership skills and the know-how to apply them in real-life situations.”

Dean of CCQ Dr Abdalla Hazaimeh said: “On behalf of CCQ, I would like to thank QU for partnering with us in organizing this event. The new “transforming leadership” vision focuses on the ways leaders emerge from being ordinary “transactional” brokers and deal-makers to become real agents of major social change. The Taqadam student leadership conference gives our nation’s children the opportunity to learn more about transformational leadership, not only in theoretical terms, but also in terms of practical application. I am delighted to see that this year’s conference includes new presentations which highlight young “up-and-coming” leaders.”

President of CNA-Q Dr Ken MacLeod said: “The Taqadam student leadership conference is a prime example of providing students with an opportunity that allows them to learn from current leaders to become future leaders. The State of Qatar was born from a vision that was built by progressive leadership. There is a strong commitment to leadership in the country, which is instinctively instilled in Qatar’s youth. The true value of leadership is displayed when students have the opportunity to converse with and learn from their peers.”

Executive Dean of Stenden University Qatar Dr Ivan Ninov said: “It is a great pleasure and privilege for Stenden University Qatar to participate in the second edition of the Taqadam conference which we believe will create a foundation for strong social and professional networking amongst its participants. It will also provide our students with a unique platform to showcase their leadership potential and to interact with their peers from other higher education institutions.”

Qatar University launched yesterday the 3^rd Middle East Molecular Biology Congress & Exhibition 2016 with an opening ceremony attended by QU officials, faculty, students and staff, and a number of experts and researchers in the field of molecular biology.

The event (November 14-18), the first of its kind in the region, is a collaboration between QU and Middle East Molecular Biology Sources (MEMBS), and is sponsored by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Qatar Genome Programme, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), Sidra Medical and Research Center, and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q). Its aim is to provide a platform for representatives of the academic and industrial communities to interact and promote the translation of research into therapy.

The forum brings together around 500 leading biologists and biomedical engineers, including professors and their trainees from the academic, clinical and pharmaceutical fields to showcase their latest research, highlight the use of innovative and emerging technologies, and encourage interactions and new interdisciplinary collaborations in the field of molecular biology.

Keynote speakers are Associate Dean for Research, Laura H Carnell Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research (MCDDR) at Temple University School of Pharmacy Prof Magid Abou-Gharbia, Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Harvard Stem Cell Institute Principal Investigator Dr Chad Cowan, WCMC Department of Genetic Medicine Chairman Dr Ronald Crystal, The Rockfeller University Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and St Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases Attending Physician Prof Jean-Laurent Casanova, University of California Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology Prof Alexandra Butler, Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Biomedical Optics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Prof Theo Lasser, University of Zurich Institute of Experimental Immunology Group Leader Prof Maries van den Broek, Professor of Medicine at University of Manchester Prof Rayaz Malik, and Professor of Biotechnology at American University of Ras Al Kaimah Prof Muhammed Mukhtar.

The event’s program comprises sessions in the form of presentations, discussion panels and workshops that address a wide range of topics related to “Genomics and Personalized Medicine”, “Stem Cells and Cellular Therapy”, “Metabolism and Endocrinology”, “Diabetes”, “Cancer Epigenetic”, “Neurosciences: Synaptic function in health and disease”, “Signaling and Systems Biology”, “Neurosciences: Neurodegenerative Diseases”, “Infectious Diseases”, “Neurosciences: Therapeutic”, “Cancer Immunology”, “Biotechnology”, “Structural  Biology and Molecular Imaging”, and more. It also features an exhibition including a number of booths offering equipment, services and publications related to molecular biology.

Commenting on the forum, QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “QU is proud to host the 3rd Middle East Molecular Biology Congress & Exhibition 2016, which brings together leading experts to showcase the latest technologies in molecular biology. During the past years, molecular biology has made a progress in key areas such as genome sciences, cell therapy, cancer treatment, and diabetes, which has a positive impact on human life and health. QU continues in its efforts to advance exact sciences under the umbrella of ethical values to serve the needs of the society.” 

QU VP for Medical Education and CMED Dean Dr Egon Toft said: “In hosting such an event, QU is demonstrating its ongoing efforts to raise awareness on molecular biology in the Middle East and to promote research in key medical areas such as genetic diseases and stem cells to provide efficient solutions to medical issues that impact the wider community and to ensure that research efforts align with the needs of the healthcare sector in Qatar and the region. We are delighted to collaborate with MEMBS in organizing this congress that serves as a platform for experts and researchers from academia and industry to share their experiences and pave way for future interdisciplinary collaborations in molecular biology.”

Qatar Biobank for Medical Research Vice-Chairperson, Qatar Genome Programme Committee Chairperson and QU College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dean Dr Asma Al-Thani said: “We, at Qatar Biobank for Medical Research and Qatar Genome Programme, are pleased to be sponsoring and participating in MEMBS annual congress and exhibition. Qatar Biobank for Medical Research and Qatar Genome Programme are committed to promoting the understanding of local and regional health and diseases by advancing new research that moves towards breakthroughs in health and medicine, and by organizing events that create an excellent platform for experts to exchange their ideas in the field of health and medicine.”

Qatar University College of Education (QU-CED) recently signed an agreement with Jyväskylä University (JYU) to establish collaboration in the field of education and research.

The agreement was signed by CED Dean Dr Ahmed Al-Emadi and Jyväskylä University Rector Prof Matti Manninen in the presence of CED Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Yahya Al-Nakeeb, JYU Faculty of Education Dean Prof Marja-Leena Laakso, and JYU Faculty of Education Vice Dean Prof Anna-Maija Poikkeus, as well as officials and faculty from both institutions. The terms of the agreement include collaboration on the development of QU Early Childhood Center and Physical Education and Sports Studies Program, research publications, and the exchange of faculty, researchers and students. The agreement also covers joint conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as collaborative research projects and funding. Both institutions will also cooperate to establish a Doctoral program (PhD) in Education.

The agreement is part of an official trip to JYU, in which Dr Ahmed Al-Emadi and Prof Yahya Al-Nakeeb visited JYU Early Childhood Center and Kuokkala primary school in the city of Jyväskylä. The trip also included a wide range of activities such as a presentation on JYU educational psychology, research projects and laboratories, an introduction on the tools and methods used for data collection and analysis by the University’s faculty members and students, an introduction to the Finnish Physical program, and a visit to the famous Finish scientist and educator Alvar Aalto Museum.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr Ahmed Al-Emadi said: “By signing this agreement, CED reinforces its positioning as a leading partner in contributing to the development of the education sector in Qatar, which is an essential pillar of the country’s ambitions towards a knowledge-based economy. The College continues its commitment towards expanding its international collaborations to advance its academic programs and outcomes and to provide quality education that is aligned with international standards and that ultimately impacts our students and their future success.”

Prof Matti Manninen applauded the initiative of establishing collaborative activities and exchange programs for faculty and students between Qatar University and Jyväskylä University, which will contribute to sharing good educational practice and to enhancing the quality of research and scholarly activities of students and faculty from both institutions. 

Qatar University (QU) and Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) yesterday signed an agreement to establish strategic collaboration in diverse fields such as informatics and media, technical consulting, research, and training.

The agreement was signed by QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham and GOIC Secretary General H.E. Abdul-Aziz H Al-Ageel in the presence of QU VP for Academic Affairs Dr Mazen Hasna, QU VP for Research and Graduate Studies Dr Mariam Al-Maadeed, and QU VP for Student Affairs Dr Khalid Al-Khanji, as well as QU faculty and staff.

In the terms of the agreement, both institutions will provide technical, administrative and financial consulting and assessment for the implementation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and share technical information, sessions and statistic data in the field of economy and industry. The agreement also covers collaborative studies in the field of petrochemical, metal, pharmaceutical and food industries, technical diagnostic studies to define the various opportunities and challenges that SMEs face, and research and field surveys on industrial strategies and policies with the aim to develop the industrial sector in the GCC.

Both institutions will also cooperate in providing joint conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as internships and training for QU students.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “The establishment of partnerships with local, regional, and international institutions is a key priority at QU. Last year, the university signed around 46 MoUs because we believe that the exchange of knowledge and experiences is an essential component to promote research and to fulfill the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the national aspirations towards a knowledge-based economy. Our collaboration with GOIC will contribute to enhancing the local industry and to providing valuable data, research outcomes, and consulting services that will serve the public and private sectors in Qatar.”

H.E. Abdul-Aziz H Al-Ageel noted that GCC governments are making substantial progress in diversifying the industrial sector away from energy-based and petrochemical industries. He also noted that the innovative R&D capabilities and the highly skilled workforce in the Gulf countries are vital factors to enhancing the GCC industries.” He added: “GOIC is committed to strengthening links between GCC industries and R&D centers and universities. The organization is currently establishing a database of GCC R&D capabilities in line with the needs of industry. In this regard, we are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with Qatar University and other GCC R&D centers and universities.”

Qatar University (QU) yesterday signed agreements with Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), Mowasalat, and Dolphin Energy Limited.

The agreements were signed by QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham, MEHE Undersecretary H.E. Rabea Mohamed Al-Kaabi, Mowasalat Managing Director Mr Khalid Nasser Al Hail, and Dolphin Energy Limited General Manager - Qatar Mr Hassan Al Emadi. Attendees included QU VP for Academic Affairs Dr Mazen Hasna, QU Chief Strategy and Development Officer Dr Darwish Al-Emadi, QU College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Dean Dr Rashid Al-Kuwari, Mowasalat Chairman Mr Nasser bin Mohammed Al Malki, and Dolphin Energy Limited Director of Government and Public Relations Mr Ajlan Al Enazi, as well as CENG faculty and staff.

The agreement with MEHE, Mowasalat and Dolphin Energy Limited aimed to establish a STEM on wheels project through the development of a STEM laboratory mobile bus that provides schools in Qatar with STEM technology. The mobile laboratory will bring real-life and daily STEM experiences to students and educators. In the terms of the agreement, Mowasalat will provide a bus, while Dolphin Energy Limited will sponsor the establishment of the bus interior and the provision of technological equipment. MEHE will create a comprehensive plan for the bus trips to schools, including those in rural areas. QU engineering students will design the bus interior and provide technological applications and equipment.

The event included the signing of another MoU between Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center (QTTSC) at QU College of Engineering (CENG) and Mowasalat to establish collaboration on new research and consulting programs used for studies on traffic safety in Qatar. In the terms of the agreement, Mowasalat’s Karwa Driving School will offer exclusive and various training programs accredited and certified by global institutions. Karwa Driving School will also provide information and statistics to support the projects while QTTSC will handle the projects.

Commenting on the agreements, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “The STEM on wheels project is the first of its kind in Qatar and the region. This STEM mobile laboratory contributes to motivate students and encourage them to explore out-of-the-classroom STEM experiences through a contemporary learning approach that adopts new applications and that serves the school curriculum. QU is proud to be part of this state-of-the-art project that will promote quality education within high schools in Qatar, while reinforcing relations between the partnering institutions. This is a testament of QU’s commitment to strengthen collaborations between academia and industry in Qatar.”

He added: “Traffic safety is a very important area in a fast-developing country like Qatar, and being Qatar’s premier national university, QU continues to deliver on its mission and vision to build strategic partnerships with local institutions and civil society to address road safety challenges and offer sustainable solutions that will contribute to the country’s development and growth.”

H.E. Rabea Mohamed Al-Kaabi extended his gratitude for signing STEM on wheels agreement which aims to highlight STEM topics in a way that will enhance students’ excellence in line with national aspirations towards a knowledge-based economy and the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. He said: “The STEM on wheels project made a complete connection between general education and higher education institutions in a creative way that helps students make use of such techniques, which enables them to become the scientists of the future in the area of STEM.”

Mr Khalid Nasser Al Hail noted that students should acquire entrepreneurial skills and provide support to basic industries by contributing to development projects. He said: “Mowasalat has been taking various initiatives to engage the youth of Qatar since 2012. Qatar University College of Engineering students along with deans, faculty members and senior officials visited Mowasalat and witnessed how “Made in Qatar Karwa bus” is being assembled, and they showed interest to carry out their projects and internships and benefit from Mowasalat’s expertise and experience. Mowasalat is keen to support the youth of Qatar to enhance education, awareness, innovation and improvement of the urban world through the development of public and mass transportation for sustainable mobility solutions.”

Mr Hassan Al-Emadi said: “Dolphin Energy is delighted to sponsor this unique initiative. The mobile laboratory is a wonderful way to innovate, engage and provide opportunities to foster young talents across the country and help develop future leaders for the country. We will always embrace programs that support Qatar National Vision 2030 and complement our own sustainability strategy.”

CENG Dean Dr Khalifa Al-Khalifa said: “These collaborations highlight CENG’s commitment to developing partnerships with private and government organizations with the aim to invest in research and development and to promote STEM education among high-school students. Community engagement stands at the heart of QU’s mission and through our cooperation with Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Mowasalat and Dolphin Energy Limited, we are demonstrating the breadth of initiatives and projects at college and institution levels that serve to reinforce our links with the society on one hand, and to prepare the future generation of professionals to come up with new initiatives and creative productivity on the other.”

Qatar Minister of Administrative Development and Labor and Social Affairs H.E. Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi inaugurated the 7th international conference on “Terrorism and Methods of Tackling It” which was yesterday organized and hosted by Qatar University College of Sharia and Islamic Studies (QU-CSIS).

Organized under the patronage of Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, the 2-day conference (November 20-21) featured 200 papers presented by researchers and scholars from Qatar, Algeria, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and more.

H.E. Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi was joined by QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham, CSIS Dean Dr Yousuf Al-Siddiqi, CSIS Program Coordinator and Head of the conference’s organizing committee Dr Hamed Al-Marwani, CSIS Associate Professor of Islamic Culture and Dawa and Head of the conference’s scientific committee Dr Azzeddine Mamich, as well as officials from QU and Qatar Ministry of Interior (MoI), and CSIS faculty and students. Keynote speaker was Dr Abdul Fattah Moro, Vice President of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People of Tunisia. He presented on “Terrorism: hindrance of thinking and a jump over reality”.

The event’s program featured 4 panel discussions themed “The relationship between terrorism and excessiveness, “The religious culture and its reaction to terrorism”, “Social, political and media dimensions of terrorism”, and “Methods to tackle terrorism”. Discussions focused on a wide range of topics related to religion and terrorism, the impact of western double standards on emerging terrorism, extremeness and terrorism, the impact of ideology on contemporary terrorism, the relationship between media and religious terrorism, and the role of Islamic organizations in addressing terrorism, among many others.

In his remarks, Dr Hassan Al Derham expressed his gratitude to Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani for supporting this conference and QU based on a directive from H.H. the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He said: “Since its inception, QU is keen to find efficient solutions to overcome challenges and barriers for development, stability, and prosperity. This conference highlights the key role of research in providing a better understanding of terrorism from a political, educational, religious, and economic perspective. The fruitful discussions and recommendations that will emanate from this forum will contribute to enhancing our teaching curricula and will help our students understand the facts related to terrorism, Islamophobia, sectarianism, and ethnicity.”

Dr Yousuf Al-Siddiqi said: “We are pleased to gather scholars and researchers from all over the world to discuss the phenomenon of terrorism. This is a timely conference that comes at a time when the Arab nations are facing many political and socio-economic challenges. As Qatar’s national higher education institution, QU plays a core role in providing a platform to address, discuss and resolve contemporary issues such as terrorism, in line with the National development strategy.”

Dr Al-Siddiqi stressed the importance of advancing the learning curriculum to help students understand the changes that occur in the world. Education should be based on an open dialogue to widen the students’ perspectives on various issues and to provide a fair image of Islam, he said, adding, “We live in a small village where any event or conflict may affect everyone. We, at QU, believe in the importance of addressing such conflicts through dialogue. The danger of terrorism is expanding all over the world. Academic institutions are responsible of bringing researchers and experts together to discuss the issue of terrorism. We hope that this conference will contribute to highlighting the role of individuals in promoting peace and security in the world.” 

A large number of students participated in a discussion session with Qatar University (QU) President Dr Hassan Al Derham at the annual “Meet The President” event which was yesterday organized by the President’s Office at QU Ibn Khaldoon Hall. 

The event aimed to engage dialogue with students to discuss matters of concern and interest, and to encourage their participation in university affairs. It was also attended by QU VPs, college deans, heads of departments and programs, faculty and staff. In his opening remarks, Dr Al Derham noted the importance of this annual gathering which aims to enhance the spirit of communication between students and the university. He said: “QU continues to create an exciting and inspiring environment that encourages students’ participation in the learning experience, and in which they can express their views on a wide range of issues related to academic affairs and student services.”

During the event, students asked questions, discussed concerns and commented on a wide range of topics including academic programs and their alignment with market needs, admission and reinstatement policies, parking facilities, cafeteria food and prices, the establishment of a health clinic at the male building, and the provision of emergency vehicles at the university, among many others.

Qatar University College of Health Sciences (QU-CHS) faculty and students yesterday organized and participated in a community outreach event as part of activities to mark World Diabetes Day.

Themed “Eyes on Diabetes,” the event was organized in collaboration with Qatar Diabetic Association (QDA). It aimed to highlight the importance of screening to guarantee an early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and management to reduce the hazard of serious complications. Four booths by QU Health Clinic, QDA, Khulud Pharmacy, and Abbot pharmaceutical company were set up at the Women’s Science Building (C01) – Atrium. At QDA booth, students and visitors were provided with one-on-one counseling, blood glucose testing, brochures about type 2 diabetes and screening program and treatment, and nutritional counseling.

The event also included a lecture on “Do we know enough about Diabetes?” by Dr Buthaina Ibrahim Alowinati, Consultant in Diabetes at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). It also featured a “blue for breakfast” to highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet to prevent the disease, and a campus walk activity to support individuals with diabetes and raise community awareness on the importance of exercise in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Commenting on the event, QU College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dean and Biomedical Research Center (BRC) Director Dr Asmaa Al Thani said: “Type 2 diabetes is a preventable disease and health science advocates should try to raise awareness on how to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications. This event aligns with our commitment to the healthcare objectives expressed in the National Health Strategy 2011-2016. It also demonstrates QU’s continuous efforts to raise awareness on important health issues and to improve the overall health of Qatari society.”

CHS Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences Dr Nasser Rizk, who is also leading the event, said: “According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) surveys, one in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed because the disease’s symptoms seem harmless. They include frequent urination, unusual thirst, hunger, and weight loss with frequent and recurrent infections, blurred vision, and tingling and numbness in hands and feet. Therefore, knowing the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes can help with early detection and treatment. Screening for diabetes and its important part of effective management of the disease to ensure optimal health. The complications of diabetes include blindness, kidney disease, and amputations. Additionally, diabetes doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke.”

2^nd-year Biomedical Sciences student Naila Kitaz noted that her participation in such an event has contributed to developing her teamwork and communication skills, and to enhancing her knowledge on diabetes and how to prevent complication. 

Qatar University (QU) Student Affairs Sector organized the second edition of the student leadership conference “Taqadam: Tanmeea, Enjaz, Qiaadah” on November 26-27 under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute and Reach Out To Asia.

The 2-day conference, first-of-its-kind in Qatar, is organized in partnership with Community College of Qatar (CCQ), College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q), and Stenden University Qatar, and sponsored by Qatar Development Bank (QDB). It aimed to discuss, share knowledge, and learn strategies on driving change, developing leadership skills, and solving problems in a local, regional and global context. The event brought together over 350 students from colleges and universities across Qatar and the GCC to network and exchange their knowledge and experiences on leadership development in the region.

Attendees included QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham (pictured left), QU VP for Students Affairs Dr Khalid Al-Khanji, and CCQ Registrar Mr Ihab Iskander in the presence of officials from QU and the partnering institutions, and representatives of the local media. Keynote speakers Qatari Intellectual and Writer Dr Jassim Al-Sultan (pictured right) and QU Consultant H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani respectively presented a holistic view of leadership from content to intellect and on how we can produce leadership for the future, and on leadership experiences, while featured speaker QDB Advisory Services Executive Director and Qatari German Medical Devices Board of Directors Chairman Mr Hamad AlKubaisi gave a presentation on leadership development.

The conference agenda comprised concurrent student sessions on “Teamwork through mobile phone applications”, “How to manage tasks and achievement”, “Your achievement footprint for yourself”, “Leading across cultures”, “Leadership circles”, and “Step forward before graduation”. It also included a plenary session and workshop entitled “Student Government Round Table” open to student government members to share common issues, goals and concerns. The session was facilitated by QU Student Representative Board (QUSRB) members.

Also included on the agenda were two professional workshops respectively delivered by Wertaqi Youth Center-Bahrain Founder and Consultant and Aspire Leadership Development Program Director Mr Salah Al Yafei and Qatari Businessman, Author and Leadership Education Coach Mr Mohammed Aljufairy, and “Young Leaders Spotlight” sessions in which successful young Qatari leaders shared their experiences and advice. This was followed by a tour of Doha as well as a site visit to Souq Waqif.

Commenting on the conference, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “I am proud of QU students’ spirit of responsibility and community engagement, which makes them contribute to building the future of Qatar and to realizing the country’s national vision. Some people consider that leadership skills are innate, while others consider that they are acquired through education, but we all agree that these skills require a fertile environment to grow, otherwise they will be lost, except in rare cases. This event is an important opportunity to highlight the fundamentals, tools and concepts of leadership. It also contributes to enhance and heighten the students’ leadership skills, in line with our commitment to support our students’ talents and to provide them with opportunities to express themselves with transparency. I wish you all success with this conference.”

Dr Khalid Al-Khanji said: “The Taqadam conference provides a unique platform for students to meet with their peers and to share their views on various topics related to leadership. This underlines QU’s commitment to provide its students with invaluable opportunities that contribute to heightening their skills and to fostering their experiences to become the next generation of professionals and leaders who can drive the country’s growth in line with the Human Development Strategy.” CNA-Q President Dr Ken MacLeod said: “The Taqadam Conference is an example of a great inter-collegial initiative designed to build leadership capacity in Qatar’s youth. CNA-Q is proud to be a partner of this event for the second year, and send a delegation of our students to the conference. Congratulations to the organizers on a successful event, and particularly to the students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to developing their skill set to become the future leaders of this country.”

CCQ president Dr Ibrahim Al Naimi: “The Taqadam conference will give our young people the opportunity to learn more about transformational leadership, not only in theoretical terms, but also in terms of practical application. The most important contribution students leaders can make is not just to the here and now, but to the long-term development of their respective institutions and communities, so that they can adapt, change, grow and prosper.” Stenden University Qatar Executive Dean Dr Ivan Ninov said: “The Taqadam Conference will act as a forum for strengthening the partnership between academic institutions in the State of Qatar and expanding the horizons of faculty and students through providing them with a unique platform to showcase their leadership potential.”

Qatar University (QU) yesterday held a ceremony to launch a Minor in French Language and to receive a donation of around 100 French books, DVDs and magazines from the French Embassy in Qatar.

The event was attended by QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham, Ambassador of France to Qatar H.E. Dr Eric Chevallier and QU VP for Academic Affairs Dr Mazen Hasna, in the presence of QU and embassy officials and representatives of the French Institute, Lycée franco-qatarien Voltaire and Lycée Bonaparte, as well as QU faculty, students and staff.

The Minor in French Language was created by QU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Department of English Literature and Linguistics with the aim to give QU students access to another foreign language and culture besides English. The Minor program comprises 24 credit-hours and targets students who are beginners or low intermediates in French. It is currently offered only to female students. The number of applicants for the first year is 38, the majority of which are Qataris. Graduates from this program will reach a level of competency that is functional enough to travel to French speaking countries and exchange with Francophones. They will also stand in a good position to pursue their studies abroad in French speaking institutions or to work in a professional setting where French may be required. Basic French is the first course and main entry-point for this program. It became available for the first time in Fall 2016 and it is currently attended by 22 highly motivated students. 

The event’s program featured an overview on the Minor in French Language by QU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Associate Professor of French Language Dr Paula Bouffard, an overview on the donated books by QU Library (QUL) Director Dr Imad Bashir, and a presentation by QU French Club President Ms Maytha Mohmmed Al-Mansoori on the Club. In his remarks, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “Universities all over the world are not only committed to providing academic learning and research. They play a pivotal role in building bridges of communication and dialogue between the East and the West, and in disseminating knowledge and ethics in their communities. The new Minor in French Language will contribute to uplift our students’ culture and to advance their knowledge.”

He added: “The Islamic and Arabic culture, and the western culture in general and the French one in particular have in common many moral values. They also have many points of difference that should make the world stronger and united. Initiatives like this one will contribute to strengthening the spirit of dialogue between the East and the West. In this regard, I would like to thank everyone who contributed in the establishment of this program. I would also like to thank H.E. Dr Eric Chevallier for his continuous support to Qatar University, and the French Embassy for its book donation, which will enrich QU Library’s database.”

H.E. Dr Eric Chevallier said: “Today is also an opportunity to celebrate our partnerships in higher education and to congratulate President Dr Hassan Al-Derham and Qatar University as a whole for its spectacular progression in international university ranking, Qatar University being now in the top 600 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016/17. This ranking acknowledges your excellence in teaching, in research, the diversity of faculties and of students, and last but not least, the partnerships with industrials.”

He added: “I personally want to tell you my hope to see the French Minor offered to every student of the university, male and female, and especially for those who began French at school. I would like to emphasize again the need for discovering other cultures and learning other languages, for your studies and your future, for your country and our world. In conclusion, I’d like to say that, I am glad, on behalf on the French Embassy, to participate to the development of the International Corner of the University Library, with this donation of books, DVDs and magazines in French.”

Dr Imad Bashir said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you to this event. Almost one hundred (100) French items including books, magazines and DVDs will be added to the “International Corner” Space in the Library. These items cover subjects mainly in History, education, tourism and literature. Certainly, this number of valuable donated books will not be the last, and the Library is appreciative to the government of France and to his Excellency the Ambassador of France and the Embassy’s team for their attention and interest in the Library and in QU.”

He added: “Your donation today, like the donations before, definitely increases the Library’s collection and supports the library community in enhancing their information and in enriching their knowledge. Also, it contributes to our vision of making QU Library a leading university library in the region.”

ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar University (QU) recently held a luncheon to mark the fifth anniversary of the annual Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. The academy is a joint collaboration between ExxonMobil Qatar, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and QU’s National Center for Education Development, and it took place this year from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.

A number of senior representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, QU, Teach For Qatar (TFQ) and INJAZ Qatar attended the luncheon. Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar, welcomed the luncheon attendees and spoke to them about the academy, its purpose and its accomplishments.

“It is an honor to stand before you today to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy,” said Routledge. “This is an opportunity for us to commend the hard work of everyone who has been involved with this initiative over the past few years. It is through your dedication that the academy has become the model of success that it is today. I am particularly grateful for the support of our partners the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Qatar University. Together, we’ve made remarkable progress in our journey to energize education in Qatar, impacting 165 teachers, 150 schools and, most importantly, 7,000 students who will go on to contribute to Qatar’s knowledge-based economy. Moving forward, our challenge is to continue to find synergies across the education sector and to build on our successes, so that we may create the brightest future possible for Qatar’s children.”

The Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is a week-long intensive professional development program led by a group of education experts from Doha and the U.S. The program is designed to help teachers from Qatar’s independent schools build on their expertise, enhance their understanding of math and science content, and acquire interactive teaching tools that will ignite their students’ passion for math and science. Workshops for alumni are also held at intervals, giving teachers an opportunity to share ideas, success stories and classroom challenges, as well as provide feedback on the academy.

Qatar University’s President Dr. Hassan Al Derham said: “The Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy contributes to advancing the students’ interest in various sciences, especially in mathematics and applicable sciences. It also provides students with the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of competent teachers in the areas of sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our collaboration with ExxonMobil and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education aligns with Qatar University’s vision to enhance knowledge and build a generation that serves the various sectors of the country in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Dr Al Derham added: “Qatar University is committed to building national capacities to contribute to the labor market, and to highlight the role of teachers as the key drivers of the society’s development and growth.” Since the launch of the program, the U.S. and QU education experts have worked closely together to ensure its continued development, while sharing knowledge and best practices from their respective areas. The collaboration begins with a workshop held every summer, where the academy’s activities are planned in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s requirements. This synergy has allowed the academy to evolve with novel content and tailor-made approaches.

Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Hamdan Abu-Tineh, Director, National Center for Educational Development, and a key player in establishing the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, was presented an award at the event for his leadership and ongoing efforts over the past five years. “I am privileged to have several notable accomplishments in my career, and the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is high on this list. I have seen the academy grow from an idea to a dream and now a wonderful annual program that has helped hundreds of students and teachers in Qatar. I am honored for this opportunity, and will always be grateful to ExxonMobil Qatar for providing the support and means to make this idea a reality, and also to my colleagues at Qatar University’s National Center for Education Development for their teamwork,” said Dr. Abu Tineh.

Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman H Y Al-Emadi, Dean of College of Education Office, had the following to say about the academy, “I am thrilled at how far the Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy has come over the past five years. We have worked hard to create a change in the way that many teachers go about their work, while building on their existing skills and passion for teaching math and science. These teachers now think in new ways that will offer powerful possibilities for their students and support them to lead more fruitful lives individually and as members of Qatar’s communities.”

“We are extremely proud to be part of these significant changes that are taking place within Qatar’s schools. Thanks to the support of our partners the Ministry of Education and ExxonMobil Qatar, the future of Qatar’s education system is bright,” added Dr. Al-Emadi. This year, the academy shifted its curriculum from primary school to secondary school, with 40 teachers from grades seven to nine participating in the program, including 10 teachers from Teach For Qatar who attend for the first time. This shift broadened the reach of the academy, allowing for more teachers at different levels in Qatar’s education system to benefit from its instructional teaching practices.

The Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is part of ExxonMobil’s long-term commitment to building a competitive workforce that can sustain Qatar’s future knowledge-based society, a vision put forth by His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s. As part of this commitment, ExxonMobil supports the professional development of highly qualified teachers and programs that stimulate students’ interest in STEM subjects. 

Qatar University (QU) yesterday hosted the second day of the “2016 Qatar France Academia-Industry Forum on Energy and Environment” which is held under the patronage of QU, the French Embassy in Qatar and Qatar Foundation (QF) and under the sponsorship of Total, ENGIE, Alstom and Veolia.

The 2-day forum (December 5-6) aimed to reinforce the contribution of French companies in Qatar to knowledge-based economy and capacity building, and to identify opportunities of collaborations in education between Qatari and French institutions. It brought together academics and scientists from QU, QF, and French universities and companies to discuss many areas of research and development (R&D) in energy and environment such as corrosion and coatings, environment and ecology, environmental monitoring, materials and polymer engineering, sustainable urban development, and catalysis and reaction engineering.

QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham was joined by Ambassador of France to the State of Qatar H.E. Mr Eric Chevallier, QU VP for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed QU College of Arts & Sciences Dean (CAS) Dr Rashid Al-Kuwari, Suez International General Manager Mr Thierry Dezenclos, as well as QU and embassy officials. The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between QU College of Arts & Sciences and Suez International. The agreement was signed by Dr Rashid Al-Kuwari and Mr Thierry Dezenclos.

In the terms of the agreement, CAS Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (DBES) will select one MSc student to work on a research-development project in Qatar involving Suez. The Department will also provide support in performing chemical or microbiological analysis for Suez. The latter institution will host two students from DBES for summer internships, starting next June 2017, will continue to accept short visits of DBES students in the facilities where it performs its activities in Qatar, and will study the possibility of sponsoring student awards. Both institutions will also co-organize each year a workshop on a topic which will be subject of discussion.

The program agenda included a plenary session on “International exchanges and R&D collaborations” chaired by H.E. Mr Eric Chevallier. Presentations were delivered by Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed, ENGIE Technology Director Ms Isabelle Moretti, QU Center for Sustainable Development Manager of Algal Technologies Program Mr Hareb Al Jabri, and QDVC Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Administrator Ms Henriette McCool. They presented on “International collaborations in R&D and education”, “How the academia- industry relationship may help to pass from an idea to an industrial asset: the role of pilots”, and “From Algae Technology Project to Algae Technology Program: an example of public/private partnership”.

Also on the program were parallel work sessions, a visit to QU Research Complex’s labs, as well as an exhibition featuring booths by École Polytechnique, University of Lorraine, École des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC), École Nationale Supérieure des Ingénieurs en Arts Chimiques et Technologiques (ENSIACET), University Pau and Adour, École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (ENSAM), SNCF/KEOLIS, and Total. Students and visitors were briefed on the various programs, services and facilities provided by the participating institutions.

In his remarks, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “I would like to welcome you all to the “2016 Qatar France Academia-Industry Forum on Energy and Environment”. It is an honor that Qatar University has been selected to host the second day of the 2016 edition. The forum reflects the Qatari-French bilateral ties which play an important role in promoting cultural and economic relations between the two countries. The theme of the forum – Energy and Environment – is a timely one for dialogue among partners in Qatar, the region, and beyond. This is a global concern at a time when the energy industry is the main cause of many environment issues such as pollution, climate change and global warming.”

He added: “Qatar University continues to deliver on its mission to serve as a bridge between academia and industry by building strong partnerships with institutions from the private and public sectors. These partnerships contribute to advancing science and technology in Qatar through R&D, and to promoting academic excellence through strategic investment in human capital, innovative technology and state-of-the-art facilities. They also serve to bolster QU’s efforts to prepare students for the labor market and a knowledge-based economy, and enhance the organization’s position as a key partner in providing applicable and sustainable solutions that reflect community and industry needs, in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the national research and development strategies.”

H.E. Mr Eric Chevallier said: “The 2016 Qatar France Academia-Industry Forum on Energy and Environment, the first of its kind, is held under the high patronage of Qatar Foundation, Qatar University and the Embassy of France. It brings together during 2 days the best Qatari and French academics and scientists as well as representatives of industry entities, involved in Energy end Environment. Concrete outcomes are expected in terms of collaborations in academia, in training and in research. I am extremely pleased that H.E. Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-chair and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and Dr Hassan Al Derham, President of Qatar University, honored us with their presence.”

He added: “My strong belief is that universities and higher education institutes should be placed at the center of innovation policies and must engage with industry to enrich the innovation potential and improve the learning and teaching environments. Qatar, through its “National Vision 2030” as well as through Qatar University and Qatar Foundation activities, has engaged in sustainable development, relying on groundbreaking research, innovation and cutting-edge technology. In this perspective, the Qatar France Academia-Industry Forum Initiative is aiming at reinforcing academic and industrial French participation to Qatar’s knowledge-based economy and capacity building.”

Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed gave a detailed overview on QU academic and research background. She also highlighted the criteria of QU strategic research enhancement which include: establishing interdisciplinary centers of excellence as QU hallmarks, providing cluster training of internationally recognized researchers/faculty in these centers, strengthening research in QU colleges by boosting programs of colleges actively engaged in research and by promoting research programs in selected themes, and integrating research in colleges, centers and institutes to strategically contribute to the growth of the centers/institutes and to support research and education needs of the students.

Prof Al-Maadeed also stressed the importance of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in many areas such as strengthening the culture of impactful discovery and scholarship at QU, increasing emphasis on applied-research in priority areas, advancing basic research to nurture applied research, boosting partnership with industry and stakeholders, and establishing a streamlined system for technology and knowledge transfer.

Qatar University (QU) hosted the 6^th Annual Meeting of The Middle Eastern Association For Cancer Research (MEACR) on December 3-5.

The 3-day conference is organized by MEACR in collaboration with QU-Health (Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Sciences), Biomedical Research Center (BRC) and National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), and supported by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF). It brought together clinicians and cancer researchers from Qatar, Algeria, Canada, Egypt, France, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, USA, and Yemen. They discussed and shared their research and experiences on a wide range of topics related to human cancers.

The first day’s program featured 4 sessions titled “Cancer Genetics & Circulating Cancer Cells”, “Cancer Genetics & Gene Targets”, “Microbiota/Oncovirus & Cancer”, and “Anticancer Drug Delivery & Treatment”. Presentations focused on a wide range of issues such as “The Impact Of Human Genome Project On Our Lives During The 21^st Century And Beyond”, “Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) As A Prognostic Biomarker For Disease Progression In Breast Cancer”, “Genomic Profiling Of Thyroid Cancer Reveals A Role For Thyroglobulin In Metastasis”, “HPV Infection And Genetic Predisposition In Cervical Cancer In Saudi Arabia”, “Novel Approach To Target Aggressive Cancer Cells Using Non-Toxic Compounds”, and many more.

The second day’s program included 4 sessions on “Cancer Immunology & Molecular Cancer Classification”, “Cancer Epidemiology & Pathogenesis”, “Cancer Therapy I & Cancer Patients’ Education”, and “Cancer Therapy II & Cancer and Obesity”. Discussions focused on numerous topics such as “Immunotherapy Of Cancer: Opportunities, Obstacles And Impact Of Tumor Microenvironment”, “Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy For Cancer Treatment”, “Trends in Colorectal Cancer Survival in Arab World, 1990-2009”, “Monoclonal Antibodies As Carriers For Delivery Of Therapeutic Agents In Cancer: Factors Affecting Antigenic Accessibility”, and “P90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase: A potential Therapeutic Target in Lung Cancer”, among many others.

Also on the program were a meeting for the members of the MEACR Executive Committee and a campus tour in which participants were briefed on QU facilities and services. All the abstracts presented during the conference will be published in the 6^th volume of the Clinical Cancer Investigation Journal (CCIJ) which will be issued in 2017.

In his remarks, QU Vice President for Medical Education and CMED Dean Dr Egon Toft said: “It is a pleasure to welcome you to Qatar University and to the sixth Annual Meeting of the Middle Eastern Association for Cancer Research. I am impressed by the number of papers and diversity of topics; and confident that the coming few days will be enriching, stimulating and hopefully also enjoyable. It has since the inauguration been my interest to see the College of Medicine at Qatar University play a role in driving the momentum of collaboration in the medical field across the region. I think there is a lot to warrant such collaboration and even integration. However, the outlook is currently towards markets with a more established legacy in medical education and research, especially the US and Europe.”

He added: “Many of the countries in the region have very ambitious and promising research and healthcare systems, but they are mostly working in isolation from each other. I view meetings like this one, as opportunities to reduce any such isolation. Within the College of Medicine, we are equally committed to this collaborative approach, from the focus on inter-professional education, to the recent formation of a cluster that bring all medicine and health colleges under one umbrella. In closing, I take the opportunity to thank the Middle Eastern Association for Cancer Research for their leadership in bringing together cancer researchers across the region to build bridges, break barriers and foster scientific progress. Cancer is a focus area in Qatar’s National Health Strategy and a key theme in the College’s research strategy.  I hope our collaboration will continue and that we will be able to make significant contributions for the fight against cancer.”

MEACR Founder and Director, CMED Professor and CCIJ Editor-in-Chief Dr Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa (pictured) said: “This year, we are glad to host the meeting here at Qatar University which has recently joined its colleges of health, pharmacy and medicine under one cluster, and which houses the Biomedical Research Center and collaborates with the National Center for Cancer Care & Research (NCCCR) in Doha. On this occasion, we would like to announce the new partnership agreement between the MEACR and its official scientific journal (Clinical Cancer Investigation Journal: CCIJ) and the Health Cluster of Qatar University particularly with the College of Medicine which will help our association and its journal flourish and grow in the future. Our determination to foster cancer research in the region aligns perfectly with the objectives of Qatar University and with Qatar’s National Health Strategy. We hope to continue to build on this mutual interest and create ever-evolving synergies that will serve both cancer research and patient care in the region and beyond.”

QNRF Officer, Biomedical & Health Pillar Dr Fatemeh Darakhshan-Rassam said: “QNRF is always pleased to be able to support events such as this through its Conference & Workshop Sponsorship Program.”

Qatar Foundation (QF) has held a multi-sectoral forum providing leading Qatari and French institutions with the opportunity to identify areas of common interest in the fields of energy and the environment.

The ‘Qatar France Academia-Industry Initiative 2016’, which brought together representatives from industry, academia, and science and research, was jointly organised by QF, the French Embassy in Qatar, Total EP Qatar, and Qatar University (QU). The opening of the forum was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF; His Excellency Eric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Qatar; and Guillaume Chalmin, Managing Director of Total EP Qatar.

The theme of the forum, which concluded on 6 December, was Energy and Environment, and sought to create timely dialogue among partners in Qatar, the region, and beyond, around global concerns facing the energy industry. Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, Executive Vice President, Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), said: “By bringing together representatives from industry, academia, and science and research, this forum has reflected the essential role of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the most pressing challenges facing societies throughout the world.”

Dr Al Ibrahim continued: “Qatar’s dynamic, ambitious research and development ecosystem, focused on innovation and impact, is encouraging industry and academia to recognise the value of their distinct contributions to the development of solutions that bring economic and social benefit. We hope that this opportunity for Qatari and French institutions identifies areas of common interest in the field of energy and environment – one of Qatar’s Research Grand Challenges; will strengthen collaboration between these sectors and pave the way for new skills, capabilities, and knowledge that will drive Qatar’s research enterprise forward.”

The forum saw the participation of academics from top French higher education institutes with a focus on engineering, as well as representatives of French companies with a presence in Qatar including Total, Engie, Suez, Véolia, Alstom, SNCF, QDVC, EDF - and Qatar-based companies Qatalum, Kahramaa, Muntajat, and QAPCO. Dr Hassan Al Derham, President of QU stated: “The Forum reflects the Qatari-French bilateral ties which play an important role in promoting cultural and economic relations between the two countries. The theme of the forum – energy and environment – is a timely one for dialogue among partners in Qatar, the region, and beyond. This is a global concern at a time when the energy industry is the main cause of many environment issues such as pollution, climate change and global warming.”

Workgroups on education, training, and research and development were organised to identify areas for collaboration between the public and private sectors in Qatar and France, and delivered a series of tangible outcomes and projects. In the field of training and education, more than 30 internships in the participating companies will be offered in 2017 to Qatari students. Ecole Polytechnique, the leading French graduate school for science and technology, laid the first foundations for this initiative by proposing tutoring activities by their students.

Research and development opportunities were identified in technology hotspot areas identified through the 10^th cycle of the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) of Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), part of QF R&D, such as environmental monitoring and the use of new materials for energy storage and water treatment.

According to H.E. Mr Chevallier: “The Qatar France Academia-Industry Forum Initiative aims to reinforce academic and industrial French participation to Qatar’s knowledge-based economy and capacity building within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030, which has engaged the country in sustainable development, relying on groundbreaking research, innovation and cutting-edge technology. In this context, we expected very concrete outcomes from this forum, and I am happy the results went beyond our expectations.”

Total’s Mr Chalmin said: “We are honored to have been a part of the Qatari-French Academia & Industry Initiative 2016, which was a platform for fruitful discussion in energy and environment matters. We would like to thank Qatar Foundation and Qatar University, under whose patronage this event took place, and Institut Francais du Qatar, Engie, Veolia, and Alstom for being co-sponsors of the event. Our collaboration not only entails us to help create a dynamic global community where educators and industry stakeholders can work openly to identify common projects, and develop the energy sector, it also enables us to support the building of a knowledge-based economy in Qatar through supporting innovation and sustainable initiatives.”

French engineering schools and universities will develop joint projects with Qatari counterparts at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), a research institute of QF member Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), QF partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), and QU. These projects will include French and Qatari companies as partners and will be submitted to the 10^th cycle of NPRP and its subsequent cycles. The partnership approach between French industry and Qatari academia was also reinforced during the Forum though the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Suez and QU’s College of Arts and Sciences to develop internships and training. Meanwhile, the event concluded that the outcomes of scientific gatherings should extend into projects involving stakeholders in the public and private sectors, as well as government ministries, in fields including energy efficiency. 

The Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) at Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) recently organized the first international conference on “Sustainable Development: Achieving Food Security in Arid Environments”.

The event aimed to raise community awareness on the importance of investing in the area of food security in the State of Qatar. It brought together experts from all disciplines in the field of food security to showcase their research outcomes, share their experiences, and provide sustainable solutions to overcome the challenges that are facing food and water security in the region.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by QU Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed, Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Environment Undersecretary Assistant for Agriculture Affairs, Livestock and Fisheries Resources Sheikh Dr Faleh Bin Naser Al Thani, CAS associate deans for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Hala Sultan Al-Essa and for Academic Affairs Dr Hassan Abdel Aziz, and CSD Director Dr Hamad Al-Saad Al-Kuwari, as well as QU faculty and staff. The event’s program featured numerous sessions on “Development of integrated system for sustainable food security”, “Economics, Culture and Politics of Food”, “Challenges of existing food production practices”, and “Innovative technologies for food security”.

It also included presentations delivered by speakers from QU colleges of Health Sciences and of Business and Economics, Center for Sustainable Development, and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, and from George Mason University. They discussed a wide range of topics such as “Biochars from organic materials in municipal solid waste streams for soil fertility and environmental sustainability”, “Life cycle analysis for an integrated seawater aquaculture/agriculture project for food and bioenergy production in the Arabian Gulf”, “Food Safety Culture in Qatar”, “High dependence on food imports from an unstable world: implications and solutions for food security in Qatar”, and “Do Extremely Volatile Food Prices in Qatar and Other Gulf Nations Contribute to Endemic Health Issues?”.

In her remarks, Prof Mariam Al-Maadeed said: “This initiative comes in line with Qatar’s ongoing efforts to overcome the barriers that are facing the achievement of sustainable food security. It also aims to provide efficient solutions to tackle the challenges of desertification, and land degradation and drought, and their negative impact on food security and agricultural development in Qatar.”

She added: “We, at Qatar University, are always seeking to support and promote research in several fields, including the field of food security. It is one of the priority areas within the institution’s research roadmap 2014-2019. The university’s strategy for research and development focuses on the creation of specialized programs in food security and the establishment of an infrastructure to support applied and cognitive research. This will contribute to provide sustainable solutions for issues related to food security challenges in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Sheikh Dr Faleh Bin Naser Al Thani said: “This conference comes to shed light on how to achieve food security in arid environments, and underlines the significant role of the agricultural sector in reducing the negative effects of arid environments and climate change. It also aims to drive forward the process of sustainable development for the welfare of the community. There are several aspects to take into consideration in food and agriculture in order to achieve food security. They include sustainable agriculture, livestock management, maintaining fisheries, reducing food waste, and preserving natural resources.”

Dr Hamad Al-Saad Al-Kuwari said: “The Centre for Sustainable Development was established to search for and develop new ways to cope with the emerging changes in the Qatari environment in light of the fast-growing development in all sectors of the society. This is achieved by conducting studies and research related to food and water security, and by maintaining the fungal biotechnology life.”