DOHA: To facilitate joint research initiatives, Qatar University (QU) and Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre (QCRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding.
QU students will conduct research at the centre’s facilities under the supervision of its researchers and QCRC researchers may engage in sponsored research on the QU campus.
Colloborative ventures will be in the area of cardiovascular health, mobility of faculty, scholars and students and staff professional development.
The agreement was signed by QU Vice-President for Research, Dr Hassan Al Derham, and QCRC Executive Director, Prof Magdi Yacoub, in the presence of QU President, Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad.
It will also facilitate the sharing or creation of educational materials and resources, contractual services and student sponsorship and enhance access to research facilities.
Dr Al Derham said collaboration with QCRC marked a threshold in efforts to prioritise issues related to cardiovascular health in the research agenda of QU as expressed in the goals of the newly-established Biomedical Research Centre (QUBRC).
“This will also enhance QU’s capacity to produce graduates who will be equipped to tackle emerging health challenges,” he added.
Prof Yacoub said,“In the last two years we have been impressed by the quality of some of the young scientists joining QCRC from QU.
“Over this time we have also begun collaborations on some aspects of research, and have started a Master’s course as part of an expanding QU graduate programme.”
QUBRC Director, Dr Asmaa Al Thani, said the partnership would give the centre the momentum to achieve its objective of becoming a model of excellence in interdisciplinary biomedical research that advances knowledge and improves health in Qatar and beyond through the establishment of platform technology and core facilities.
“It consolidates and further empowers our vision to leverage on QU’s internal human and infrastructure resources and the increasing network of organisations in Qatar with interest in biomedical research such as QCRC, Hamad Medical Corporation, Weill Cornell Medical College, Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, and the Supreme Council of Health,” she added.
The Peninsula
