DOHA: Some upcoming homegrown researchers were honoured for their outstanding performances in the presence of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser during Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference (ARC 14) yesterday.
The opening plenary discussion recognised 33 graduates of Qatar Science Leadership Programme (QSLP) in scientific, research and management areas.
They were graduates from Research Undergraduate Track that encourages ambitious young undergraduates to pursue higher education in scientific research.
The track allows trainees to gain hands-on experience of critical areas relating to research management.
In Research Postdoctoral Track, candidates are trained to champion an area of scientific investigation of strategic importance to the needs of Qatar and region.
Abeer Salman Al Hammadi, a QSLP graduate in research management, told this daily, “We were given two years’ on-the-job training in aspects of research like management, finance and promotion. The programme has given me experience that has provided me with a significant foundation for a career in research.
“QSLP is a big step in developing local talents towards excellence.”
Initially a biotechnology graduate, she is working as IP Commercialisation Manager, Research and Development, Qatar Foundation (QF).
Although QSLP takes in mostly Qataris, it also facilitates exceptionally talented young non-Qataris such as Ana I Al Bastami, now a PhD student at MIT.
The Syrian has obtained bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University - Qatar and was selected under the undergraduate track by QSLP.
“QSLP gave me exposure and opportunities, even at the conference an institution approached me and has fixed a meeting to discuss about their openings,” he said.
ARC 14 ‘Towards World-Class Research and Innovation’ is examining research priorities aligned to Qatar National Research Strategy, including water, energy and cyber Security and integrated healthcare during two days at Qatar National Convention Centre.
“In the past five years our business model has focused on building local infrastructure.
“We are aware that this is not something that can be achieved in the short term, but is rather a long-term investment – managing expectations around this is essential.
“As we move forward, a successful research model will depend on building bridges between industry and research,” Faisal Alsuwaidi, President, QF Research and Development, said about the future of Qatar’s research agenda during the plenary discussion.
Dr Steven Chu, a former US secretary of energy and Nobel Prize-winning physicist; Dr Hiroaki Kitano, President and CEO, Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Japan, and President, Systems Biology Institute of Japan;, and Dr David J Galas, Principal Scientist, Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, US, were among the panellists.
QF R&D has been active in promoting QF’s vision of cultivating life-long learning and interest in science and research in Qatar, with ARC, organised by QF R&D, being its flagship event.
The Peninsula
