Doha: Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a centre of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), has awarded 13 grants to PhD scientists in the country conducting research in social sciences, engineering and technology and natural sciences.
QNRF said the awarded candidates for the first cycle of Postdoctoral Research Award (PDRA) are from Qatar University, Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI).
One of the awarded proposals from TAMUQ will investigate an efficient way of converting carbon dioxide into methanol to reduce emissions and develop low-cost, efficient and sustainable alternative energy resources.
A proposal from Qatar University will seek to develop inexpensive, high-performance electric generators by converting heat energy from the sun into electrical energy.
Another innovative proposal from QEERI will utilise methods to develop graphene, a strong, pure carbon known to conduct heat and electricity with great efficiency.
The goal of the research is to control the surface wettability of graphene to improve electrochemical energy storage.
QNRF programmes engage researchers with different levels of experience, from students to top-tier scientists.
PDRA is one of QNRF’s new funding programmes to attract the best PhD graduates from around the world to pursue research careers in institutions in Qatar.
PDRA funds researchers in Qatar who have earned their PhDs in no more than five years prior to the proposal submission.
The submitted proposals undergo two rounds of review — a scientific merit review and a programmatic review.
The programme provides successful applicants with up to two years of financial support, which can be extended for another year.
QNRF’s Executive Director, Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, said: “Our goal with this programme is to attract top-notch post-doctoral scholars to work within research groups in Qatar in areas considered national priorities as outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy.
“We are confident that, by supporting their efforts, we will contribute to helping Qatar develop into a hub of research excellence and ensuring Qatar’s competitiveness in the global economy.”
On benefits of this year’s awarded PDRA proposals, Dr Abdulnasser Al Ansari, Deputy Executive Director, QNRF, said: “I am impressed with the high quality of research proposals submitted.
“The proposals look into finding solutions to pressing environmental issues in Qatar and creating innovative technology that will raise Qatar’s profile in global research.
“Through this programme, we are not only creating research opportunities but also highlighting the potential of early-career investigators.”
For details about QNRF’s Postdoctoral Research Award and QNRF’s other funding programmes, visit: www.qnrf.org
The Peninsula
