QNRF’s virtual event brings together over 50 Qatari researchers
Under the capacity building programs of the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a member of Qatar Foundation, postgraduate students have been brought together at the annual Qatar Research Leadership Program event.
The program, which will be held virtually, will feature provide a deeper understanding of the ongoing developments within Qatar’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem to over 50 sponsored students.
It will also act as a platform where students can discuss their academic and research progress with QNRF experts.
Students from leading international universities such as Imperial College London, Stanford University, Oxford University, McGill University, and Qatar University have gathered at the event.
They were also given the opportunity to interact with QNRF-funded lead principal investigators from various institutions in Qatar to establish a network and explore future career options.
The opening ceremony featured Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, Executive Director of QNRF, emphasizing the importance of building high-caliber human capital in Qatar and provided an overview of QNRF’s role in making this happen.
“Over time, we have expanded our portfolio of capacity building programs to ensure a full cycle of support and guidance at all levels from K-12 to postdoctoral fellows,” he said.
“Through our various programs, besides providing funding for more than 3,000 key investigators, we have enabled a vibrant mix of more than 10,000 K-12 school students, 4,000 undergraduate students, 800 graduate students, and 1,200 postdoctoral fellows to flourish. Similarly, more than 3,000 research associates, research assistants, and laboratory technicians have built their skills through our programs.”
According to Omar Ali Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QDRI) Council, there is a need for the nation to invest in RDI and create more job opportunities.
He explained that this can lead to the creation of impactful and high-skilled jobs, and also equip the population with the necessary tools and skills to combat unique challenges the state of Qatar will face.
Dr. Aisha Al-Obaidly, QNRF’s Capacity Building Director, outlined the history and importance of the QRLP, and the support provided by QNRF for the students, saying, “The aim of this program is to produce researchers and scientists who can contribute and add value to Qatar’s research ecosystem in the near future.
“We really hope that all our students graduate successfully with top grades and all of us at QNRF are keen on maintaining our support to help you excel in your studies.”
The session also featured presentations from QNRF experts who updated students about current research priority areas, with a workshop being conducted to improve the students’ understanding of Intellectual Property rights. After the virtual meeting, the students presented their ongoing research to receive feedback and held individual meetings with QNRF’s Capacity Building team to discuss their academic and career plans.
Over the years, QRLP has built a strong alumni network featuring 129 graduates who are working in leading governmental and private institutions in Qatar. Graduates of this program include engineers, scientists, information technology experts, development specialists, strategists, and researchers and academic faculty.
To learn more and apply for QNRF’s capacity building programs, visit www.qnrf.org.
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