March 12, 2008

A meeting of minds - Qatar National Research Fund presents awards to 47 researchers

A significant contribution to Qatar’s national research vision was reached today when Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a Qatar Foundation center, signed agreements with representative institutions for the implementation of grants under the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP).

Ten institutions have been awarded a total of $25 million (over 3 years) for 47 winning proposals. The ceremony took place at the Ritz Carlton, Doha.

The awards represent a milestone in QNRF’s hugely successful first 18 months of existence. The NPRP is the flagship program of Qatar National Research Fund and seeks to build human capital in Qatar; fund research to Qatar and the region; and raise Qatar’s profile in the international research community. It is hoped that the research will result in the creation of intellectual property rights and the commercialization of research.

The awards are a first for Qatar and back up Qatar’s commitment to research (first demonstrated by the announcement that 2.8% of GDP would be allocated to research).

Dr Amer Al Saady, Research Advisor to Qatar Foundation, in his opening address to the award winners said:

“Qatar is blessed not only with abundant natural resources but also an enlightened leadership who have recognized the need to diversify the economy and are actively facilitating this process of change. They aim to build an economy, and indeed a society, based on knowledge and innovation.”

Dr Abdul Sattar-Al Taie, Director of QNRF, gave an animated demonstration of the rigorous process that culminated in the 47 awards, and said:

“The interest in NPRP was beyond our highest expectation which is testament to the growing research culture in Qatar. This meant a tremendous effort by the QNRF team to get the required peer reviewers in place in order to ensure transparency and independent assessment, but they did it. The caliber and range of proposals was extraordinary and we look forward to the results and outcomes of the 47 proposals”

The evening culminated Dr Mohammed Fathy Saoud, Qatar Foundation President presenting each of the principal investigators with a crystal.

The total number of proposals submitted was 206. Following pre-screening, 175 proposals were independently peer reviewed by between 6- 3 peer reviewers and a total of 47 proposals were then awarded. The awards covered all disciplines from Engineering to healthcare, information technology, social sciences and humanities.

To further ensure complete independence the peer reviewers had no affiliation or connection to the institutions whose proposals they reviewed. QNRF were particularly keen to ensure the utmost integrity and transparency throughout the submission   and the review processes to ensure the highest standard was set.

QNRF is planning to launch the next cycle of the NPRP in the second half of 2008.

ID : 100
Published:  03/12/2008