Need of homegrown science and research talent highlighted

The importance of homegrown scientists who are capable of steering the continuous development of Qatar’s research agenda was highlighted yesterday during the Annual Gathering of Qatar Research Leadership Program (QRLP). 

The Annual Gathering brings together Qatari graduate students who, through QRLP, are receiving high-quality training and hands-on research experience at prestigious universities and research institutions around the world, with the aim of equipping them to be part of Qatar’s next generation of science and research leaders.

The opening ceremony of the three day event included a poster presentations of the research projects undertaken by QRLP participants as well as presentations by several experts from the research community, at the Qatar national Convention Centre. 

QRLP is a key element of Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), of Qatar Foundation Research and Development. It is dedicated to producing homegrown scientists who are capable of steering the continuous development and sustainability of Qatar’s research agenda and adding to the nation’s pool of science and research talent.

During the opening session Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director, QNRF said that through its various tracks, QRLP – a unique program operates in collaboration with prestigious universities and renowned research institutions, in Qatar and around the world - supports candidates from graduate level, through postdoctoral experience, to their early careers. Through providing them with high-quality training and hands-on research experience, QRLP enables them to become highly-skilled independent scientists who can take leading roles in the development of Qatar’s economic and scientific footprint. 

“To date QRLP has supported more than 200 members who have gone all to peruse their postgraduate studies, covering the countries co- research disciplines including energy, environment, bio medicine, information technology and computing and social sciences, arts and humanity. In deed we are relying on those talents who will become scientists of the future to address Qatar’s grand challenges in research and contribute achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and support in transforming the country’s economy from carbon based to sustainable and diversified economy,” said Dr Al Taie. 

Also senior academics at the Qatar University (QU), Hamad bin Khalifa University, Sidra Medicine presented about the research strengths of their entities. 

Ayman Irbed, who presented a key note speech behalf of Professor Mariam Al Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, QU said that 625 students are involved in research projects across the 17 research entities of the university. The Annual Gathering of QRLP also gives the participants a chance to tour different research labs and learn about the future opportunities available for them.