QNRF and Turkish agency select two research projects on cyber security

Two research proposals on cyber security were awarded yesterday as part of a joint initiative between the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) and Turkey’s leading research agency. 

It was announced during the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference 18 (ARC 18), being held at the Qatar National Convention Centre. 

The projects were awarded as result of the initiative ‘Academia-Industry Co-operation on Cyber Security’ by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK). 

The winning projects have been selected among 13 joint proposals submitted by Qatari and Turkish entities, said Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director, QNRF, addressing a press conference held on the sidelines of the ARC 18.

Proposals on ‘In-depth cyber intelligence platform to defend against emerging cyber attacks’ by the Hamad bin Khalifa University, Ministry of Interior, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy together with Turkish academic and industry entities as well as ‘Cyber security of smart distribution grid infrastructure within the state level auditing’ by the Qatar University, Kahramaa - Qatar General Electricity and  Water Corporation in collaboration with Turkish partners will be funded for research and implementation. 

“By this we are not just funding research projects for the academia but addressing a pressing issue related to stake holders,” said  Dr Al Taie.

‘Academia-Industry Co-operation on Cyber Security’, was launched in October 2017.   The programme follows a December 2015 bilateral agreement between QNRF and TUBITAK to collaborate on projects of mutual interest. 

The joint project looks to intensify cooperation between Turkish and Qatari participants in science and industry by means of academia and industry co-operation. The funding aims to enable foundations to be laid for a lasting R&D innovation partnership. 

“This is an example of the collaboration between Qatar and Turkey. The subject of cyber security is very critical to both countries, and we anticipate that in future will cover a broader range of topics related to areas of health and aviation,” said Dr Orkun Hasekioglu, vice president, TUBITAK.

“Further, this joint research initiative is the first of series of activities. We also expect have student and academia exchange programs between the two countries as well as setting up research institutes with experts from both countries. These proposals are open to discussion,” he added. To mention, TUBITAK has a office open within the Education City to facilitate the joint activities with QNRF.