Capacity Building – Key to a Sustainable and Prosperous Future

Learn more about QNRF’s inaugural program - UREP, and other capacity building initiatives

When QNRF was established in 2006 by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), one of the first tasks it embarked on was to create a program to help nurture a research culture in Qatar, one that could identify and unlock the potential of budding future scientists and researchers. As a result, the first program offered by QNRF was the Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP).

More than a decade later, the UREP has funded more than 900 ambitious research projects and helped around 4,000 undergraduate students develop their research skills by working under seasoned experts on projects ranging from material science and engineering to social sciences, arts and humanities. Earlier this month, QNRF announced the results for the 27^th cycle of UREP and awarded a total of 38 projects after a rigorous and competitive evaluation process.

The UREP is designed for talented students interested in pursuing a career in research and science to gain hands-on experience in the advanced labs and facilities housed in the academic and research institutions in Qatar. Similarly, UREP also offers undergraduate students the opportunity to receive guided help and mentorship from a Primary Research Mentors (PRM) who help these student researchers at different phases of their research projects and also contribute to their holistic development as future researchers and scientists.

Every year, QNRF organizes the UREP competition to recognize the most successful projects. This year, the UREP competition recognized three exceptional projects dealing with an autism spectrum disorder, the effect of nanoparticles on alternative fuel sprays, and human circulatory system simulation. Commenting on the impact of the UREP Competition, Dr. Aisha Al-Obaidly, Director of Capacity Building at QNRF, said: “This event not only celebrate and motivate the winning researchers but also helps spread awareness about the program and QNRF to the general public and motivates prospective college students to apply for future cycles.”

Moreover, according to Dr. Al-Obaidly, students do not have to wait to start their undergraduate studies to benefit from QNRF programs. She added: “In the 14 years since its inception, QNRF has developed a comprehensive portfolio of capacity building programs which caters for all levels from K12 to postdoctoral and early career levels. Due to successful initiatives like the National Scientific Research Week (NSRW) and the High School Research Experience Program (HSREP), incoming freshmen already have some sense of conducting high-quality research and a clearer focus on their future career goals and inspirations.”

To help them achieve these goals and turn their research ideas into reality, QNRF offers support to students after their undergraduate studies to pursue further education and experience at leading universities, research institutions, and scientific laboratories worldwide. Under the banner of the Qatar Research Leadership Program, QNRF offers exceptional students an opportunity to pursue their postgraduate education and research ideas through the Graduate Research Sponsorship Award (GSRA). Since its launch, 163 students have benefitted from this program and contributed to the development of Qatar and its people. Earlier this month,

In turn, the Postdoctoral Research Award (PDRA) and Early Career Researcher Award (ECRA) provide graduates the opportunity to pursue further research opportunities after their postgraduate degrees, and helps ensure that the future science, academic, and research leadership of Qatar is in safe and capable hands.