QNRF AND TAMUQ LAUNCH STEM HUB

Collaboration between QF member and partner university provides a state-of-the-art learning laboratory for STEM education

Doha, Qatar, January 29, 2019: Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), in collaboration with Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), today launched the STEM Hub, a facility that aims to promote creative applications of engineering and science. 

The opening ceremony, held at TAMUQ – a QF partner university – was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education; H.E. Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, President, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA); Mrs. Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, President, Pre-University Education, QF; Dr. Richard O'Kennedy, Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation, QF; and Mr. Omar Ali Al Ansari,  Secretary General, Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council; as well as members of the research and academic community in Qatar. 

The collaboration is seeing QNRF, a member of QF, and TAMUQ combine their resources and insights to advance the development of initiatives and academic enrichment programs that drive interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines among schoolchildren in Qatar. 

The STEM Hub has been developed to instill and develop STEM skills as a national priority. As one of the first education programs of its kind to advance STEM education for students of all ages in Qatar, its aim is to equip the next generation of researchers, scientists, and engineers with the tools to address Qatar’s Research Grand Challenges, which include water security, energy security, cyber security, and healthcare.

Featuring cutting-edge technology and specialized learning modules, the laboratory is designed to help students learn STEM skills in a creative way, and offers unique professional development opportunities for teachers. It is also a platform for K-12 students to build and exchange scientific ideas, and learn about the funding opportunities offered by QNRF throughout their education, and into the early stages of their careers. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, Executive Director, QNRF, said: "The future success of Qatar lies in the hands of our education system and especially the students emerging with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. A strong STEM foundation will create the next generation of critical thinkers and innovators who can sustain our economy.

"Along with being an excellent resource for students, the STEM Hub will also provide unique professional development opportunities for teachers, who certainly have a paramount role in the success of this initiative. I am confident that STEM Hub will nurture leaders and scientists that will help Qatar reach its goals and tackle the pressing issues our world is facing."

Dr. César O. Malavé, Dean, TAMUQ, said: “As engineering educators, we feel privileged to help young people understand how they can be part of the exciting engineering and science advances that impact the world around us.

“Our STEM programs aim to light that spark of discovery in Qatar’s schoolchildren, and the STEM Hub is essential for that goal. We are grateful to Qatar National Research Fund for its vision and partnership in joining us in this effort, and for its support and collaboration in this and other important initiatives in Qatar.” 

Students will receive special mentoring from researchers and faculty members, designed to provide a hands-on-learning experience and strengthen inventive and innovative thinking skills. The STEM Hub’s resources are supplemented by central laboratories and workshops at TAMUQ, which house an array of advanced scientific research equipment.

At the opening ceremony, students from schools in Qatar displayed prototypes of their engineering design projects to guests. 

ENDS

Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)

Driven by the aim of fostering a culture of research in Qatar, QNRF was established in 2006 to advance knowledge and education by acting as a support system for researchers. 

QNRF, a member of Qatar Foundation, administers funding for original, competitively selected research and furthers collaborations within academia, the public, private, governmental and non-governmental sectors through effective, mutually beneficial partnerships. While QNRF actively seeks internationally-recognized researchers, it is dedicated to funding research that meets the needs of Qatar. For more information, please visit www.qnrf.org 

About Texas A&M University at Qatar

Since 2003, Texas A&M University has offered undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering in Qatar Foundation’s Education City, and graduate degrees in chemical engineering since fall 2011. Texas A&M at Qatar has awarded more than 950 degrees. All four undergraduate engineering degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Faculty from around the world are attracted to Texas A&M at Qatar to educate the next generation of engineering leaders in Qatar and to conduct research valued at more than $249.2 million that address issues important to the State of Qatar. Visit www.qatar.tamu.edu.

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa 

For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@qf.org.qa