Qatar University (QU) held its 2016 Annual Research Forum (QUARF ‘16) on May 3 under the patronage of HE the Minister of Development Planning and Statistics Dr Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit.
Themed "Academia and Industry Collaboration: Pathway to Innovation and Entrepreneurship", this year's event was an opportunity to showcase new research projects, demonstrate new tools, and report on the implementation of new programs and collaborative activities that brought together a large number of participants from local institutions. It also drew students across QU to meet and discuss with researchers and experts and share their knowledge and ideas on various research topics.
The program agenda included 3 sessions related to establishing a vibrant partnership for ‘Fostering research - driven learning, discovery and entrepreneurship; Nurturing and cultivating collaboration for innovation and capacity building; Hallmarks of QU, Industry Collaboration - current and future.
Qatalum participated in Session III represented by Jamal Al-Suwaidi, acting Chief Administration Officer. Jamal spoke on highlighting successful stories of collaboration between QU and the industry and discussed collaborative mechanisms and ways to improve them for better future mutual work.
Chief Administration Manager, Jamal Al-Suwaidi addressing the panel
The panellists were given 3-5 minutes for an opening statement followed by a panel discussion. ‘Collaboration’ was the key to the discussion highlighting the outcome and benefits to QU and the country whereby Mr Suwaidi introduced Qatalum’s alignment, as a diversified industry, with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and all the joint academic projects Qatalum continues to perform.
Included was an exhibition featuring 7 booths by QU colleges and research centres to provide visitors with information on their latest research outcomes and their ongoing research projects. Also on the program's agenda was a distribution of awards for the winners in the category of Best Poster Award, Research Excellence Award and Graduate Studies Award.
QU Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Professor Mariam Al-Maadeed said: "Our aim is to be a noted research and learning university and in this context, we have been recording breakthroughs in our research endeavours every year with the active collaboration and support of our industry partners. The success stories will be showcased at the forum."
Chief Administration Manager, Mr. Jamal Al-Suwaidi said,” The event is an excellent occasion to share successful experiences and discuss challenges.”
