QU Humanities and Social Sciences Research grant winners named
Doha
Qatar University (QU) has announced the names of the awardees of the QU Humanities and Social Sciences research (QUHSS) grants for the year 2025 during a scientific gathering organized by the university, attended by a distinguished group of researchers and academics.
This announcement comes as part of the university's commitment to supporting scientific research in areas that directly impact Qatari society and contribute to public policy development and sustainable development. In his speech on the occasion, Dr. Omar Al-Ansari, president of QU, expressed his pleasure at launching this pioneering research program, noting the special importance that QU places on the humanities and social sciences.
He stated, 'I am pleased to welcome you today to this distinguished scientific meeting, where we announce the names of the awardees of the Humanities and Social Sciences Grants for the year 2025, as part of the pioneering initiative launched by QU to support and advance the humanities and social sciences. QU has paid special attention to these sciences, believing that they represent a cornerstone in building a comprehensive knowledge-based society.'
Dr. Al-Ansari further emphasized that these grants reflect the university's orientation toward empowering interdisciplinary research teams, stating, 'Through this program, we aim to enhance academic performance, achieve excellence in research, education, and community service, address societal challenges, nurture talent, build capacities, and actively contribute to shaping effective policies that support decision-makers.'
Dr. Al-Ansari concluded his speech with an open invitation to all researchers: 'I invite everyone to seize this opportunity to produce high-quality, impactful research outputs and to actively participate in the Annual Humanities and Social Sciences Forum and all related activities.'
This year's winning projects included distinguished studies on critical topics such as integrating national identity into educational curricula, empowering Qatari women in both public and private sectors, preserving national cultural heritage, enhancing financial literacy among youth, and the role of the family in social stability.
This year will also witness the launch of the second cycle of the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Grants Program, within an enhanced framework aligned with the university's strategic directions and aimed at strengthening its position as a leading academic institution both locally and regionally. There will be an Annual Humanities and Social Sciences Forum that will also be held as a central platform for fostering collaboration, dialogue among researchers, sharing experiences, and expanding academic networks.
Emphasizing the continuity of this research approach, Dr. Al-Ansari noted, 'This path will continue in the second cycle of the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Grants Program, which is part of the internal grants and is set to launch its ninth cycle tomorrow, within an improved and enhanced framework that reflects the strategic directions and research aspirations of the University.'
In his remarks, Prof. Aiman Erbad, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, highlighted the university's research priorities for the 2025–2030 period, stating, 'As part of its firm commitment to supporting the national research ecosystem, QU has outlined its research priorities for the period 2025–2030 in alignment with the strategic directions of the state. These priorities cover key areas such as health, resource sustainability, digital technology, society, and energy—reflecting the university's central role in addressing national challenges and fostering innovation.'
He also emphasized QU's dedication to building research capacity through a diverse portfolio of internal research grants. These include Capacity Building Grants, Collaborative Grants, Institutional Collaboration Grants, Government and Industry Collaboration Grants, the Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Grant, Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Research Grants, Postdoctoral Researcher Grants, Student Research Grants, and the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Humanities and Social Sciences Grant. These initiatives play a vital role in preparing competent researchers who contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision.
Dr. Saeed Al-Meer, director of Research Support (Grants and Contracts), honoured the awardees. The winners of the Humanities and Social Sciences Grants were Dr. Turki Obaid Al-Marri, assistant professor ofFiqh and Usul Al-Fiqh, College of Sharia and Islamic Studies; Dr. Shaikha Al-Kuwari, assistant professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Israa Al-Muftah, assistant professor of Educational Sciences, College of Education; Dr. Hamad Al-Ghadeed, assistant professor of History, College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Amna Sadiq, assistant professor of Gulf Studies, College of Arts and Sciences.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar gives top priority to protection of sea turtles
QNA Doha Sea turtles are among important wildlife species that play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. However, these magnificent creatures, which have roamed the seas and oceans since the age of the dinosaurs, are now facing unprecedented challenges threatening their survival, due to climate change, pollution, and increasing human activities along shorelines. Environmental authorities in the State of Qatar have paid significant attention to the protection of sea turtles, particularly during nesting seasons that occur annually on certain Qatari beaches. This attention is apart of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of wildlife. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), represented by the Department of Wildlife Development, is making concerted efforts to protect sea turtles through monitoring, protection, and breeding programs. The State of Qatar also places great importance to its strategy on protecting endangered species, by monitoring rare terrestrial and sea species, which are considered national treasures for the country and for future generations. In 1982, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle was listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In an early response, Qatar launched the Sea Turtle Protection Project back in 2003. According to the MECC, this project is considered one of the pioneering initiatives in the field of marine species conservation. It aims to protect this species along the northern coasts of the country, including locations such as: Ras Laffan, Huwailah, Al Jassasiya, Fuwayrit, Al Ghariyah, Al Mafyar, and the islands of Umm Tais, Rukn, Shraoh, and Halul. The project includes several measures such as: relocating nests to protect them from high tides, monitoring nest temperatures, placing tracking devices on some turtles, collecting DNA samples for analysis, and regional cooperation to track turtle movements among Gulf countries. Biology consultant at the MECC Nada Ahmed Al Jumaili told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the MECC launches the turtle nesting season annually, usually from early April to late June, through beach cleaning and rehabilitation campaigns on key beaches like Fuwayrit. She emphasized that these campaigns see wide participation from volunteers, in collaboration with Qatar University and QatarEnergy, reflecting the sense of community partnership in protecting the marine environment. She said that the Ministry has launched the Sea Turtle Protection Project in 2003 as a long-term initiative with a special focus on the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles, adding that the project included various measures such as closing beaches during nesting season, relocating nests to safe areas, collecting environmental data, tagging, DNA sampling, and satellite tracking of turtles. Al Jumaili noted that between 2020 and 2025, the national team successfully relocated around 1,000 nests to safe locations and released more than 87,000 hatchlings into the sea, an environmental and scientific achievement reflecting the country's commitment to biodiversity conservation. She added that Qatar's northeastern coasts and marine islands are key nesting grounds for the Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), which are classified globally as 'Critically Endangered' according to the IUCN Red List. Al Jumaili pointed out that Green Turtles are frequently observed in Qatari waters, although they do not nest locally, while other species such as Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley turtles are rarely seen in the area. She added that the MECC shuts down some beaches, such as Fuwayrit and Ras Laffan, during the nesting and hatching seasons, with environmental monitoring teams conducting regular patrols to track nesting activity, and relocating nests threatened by tides or human activity to safe areas within designated hatcheries. Talking to QNA, Jumaili indicated that scientific research teams record a range of vital indicators, such as nest temperature, egg number, and hatchling weight. They also implement strict protocols prohibiting harm to turtle hatchlings. Field teams accompany the hatchlings upon their release to ensure their safety. The biology consultant at MECC confirmed that the key challenges facing the Ministry in protecting sea turtles are the exposure of eggs and hatchlings to predation by foxes, birds, and other predators; human encroachment and coastal activities that affect nesting sites; coastal erosion resulting from climate change; turtle entanglement in fishing nets or boat accidents; marine pollution, especially plastic waste; and temperature fluctuations and their impact on hatching rates. On the other hand, Al Jumaili explained that the MECC has a strong scientific partnership with the Environmental Science Center (ESC) at Qatar University and QatarEnergy, where advanced research programs are implemented, including environmental monitoring, genetic studies, labeling, and climate impact studies. She stressed that these efforts contribute to supporting regional databases and enhancing scientific cooperation with Gulf countries in the field of marine biodiversity conservation. The biology consultant at MECC highlighted that the community plays a pivotal role in protecting turtles. Hundreds of volunteers participate during each nesting season in beach clean-up campaigns, nest monitoring, awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation efforts, alongside teams from the Ministry. She added that school students and local participants are invited to attend turtle hatchling release events, educational lectures, and awareness sessions, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the public. She also explained that the Ministry encourages the public to report sightings of turtles or stranded individuals through the MECC's hotline 16066. Al Jumaili concluded her remarks to QNA by emphasizing that protecting sea turtles in Qatar is not just an environmental conservation initiative, but rather the protection of a living symbol of Qatar's marine heritage. She stated that every turtle plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, as hawksbill turtles contribute to the preservation of coral reefs, and green turtles help maintain the health of seagrass beds. She reaffirmed that by respecting nesting beaches, avoiding disturbance during the breeding season, participating in clean-up campaigns, and reporting sightings, every citizen and visitor can contribute to ensuring that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive on Qatar's coasts and preserving Qatar's natural heritage for future generations. The MECC announced the conclusion of the 2025 nesting season for hawksbill sea turtles in Qatar, which ran from March 31 to the end of July. The season saw the release of 8,213 hatchlings into their natural habitat. This season saw 219 turtles nest in eight main locations: Fuwairit, Ras Rakan, Ras Laffan, Sharaoua, Umm Tais, Al Ghariya, Al Maroona, and Al Khor. Last month, the MECC organized an awareness event as part of the conservation project. The event focused on the importance of protecting hawksbill sea turtles and highlighted the environmental role of the Fuwairit Reserve, which accounts for approximately 90% of turtle nesting sites in Qatar, making it a critical area for the conservation of this species. The event included direct interaction with environmental teams, introducing participants to environmental monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, field demonstrations of nest relocation methods, and awareness programs for school students and visitors. According to marine life experts, the protection of sea turtles in Qatar represents an advanced model for balancing development and environmental protection, and reflects the country's commitment to protecting its natural resources and biodiversity.
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatari students achieve scientific accomplishments at 2025 Int'l Biology Olympiad in the Philippines
Tribune News Network Doha A team of students from Qatar achieved a distinguished accomplishment by winning their scientific project among the top ten projects among the participating countries in the 36th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 36), which was hosted by the city of Cosin, the Philippines, during the period from July 20 to 27, 2025, with the participation of 77 countries to promote innovation and excellence in biology. The Qatari team represented in this scientific competition, which is a global platform for measuring students' abilities in various branches of biology, by Jassim Fahad Al-Mutawa from Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys; Aisha Ahmed Al-Hashemi from Al-Maha Academy for Girls; Taqi Mohammed Al-Dulaimi from Al-Ab Secondary School for Girls; and Omar Firas Qabaqibi from the International School of Choueifat. The Qatari project was distinguished by its application of systematic thinking , which enabled students to present a comprehensive and innovative vision for solving scientific problems in a unique way. This victory reflects the remarkable development in the level of Qatari students in specialised sciences and their ability to compete strongly in international competitions. This is the sixth participation of the State of Qatar in the International Biology Olympiad, as the team had previously achieved honorable accomplishments in previous editions organized in Iran, Hungary, and Portugal, where they won (3 gold medals and an honorary certificate), Armenia where they won (an honorary certificate), the United Arab Emirates where they won (a bronze medal and an honorary certificate), and Kazakhstan where they won (a bronze medal and an honorary certificate). The next edition of the International Biology Olympiad ( IBO 37 ) is scheduled to be held in Lithuania in 2025-2026, with the Qatari team looking forward to continuing its path of excellence and achieving new accomplishments. This achievement embodies the Ministry of Education and Higher Education's commitment to supporting student participation in international competitions and its tireless efforts to provide an educational environment that encourages academic excellence, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a knowledge-based society and empower national talent to compete and lead globally.
Qatar Tribune
27-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar attends World AI Conference opening ceremony in China
QNA Shanghai The State of Qatar participated in the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-level Meeting on Global Artificial Intelligence Governance, held in the city of Shanghai, in the presence of Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang, as well as representatives from more than 40 countries and international organisations. The Qatari delegation was headed by Consul-General of the State of Qatar in Shanghai HE Rashid bin Mubarak Al Khater.
