Latest news with #OmarAl-Ansari
Qatar Tribune
27-05-2025
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
QU Humanities and Social Sciences Research grant winners named
Tribune News Network 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.
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QU Architecture Dept organises annual exhibition and end-of-year celebration
Tribune News Network Doha Under the patronage and in the presence of the Minister of Municipality, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Attiya, the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at the College of Engineering, Qatar University (QU), organised the Annual Exhibition and End-of-Year Celebration for the Architecture Programme. The event was held in collaboration with the Arab Engineering Bureau, Qatar Museums, Primary Health Care Corporation, Seashore Group, and Design Studio 5. It was attended by Dr Omar Al-Ansari, President of QU, along with several dignitaries, officials, and representatives from academic and professional institutions. The event aimed to showcase the projects and achievements of the department's female students for the 2024–2025 academic year, while also highlighting the department's initiatives and its academic and community partnerships. It reflected the department's commitment to strengthening the integration between education and practical application and to providing an interactive platform for creativity and professional networking. Addressing the gathering, Dr Khalid Kamal Naji, dean of the College of Engineering at QU, said, 'Our students' projects this year reflect a wide range of ideas and innovations, made possible through valuable partnerships and the ongoing guidance of our faculty. The projects span diverse topics across different studios, addressing complex social, cultural, and environmental challenges with clarity and outstanding ambition.' Dr Naji added, 'I would like to especially thank the college's and department's partners who have supported the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning for over fifteen years and have actively contributed to enhancing the educational content and connecting students to the professional world. Their projects, inspiring ideas, and constructive feedback have enriched the students' experiences and developed their abilities in critical thinking and innovative design.' He concluded by saying, 'These partnerships went beyond symbolic support and were embodied in practical initiatives, direct supervision, and real training opportunities, which added a distinctive professional dimension to the educational experience. At the College of Engineering, we value this continued support and aim to deepen and expand these strategic relationships to serve our shared goals in preparing a new generation of architects capable of contributing to a sustainable urban environment aligned with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030.' The event was supported by several of the department's partners, who enriched the experience by providing valuable feedback and guidance to the students on their projects. Representatives of these institutions expressed their admiration for the quality of the architectural and planning work on display, emphasizing the importance of such events in strengthening the partnership between academia and the labour market and encouraging students to innovate and be creative.
Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QRDI council concludes third Innovation Day at the Fifth Qatar Economic Forum
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council hosted its third consecutive Innovation Day, on the final day of the 5th Qatar Economic Forum. Innovation Day served as a dedicated platform featuring a dynamic lineup of expert panels, strategic discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at encouraging collaboration and advancing innovation. Omar Al Ansari, secretary general at QRDI Council, said: 'Innovation Day has become a staple of QRDI Council's efforts to encourage collaboration, spark dialogue, and drive forward Qatar's innovation agenda. This year's event highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in shaping the future of industries and economies, not just in Qatar but globally. As we reflect on the outcomes of this year's Innovation Day, I am confident that the insights gained, and the partnerships made will play an important role in advancing our shared vision of a sustainable, innovation-driven future.' The Innovation Day began with an opening address by QRDI Council's Secretary General, Omar Al-Ansari, who reflected on last year's discussions surrounding the ethics of innovation, and how these questions remain highly relevant today; setting the tone for conversations that unfolded throughout the day. Throughout his address, he provided a broad perspective on the GCC region, emphasizing that innovation is not merely a concept but an active, operational reality. He highlighted Qatar's strong commitment to advancing innovation, driven by two key national frameworks: the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. Whilst also outlining the role of the QRDI Council, noting that while the Council does not position itself as the sole hub of innovation, it serves as a strategic enabler and bridge, facilitating progress across sectors. Following a morning filled with engaging discussions and activities, the event transitioned into two breakout sessions: 'AI IRL: From Innovation to Application' and 'The Venture Capital Outlook'. Both sessions saw participants actively engaging in meaningful dialogue, networking opportunities, and the day's initiatives. Key topics included the future of biotech, explored in a conversation with James Flynn, Managing Partner at Deerfield, as well as AI in action, focusing on practical applications of innovation within the GCC region to drive impactful outcomes. Additionally, the future of AI in the region was explored during the session 'Qatar – Realizing AI's Potential Today', highlighting how Qatar's technology leaders are driving growth and connectivity through innovative applications. Innovation Day is a strategic initiative that reflects QRDI Council's dedication to advancing Qatar's National Vision 2030 and its National Development Strategy. By fostering collaboration, promoting advanced research, and exploring transformative technologies like AI and biotech, the event shows Qatar's commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
