Manama: More than 180 national, regional and international institutes have submitted 658 abstracts for review at the upcoming joint Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum and Arab Expatriate Scientists Network Symposium, officials have said.
The figure marks an overall increase of about 100 per cent in abstracts and 40 per cent in student submissions over last year’s forum.
“We are delighted with the number of research abstracts received this year,” Faisal Al Suwaidi, president of research and development at Qatar Foundation, said. “There has been a substantial rise in submissions and this will no doubt help increase dialogue between individuals across a broad range of industries. This exchanging of information will build partnerships that will advance Qatar’s national research agenda and promote research that is vital for Qatar, the region and the world,” he said.
The increase in student submissions at this year’s forum is reflective of the growing scientific culture amongst the younger generation who can see how research can benefit the future of the region, he said. The latest submissions are in line with the country’s national research priorities that include health and biomedicine, energy and environment, computing and information technology, behavioural and social sciences, arts, humanities and Islamic studies.
The abstracts are reviewed by a committee of 75 international scholars, academics, researchers and scientists. The top entries from each of the three categories will be selected as winners and be announced at the award ceremony on Monday, the second day of the forum.
The Third Annual Research Forum will be held from October 21-23 (Sunday-Tuesday). The Qatar National Research Strategy will be unveiled and a roadmap will be established for implementing it, officials said in a statement emailed to Gulf News.
“The award ceremony is an opportunity to honour the individuals and their institutions for their ongoing hard work and commitment to advancing Qatar’s national research agenda,” Al Suwaidi said.
“We are delighted to be awarding select applicants with a grant to support them to continue their research projects. In addition, students will be awarded monetary rewards for the best oral and poster presentations.”
