Manama: The Annual Research Forum (ARF), organised by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is taking on a new international dimension in its second edition with the theme "Globalization of Research," organisers have said.
The forum will showcase the latest research being conducted in and for Qatar that can also benefit developing countries.
This year's theme takes its inspiration from a speech delivered by Shakha Moza bint Nasser at the inaugural Annual Research Forum in December 2010, in which she said that the time has come for globalization in the research field to be recognized, just like it has become acceptable to talk about globalization in the fields of education, economy, culture and information technology.
"Scientific research has the potential to solve some of society's most pressing issues, not only through the technologies and scientific advances it produces, but also through the human capabilities it develops and strengthens in the process," said Abdelali Haoudi, Qatar Foundation's Vice President for Research.
"Qatar Foundation is eager to lead the movement towards a globalization and democratization of research because it will allow developing communities to unlock their human potential in the fields of science and technology," Abdelali Haoudi said.
ARF 2011 will bring together on November 20 to 22 Nobel laureates, international policymakers, student, scientists, industry leaders, and top academic and research institutions in Doha, organisers said.
"Qatar Foundation has designed this forum as a platform for academia and enterprise, research and industry to exchange knowledge and build relationships that translate into innovative research for Qatar and the world," Abdelali Haoudi said.
According to Dirar Khoury, Director of Institutional Research for Qatar Foundation, "this year's forum has expanded opportunities for student presentations and networking, as a reflection of Qatar Foundation's commitment to building research capacity and promoting a culture of research in Qatar and the region."
"We have also launched a separate track for environmental research in tandem with the growing interest for this field among the scientific community," Khoury said.
Plenary sessions for the 2011 Annual Research Forum will be centered on the themes "globalization in research" and "entrepreneurship in science and technology," with parallel sessions falling into five tracks: biomedicine; energy; environment; computing; and arts, humanities, social sciences, and Islamic studies research.
Additional sessions will explore the set-up of public-private partnerships, connecting research with the development of new products and technologies, measuring research and development outcomes and research capacity building.
Exhibition stands at the forum will offer participants to learn more about the institutions, universities, hospitals, foundations, non-profits and government agencies that are leading Qatar's drive towards becoming a research powerhouse in the Gulf.
The forum will conclude with an awards ceremony that recognizes research excellence among the professional and student researchers in each track. Winning presentations will be selected by an expert panel of Nobel Laureates and well-regarded scientists and industry leaders.
