Manama: Top Arab scientists will convene in Doha to present research designed to benefit the region.
The scientists are assembling for the third Annual Research Forum, co-hosted by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and the Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) Network on October 21-23.
“This forum will showcase the invaluable contributions that Arab scientists around the world have made to Qatar’s research development — from laying the roadmap for establishing QF’s three research institutes to collaborating in ongoing research to solve some of the most pressing issues in our country and region.” Faisal Al Suwaidi, President of Research and Development at QF, said.
“Our long-term goal, through initiatives like the AES Network and the Annual Research Forum, is to draw Arab scientific talent back to the region.”
The focus of this year’s forum is on unveiling the Qatar National Research Strategy, with scientists of Arab origin presenting research in the fields that Qatar has identified as national priorities: health and biomedicine; energy and environment; computing and information technology; arts, behavioural and social sciences, humanities, and Islamic studies, QF said in a statement.
Majid Abu-Gharbia, Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research at Temple University’s School of Pharmacy, has been instrumental in the establishment of the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, and is now helping to formulate the Qatar National Research Strategy in the area of biomedicine.
“It has been a great honour to be able to use my knowledge and experience alongside my Qatari colleagues to contribute to the scientific advancements under way in Qatar,” he said.
Abu-Gharbia also serves as Chair of the Qatar Foundation-Arab Expatriate Scientists Joint Committee (QAJC) and lectures on biomedical topics at Qatar University and Hamad Medical Corporation.
“In the past, our labs have hosted Qatar’s scientists for training in drug discovery. I look forward to attending the forum in October, and continuing work with QF in several capacities related to science and biomedical research.”
