Qatar- QU participates in GCC forum on challenges facing scientific research

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Qatar University (QU) participated in a forum organised by the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), via videoconferencing, regarding the reality and future of scientific research in GCC countries, in implementation of the decision of the 20th meeting of GCC Committee of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The forum, in which representatives of higher education ministries, research institutes and centers, and scientific research deanships in public and private universities in the GCC countries participated, discussed three main topics, namely the research reality in the institutions of higher education and scientific research in the GCC countries from 2016 to 2021, the challenges facing the quality of scientific research, innovation and global publishing, and future prospects and visions for joint Gulf action in scientific research. Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, Professor Mariam al-Maadeed, presented the reality of scientific research at QU in light of its vision, which aims to be known regionally for its qualitative distinction in education and research, and as the preferred option for science students and researchers and a catalyst for sustainable economic and social development in Qatar. She pointed to the increase in annual research production, global ranking, and research grants for QU in recent years, as well as great leaps in graduate studies programmes, the number of students enrolled, sources of funding, and scientific publications in international scientific journals. Professor al-Maadeed pointed out that QU has witnessed an increase and diversity in the number of scientific research centers, units, and programmes, an increase in the number of patents, local and international partnerships, as well as its ambitious plans to develop national cadres and strengthen and advance research policies. The Vice-President highlighted the partnership with Sultan Qaboos University in more than six joint scientific projects within the International Research Collaboration Co-Fund (IRCC), calling in this context to build new partnerships with other GCC universities. She emphasised the necessity of implementing and following up scientific research and innovation strategies with the national strategy for scientific research, as well as monitoring the necessary budgets within a sustainable vision for funding sources. In this context, she said, it is imperative to improve the environment incubating scientific research, maintain competencies and exchange experiences between the GCC states and the world's leading countries, and the need to strengthen community culture with the importance of scientific research as well as scientific and technological investments at the local level. She stressed the necessity of formulating a unified strategy for scientific research and innovation in the GCC countries, updating strategies, setting priorities, and strengthening the partnership between research institutions and researchers in the GCC countries. The Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies noted the importance of including the importance of scientific research in the educational curricula and major national strategies of each country and recommended the establishment of a joint fund among the GCC countries to support scientific research, the establishment of joint research work teams and the establishment of academic programs targeting common research priorities.    MENAFN13042021000067011011ID1101909687