Doha: Qatar University (QU)’s Research and Innovation Sector organized the “Research and Innovation Day: Celebrating Excellence” event, bringing together academic leaders, researchers, students and members of the university community to explore new perspectives and strategic directions for advancing research and innovation.
The event was attended by Dr. Omar Al-Ansari, President of Qatar University, Prof. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research and Innovation, senior QU officials, members of the university community, and invited guests, including Salem Anzan Al-Naimi, Executive Vice President – Public Relations and Group Communications at QNB Group, sponsor of the event.
A key highlight was a panel discussion on QU’s Research and Innovation Strategy, moderated by Afra Al-Kholifi, Senior Research Assistant at QU’s Ibn Khaldon for Humanities and Social Studies Center.
The panel brought together Dr. Mohammed Alsafran, Associate Vice President for Research Centers; Prof. Bassim Hammadi, Associate Vice President for Planning and Research Support; and Prof. Saud Abdulaziz Abdulghani, Associate Vice President for Innovation and Development. The discussion examined key priorities and emerging directions shaping the future of research and innovation at Qatar University.
“Scientific research and innovation have become essential to keeping pace with rapid developments and responding to current challenges. The role of research is no longer limited to generating knowledge but extends to translating research ideas into practical applications, leading to impactful products, solutions and policies that benefit both the University and the country. Recognizing universities as hubs of knowledge and innovation, Qatar University is committed to strengthening its role in research and innovation and directing its research efforts toward addressing society’s needs and priorities.”
Prof. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research and Innovation
He added “In recent years, scientific research at Qatar University has seen significant growth in both quantity and quality, alongside progress in transforming research ideas and technologies into innovations and practical applications. The University has identified five key research priorities to guide the efforts of its researchers: Resource Sustainability, Society, Health, Digital Technology and Energy. It has also worked to develop internal support programs, build research capacity and strengthen collaboration across colleges, research centers and various partners. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of research and enhancing its societal and economic impact, while advancing innovation and knowledge transfer.”
The event also featured the QU Innovation Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions from members of the university community.
The award for full-time faculty members, researchers and employees was presented to Prof. John-John Cabibihan for his Smart Robotic Therapeutic Learning Toy. The award for undergraduate and graduate students went to Ola Hussein and Arij Hassan for their study, Novel Pyridine-Based Chalcone Analogs as Chemotherapeutic Agents for Prostate Cancer and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
The Graduate Studies Awards also recognized excellence across several academic disciplines. The Best Dissertation Award for Social Sciences and Humanities was presented to Khalid Fahad Al-Mahamadi from the College of Law, while the Best Dissertation Award for Applied Sciences went to Muhammad Ammar Zahid from the College of Pharmacy.
The Best Thesis Award for Social Sciences and Humanities was presented to Heba Majdul Sbahi from the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, while the Best Thesis Award for Applied Sciences was awarded to Samra Zafar from the College of Engineering.
Meanwhile, Fatema Saeed Al-Muraikhi from the College of Business and Economics received the Best Graduation Project Award.
The Graduate Research Award for Social Sciences and Humanities was presented to Nusaiba Unnisa Begum from the College of Business and Economics, while the Graduate Research Award for Sciences and Engineering went to Dana Mohammed Alghool from the College of Engineering.
Additional awards recognized winners in the Visualization Award, Graduate Studies Awards at the College Level, and Research Poster Awards for undergraduate students, graduate students and research groups.
Through its Research and Innovation Sector, Qatar University continues to advance its strategic objectives by enhancing research quality, expanding its impact in targeted areas and responding to societal needs.
The university is also strengthening its ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer, reinforcing its contribution to Qatar’s national priorities and supporting sustainable development.
Source: QU
