Research Forum to gather top minds in Doha-based world leading research this December

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development announced this week an Annual Research Forum, dedicated to achieving higher standards of science and research, to be held 12-13 December in Doha. The Forum, which aims at establishing Qatar as a research powerhouse in the Gulf and wider region, will highlight leading research efforts through a variety of projects, programs and initiatives within Education City and the local community, and is Qatar Foundation's most recent undertaking in fostering science and research innovation.

Dr. Abdelali Haoudi, Qatar Foundation's Vice President for Research, commented, "It is through activities like the Annual Research Forum that Qatar Foundation is helping to establish a world-class scientific community for the State of Qatar. Just as the forum will serve as a hub of intellectual and scientific exchange that will spur further groundbreaking endeavors, Qatar will soon become the regional center for research and innovation that will benefit not only its own population but also those of its neighbors."

A broad range of disciplines will be covered in the forum, with expert participants from the fields of biomedicine, energy, environment, computing, arts, social sciences, humanities and Islamic studies. The forum is designed to recognize top national efforts in science and research, share the exemplary initiatives being undertaken by the local scientific community, and foster new collaborations for future projects. Prominent researchers from different university campuses and research centers, including the Qatar Science & Technology Park, will participate in plenary sessions with keynote speakers, expert panels and poster sessions.

"Our mission is to develop the country's human capital through world-class education and proactive support for new research and scientific advancement. The Qatar National Vision 2030 serves as the inspiration behind our efforts, as we aim to position the State of Qatar as a leading knowledge economy and equip its population to produce new technologies that anticipate future needs," added Dr. Haoudi.

Through a variety of initiatives spearheaded by Qatar Foundation, the State of Qatar is working to create a comprehensive, national science and research system that incorporates policy development, safety and ethics, research compliance, intellectual property framework, research infrastructure planning and development, as well as research management systems. A credible and well-developed system will serve to ensure higher standards in research and science and will guarantee greater success in building a sustainable knowledge-based society.

On a larger scale, Qatar is invested in cultivating a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and dedication to advancing scientific research. In line with Qatar's National Vision 2030 for a sustainable future, the tiny Gulf State is particularly focused on providing support and encouragement for research in the core platforms of medicine, biotechnology, information and communication technologies, environmental sciences, molecular sciences and nanotechnology.

Qatar Foundation's many-pronged efforts to develop and unlock the country's human potential are building a promising future for the economy of Qatar and the greater Middle East region. The Annual Research Forum and other similar initiatives are positioning the State of Qatar as a center of science and research excellence for the region, and creating a pool of highly-skilled local talent that will lead the country's transformation into a knowledge-based economy.

For more information about the upcoming Research Forum, please visit: www.qf-arf2010.org.