Qatar Foundation’s annual research conference’14 leads voice on energy and water security national grand challenges

Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research Conference (ARC), held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has announced the ARC’14 agenda to address Qatar’s Energy and Water Security Grand Challenges, focusing on water desalination and solar panel technologies.

Next month’s conference will bring together expertise from Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), key entity Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute (QEERI), as well as international subject matter experts, to ultimately address and discuss how to solve two of Qatar’s biggest challenges. 

As one of the main pillars of QF, Qatar Foundation Research & Development has been active in promoting Qatar Foundation’s vision of cultivating life-long learning and interest in science and research in Qatar with the annual research conference being QF R&D’s flagship event. 

Launched in 2011, QEERI plays a pivotal role in coordinating long-term and multidisciplinary research to meet Qatar’s Water and Energy Security Grand Challenges. With limited local fresh water resources, there is a critical need to provide sustainable, adequate quantities that can be supplied to meet Qatar’s population needs. 

Similarly, energy usage per capita in Qatar is the highest in the world, creating a requirement for economical alternatives and renewable low carbon energy technologies and stores. 

The two-day conference on November 18^th and 19^th  will also address critical issues such as the country’s cyber security, solar and renewable energy solutions, health management systems, as well as the social challenges and opportunities in Qatar and across the region. 

Hosted at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), this year’s conference follows on the success of ARC’13, which was attended by more than 2,000 delegates and where many of Qatar’s research grand challenges were unveiled. 

Dr. Mohammad Khaleel, Executive Director of QEERI, said: “As we strive to move Qatar from a carbon based economy, it is critical we capitalise on local resources through local-based research and strategic partnerships, to create energy and water technology solutions. Simultaneously, we aim to move these solutions into companies in order to yield profits that will eventually provide the sustainability we need here in Qatar. 

“Our goal is to make Qatar a leading centre for water and energy technology research, whilst at the same time pushing to generate a local industrial ecosystem that will benefit the local population and business communities. ARC offers us a unique opportunity to present, assess and analyze Qatar’s research priorities with experts from around the world.” 

The principal presentation and Q&A session for attendees will be moderated by Qatari-based scientist Dr. Adel Sharif, QEERI, with presentations focusing on; 

‘Toward optimal design and operation of desalination membrane elements: A researcher’s perspective,’ delivered by international expert Professor Anastasios J Karabelas, from the Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute (CPERI) and the Centre for Research and Technology – Hellas (CERTH), Greece. 

Following this, Dr. Nidal Hilal, at QEERI, formerly at the Centre for Water Advanced Technologies and Environmental Research, Swansea University, UK, will discuss ‘The Blue Gold We All Need: Addressing Water Shortages.’ 

Finally, Dr. In S Kim, from the Global Desalination Research Centre (GDRC), Gwangju and the Institute of Science and Technology, Korea, will present on the ‘Advancement of Water Desalination by Hybrid System and New Material Membrane.’ 

ARC’14 will offer thought-provoking panel discussions, technical presentations, and high-powered debates where leading experts will share constructive experiences and innovative approaches, ‘Towards World-Class Research and Innovation.’ Abstract submissions will also be chosen on their merit and presented by local and International scientists on how to help address, lead and guide the Water Security and Energy Security research agenda. 

Dr Marwan Khraisheh, Research Director at QEERI, said: “The challenges Qatar faces with water and energy are unique to our climate and geographical location, but also relevant for the world’s problems on fresh water supply and energy consumption, with an ever-growing global population. QF R&D are providing a platform for real solutions through expertise in institutions like QEERI.”

Dr. Wyatt Roderick Hume, Executive Director of Education, Training and Development, Qatar Foundation Research and Development, said: “It is vital as we look at technological advancements we also nurture Qatari talent to ensure we are building human capacity alongside infrastructure and research excellence.” 

“By providing internships and promoting science within local high schools and universities, we want to excite young Qataris to get involved in making a real difference in Qatar’s future. The Qatar Science Leadership Program, the new QF R&D facility, newly announced PhD programmes and offering mentorship are just a few ways to engage, motivate and nurture our budding young scientists of tomorrow.”