Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research conference’14 (arc’14) leads ‘youth, knowledge society, and the arab world’ research agenda

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s Research and Development (QF R&D) has announced the Annual Research Conference (ARC’14) agenda to address youth development in Qatar that will ensure the sustainability of future generations.

Next month’s conference is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF. 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.

The conference will bring together experts within Qatar and Qatar Foundation’s Research and Development (QF R&D), in addition to international subject matter experts to lead discussions with the objective of generating excitement for Qatar-based research and showcasing young Qatari talent.

Commenting about the conference agenda, Dr Michael Reksulak, Director, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, said: “ARC presents an opportunity to identify gaps in our understanding of how to move a society towards a knowledge-based economy.

“Namely, the tremendous progress Qatar has achieved in natural, applied, environmental and health sciences needs to be supported by the progress of social sciences and capacity development in order to achieve a sustainable society of the future.”

Hosted at the QF member 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.

The two-day conference on 18 and 19 November offers a unique opportunity for local, regional and international experts to come together to recognize local research excellence, as well as activate multidisciplinary knowledge sharing and collaboration to tackle pressing national and international research challenges. 

The principal presentation and Q&A session for attendees will be moderated by Dr. John T. Crist, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, with presentations focusing on;

‘Youth aspiration and motivation in Qatar: Evidence from education surveys,’ delivered by Qatar-based expert Dr. Darwish Al-Emadi from the Social and Economic Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University, Qatar.

Following this, Prof. Dr. Verena Lepper from the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, Germany and Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA), Germany, will discuss ‘Challenges and Opportunities of Arab-German Scientific Cooperation among Young Scientists’.

Finally, Dr. Mohamed Mohieddin from the Doha International Family Institute, Qatar, will present on the topic ‘Caught between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Crisis of Arab Youth.’ 

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 ‘Youth, Knowledge Society, and the Arab World’ research agenda. 

Commenting on local and international collaborations, Dr Michael added, “Our partnerships with academic institutions across Qatar, as well as international collaborations, are providing an excellent platform for the development of social science research. By offering insights into how to design an effective incentive structure, how to build state-of-the-art infrastructure and the necessary conditions to develop world-class education programs, ARC’14 will help Qatar take significant steps towards achieving its National Vision 2030.”