QF R&D’s ‘Research Dialogue’ series opens two-way conversation on science and innovation

The importance of aligning individual research interests with Qatar’s overarching national priorities, and seeing “the big picture”, has been emphasised by an award-winning researcher in the latest edition of an innovative discussion series hosted by Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D).

Stakeholders from across Qatar’s research community attended QF R&D’s ‘Research Dialogue’ session, held at the Liberal Arts and Sciences Building at Qatar Foundation (QF) on 3^rd November 2016, to hear from, and interact with, Dr Shehab Ahmed, Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University at Qatar, a QF partner university.

The series of seminars is a platform for bringing together Qatar-based researchers and scientists, and other members of the community – including policymakers, administrators, academics, and students – to engage with expert speakers, explore a range of topics, share knowledge, and exchange opinions. It aims to foster the synergy and common understanding that will support QF R&D’s efforts to nurture a culture of research and innovation in Qatar.

Entitled ‘The Day I Stopped Chasing Butterflies’, Dr Ahmed – who received the QF R&D Best Research Project Award for his work on power conversion and electro-mechanics at the QF Annual Research Conference 2016 (ARC’16) – spoke of how exposure to Qatar’s research and development ecosystem led him to expand his focus from mainly seeing his work published in scientific journals, to the contribution he and his team could make to strengthening Qatar’s human capacity in research and development.

“During my early days in academia, I would pursue a publication like chasing a butterfly – carefully, but decisively – but I came to realise that, with my team, the most important thing I was doing was building human capital in research,” said Dr Ahmed, who also co-founded MODUS, one of the GCC’s first integrated oilfield technology and services companies. Its goal is to create regional and global impact in its field through innovative product development and the commercialisation of technology and services, while fostering and incubating local innovation and talent.

“Through this realisation, and through co-founding MODUS, I stepped out of my comfort zone and brought my butterfly-chasing to an end. This experience has enabled me to look at the big picture of research and innovation in Qatar and how my work can contribute to helping the nation address its challenges and achieve its goals. I hope my participation in the ‘Research Dialogue’ has shed light, and encouraged discussion, on this topic.”

Dr Nabeel Al-Salem, Executive Director, Outreach and Communications, QF R&D, explained: “The ‘Research Dialogue’ is a conversation rather than a presentation, with the goal of enhancing understanding of, and support for, research and development in Qatar. It reflects the key role that community engagement and promoting interest in science and research play in QF R&D’s mission and the development of Qatar’s research ecosystem.”

“This key platform drives engagement with both local and international subject matter experts. The upcoming edition that will be held on 8^th December will feature Dr Robert Atkinson, President of Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, USA, who will be speaking on the topic of ‘Transforming Economies through Innovation’.”

QF R&D is part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Details of further ‘Research Dialogue’ sessions will be made available at www.qfrd.org.