Qatar’s Youth show growing interest in research

Qatar Science Leadership Program (QSLP), a constituent of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), attracted more than 115 students to an open information session, signifying their growing interest in scientific research.

Held at the Texas A&M University at Qatar, the session hosted young scholars who shared their QSLP research journeys with their peers.

Stressing the significance of the session’s attendees, Dr Ayman Bassil, Head of Research Training & Development at QF R&D said: “The turnout to QSLP’s information session illustrates a growing appetite for scientific research among the nation’s youths. They are becoming increasingly aware of its importance and its benefits in relation to their future.

“We always seek to maintain a dialogue with younger students interested in joining QSLP, as it enables us to tailor our programmes to their needs, working together to ultimately build a knowledge-based economy in Qatar,” added Dr Bassil. 

“Moreover, the informed questions that the students asked at the recent information session are testimony to Qatar Foundation’s efforts in generating youth interest and awareness towards scientific research.”

Meanwhile, for Rashid Al Kaabi, a recent graduate from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, his enrolment on to QSLP is a way to give back to his country. “QSLP pays special attention to young people, and provides them with lots of support. This has helped my development tremendously,” he said. “The support I have received at QSLP has also allowed me to pursue my passion for scientific research, and realise my dream in contributing to my country through scientific research.”

QSLP offers budding scholars four pathways that cater to every level of their scholarly careers including the Research Undergraduate Track, which aims to encourage ambitious recent graduates to pursue scientific investigation, and the Research Management Track, which allows trainees to gain practical experience in critical areas related to research management.

For the more developed researcher, QSLP offers the Research Scientist Track, which supports Qataris wishing to pursue a Master’s or PhD, and finally the Research Postdoctoral track. This is a highly technical path in which candidates are trained to champion an area of scientific investigation of strategic importance to the needs of Qatar and the wider Middle East and North African region.