QF Second Annual Research Forum opens today

Qatar Foundation’s Second Annual Research Forum opens today, bringing together an anticipated 1,500 research experts, renowned scientists and young scientists from around the world to exchange knowledge and build partnerships for the advancement of research globally.

This year’s Forum, held from November 20 through 22 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, brings on a new international dimension as it focuses on the globalization and democratization of research, allowing for all countries to benefit from the innovations of science and technology. The Arab Expatriate Scientists Symposium held its opening sessions yesterday, and will run in conjunction with the Forum, closing with dedicated workshops on November 23. 

Dr. Abdelali Haoudi, Vice President for Research at Qatar Foundation, expressed the significance of this conference to Qatar: “For any country to take its place in the world and thrive in a globally competitive marketplace, it must offer value to that global community.” 

“The success of Qatar locally should not be separated from the creative use of Qatar’s resources and leadership to advance global development. Qatar is committed to becoming a force for global change and development, especially in the fields of science, technology and innovation,” he said.

Dr. Richard Klausner, Managing Partner, The Column Group and former Director of the National Cancer Institute, will lead the opening panel on the globalization of research. Panelists will discuss how decision makers can enable scientific advances globally through international engagement, and through investing in both real and virtual resources.

"This panel will explore ways in which we can implement Her Highness' vision of globalized research," said Klausner. "We talk a lot about how the world has become a global village, and we need to use this as a facility to allow people in developing countries to innovate now, while awaiting the building of scientific infrastructures that can take years."

The Annual Research Forum represents Qatar’s commitment to becoming a center of knowledge, underpinned by a strong research culture that will position Qatar as a leader in its key fields of interest. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is expected to participate in the Forum. His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry and His Excellency Abdulla Bin Khalid Al-Qahtani, Minister of Health and Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Health will also be present at the Forum, delivering keynote addresses.

The program for this year’s Forum includes keynote speakers and panelists who are recognized experts – government ministers and officials, Nobel Laureates and renowned scientists. These experts are globally respected in their specialties, and are sure to spark creativity and collective brainstorming amongst Forum attendees for the advancement of developing countries in the field of science.

Qatar Foundation is supporting Qatar’s journey towards becoming a knowledge economy through building a platform that fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Qatar Foundation’s strategy focuses on developing programs that help build capacity in science and research – in Qatar and abroad. Many of the Forum’s sessions over the three days will touch on the themes of globalization, stimulating research development and enabling access to information and knowledge in developing countries.

Students and young scientists will have numerous opportunities to present and get recognized for their work, and to interact with those scientists and researchers who have made a difference in their fields. Qatar Foundation looks to build a rich research culture, inspiring young people to be a part of the renaissance of science and technology in the Arab world, and to change the world with their ideas.  The opportunities at this year’s forum underscores Qatar Foundation’s objective.

The Forum features sessions that will discuss the research progress and achievements taking place at the three national research centers under Qatar Foundation: Qatar Computing Research Institute, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute. Also scheduled are parallel sessions and workshops on research in the fields of biomedicine, computing, arts, humanities, social sciences, and Islamic studies research.

In conjunction with the Annual Research Forum, Qatar Foundation’s Arab Expatriate Scientists Network has organized the Arab Expatriate Scientists Symposium (AESS). Eighty scientists who left their home countries in the Middle East to study abroad and secure jobs overseas met yesterday, the first day of the symposium. Discussions covered increased collaboration on projects, as well as enabling the integration of Arab scientists into the renaissance of science in the Arab world. AESS culminates with dedicated sessions on November 23 at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

The Annual Research Forum is open to the public. Sponsors of this year’s forum are ExxonMobil, Shell, Total, Chevron and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.