QF R&D's event stresses the need to develop Qatar's human potential

Doha: Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QFR & D) recently held a high-level event exploring pathways for developing human capital, essential in building a sustainable knowledge-based future for Qatar.

Representatives from ministries, research institutes and universities discussed existing initiatives and programmes designed to widen Qatar";s R & D talent pool in the Workshop.

The event, held at the Qatar Foundation (QF) headquarters, also examined the key challenges and priorities for this area, and potential solutions and enhancements.

The workshop addressed the need for the continuing development of Qatar";s human capital in research and development, one of the primary objectives of the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS).

By bringing together entities and institutions with a diverse research and education scope and shared goals, the event aimed to identify common areas of interest and focus in order to address gaps in capacity-building provision, nurture and retain high-calibre researchers and scientists, and bolster Qatar";s workforce and the nation";s research culture.

Participating stakeholders included the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor & Social Affairs; Hamad bin Khalifa University, a member of QF, and its research institutes: Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Computing Research Institute, and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute; Qatar University; Hamad Medical Corporation; the Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar; QF partner universities: Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and Texas A & M University at Qatar; and QF member Qatar Biobank.

In a roundtable discussion, stakeholders outlined their capacity-building programmes, initiatives, insights and suggestions. The workshop provided an overview of Qatar Research Leadership Program – a unique QF R & D initiative dedicated to developing homegrown scientific research and research management talent in Qatar – and the capacity-building sponsorship programmes of Qatar National Research Fund, also part of QF R & D.

'By providing a forum for key stakeholders to discuss education and training needs relating to the development of human capacity in Qatar, Qatar Foundation Research and Development aims to enhance understanding of the landscape of provision in this area, so that gaps can be identified and addressed,” said Dr Dirar Khoury, Executive Director, Research Coordination and Special Initiatives, and Acting Executive Director, Education, Training, and Development, QF R & D.

It emphasised the need for continued investment in the development of human capacity in research and development to underpin Qatar";s economic growth and diversification and build the high-calibre workforce required to sustain a successful knowledge-based society. Participants highlighted certain perceptions of research careers, and the retention of talent, as key challenges.

'Through this workshop, QF R & D has provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to share knowledge, exchange ideas and perspectives, and develop a comprehensive and holistic understanding of our capacity-building status and needs,” said Dr Khaled Al Horr, Director of the Higher Education Institute, Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Reem Al Sada, Scholarship Coordinator, Government Scholarship Department, Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, commented: 'Workshops such as this have an essential role in ensuring young Qataris gain the qualifications and expertise they require to serve the nation in the field of research and development, supporting the activation of scientific research, and emphasising its importance to achieving the objectives of the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

The Peninsula