Qatar holds 'Third Annual Research Forum'

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) has announced that its third Annual Research Forum, scheduled from 21 to 23 October, will serve as the venue for unveiling the Qatar National Research Strategy 2012. The forum will be held under the patronage of HH Chairperson of QF Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. "In its third year, the Annual Research Forum will recognize the incredible research progress being made by national stakeholders, international partners and multinational companies in Qatar and, for the first time, establish a roadmap for implementing the Qatar National Research Strategy," said Faisal Al Suwaidi, President of Research and Development at QF. Qatar aims to be an intellectual center for research and development excellence and innovation. Since the inaugural event in 2010, the QF Annual Research Forum has provided a venue to help achieve this goal by supporting and highlighting Qatar's research capabilities. The forum brings together researchers and leaders from Qatar and speakers from prominent institutions worldwide to present and discuss research developments, transfer knowledge, and build relationships for future collaboration.    In another first, the 2012 Forum is organized jointly with the Arab Expatriate Scientists Network (AESN). "As part of Qatar Foundation's efforts to reverse the drain of intellectual research talent from the region, we are working with the AESN to use this forum as a platform for strengthening and activating the network of Arab scientists around the world for collaborative research to address the region's needs," added Al Suwaidi. AESN members will serve as speakers and panelists at the forum, where they will also present their current research endeavors in alignment with Qatar's national research priorities. The forum will celebrate the contributions that expatriate Arab scientists have made to the country's progress in science and research. "As Qatar makes the transition from a carbon economy to a knowledge economy, scientific research is becoming one of the country's most promising areas of development," Al Suwaidi added. "This forum will function as the intellectual and physical hub for the world of science and research to network and learn about the leading edge research carried out at Qatar Foundation and in Qatar, benefitting Qatar, the region and the world." Abstracts for the forum must be submitted by 2 September and fall within one of the country's core research disciplines: health and biomedicine; energy and environment; computing and information technology; arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and Islamic studies. These disciplines form the forum s four research tracks. Exhibition stands at the forum, to be hosted at the Qatar National Convention Centre, will offer participants additional opportunities to network and learn more about the institutions, universities, hospitals, foundations, non-profits and government agencies that are leading Qatar s drive towards becoming a research powerhouse in the Gulf and the wider region. The forum will recognize research excellence among the professional and student researchers and award the best research in each track. Winning presentations will be selected by an expert panel of scientists that include members from AESN and industry leaders. The Annual Research Forum is a QF initiative rooted in the State of Qatar's national strategy to foster a community of research excellence and world-class education.  More information about abstract submission and exhibition opportunities can be found online at www.qf-arf.org. (qna)