Latest news with #AimanErbad
Qatar Tribune
28-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
‘Environmental sustainability is key focus of QU's educational plans'
QNA Doha Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at Qatar University (QU) Prof. Aiman Erbad, emphasized that the university is one of the leading academic institutions in the region that pays great attention to environmental studies and research. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr Erbad said that the university seeks to promote environmental sustainability through advanced scientific research, developing innovative solutions, and building local and international partnerships to address these challenges. He highlighted the university's advanced research facilities specializing in the environment and sustainability. QU adopts a clear vision to support sustainable development in the country and the region, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the university's own strategy, he said, noting that environmental sustainability is a key focus of its research and educational plans. The scientific research sector at QU has witnessed remarkable growth over the past five years (2020-2024), reflecting the university's commitment to strengthening its research standing at the local and international levels. Figures indicate that the number of scientific publications increased by 24.1 percent, reaching 11,260 during this period. This growth is a clear indicator of the university's research momentum across various disciplines. The Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU noted that environmental research and studies receive significant attention as part of the university's role in supporting the state's efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainability. He stated that environmental concern is a top priority at the educational and research levels, in line with national priorities in scientific research and the growing government interest in the environmental sector. In this context, he spoke about a number of academic programs, scientific initiatives, and research centers and facilities dedicated to environmental studies, including the Bachelor of Environmental Science program at the College of Arts and Sciences, an accredited program that is the first in the Qatar. He stated that the program is designed to address the growing environmental issues and challenges, particularly those related to the environment in Qatar and the region in general. Dr Erbad added that the College of Business and Economics also offers a number of courses on the environment and sustainability, in addition to its various initiatives, including the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability, which facilitates collaboration on various aspects of climate change and environmental research and sustainability practices in the business community. Moreover, he indicated that the College of Engineering has a Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, which represents a significant shift in responding to environmental challenges in the field of civil and architectural engineering. This is in addition to other academic efforts by various colleges and departments at the university, aiming to create cognitive and societal awareness about the environment, its associated challenges, and the role required to address these challenges. He emphasized that these efforts translate the university's vision and plans, which are aligned with government interests and priorities included in national development strategies. On the research front, the Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies highlighted several advanced research centers focused on environmental issues. He noted the existence of an integrated system addressing environmental concerns across land, sea, and air. The Environmental Science Center (ESC) at is one of the most important and oldest research centers at QU. Established in 1980 as the Scientific and Applied Research Center, its name was changed in 2005 to the Environmental Studies Center, and then to the Environmental Science Center in 2015. Today, the ESC includes several research teams: the Marine Sciences Team, which includes physical and chemical oceanography; the environmental team, which includes marine and terrestrial biology; and the Atmospheric and Earth Sciences Team. The center also owns an advanced research vessel, the RV Janan, equipped with the latest technologies for studying the marine environment. The center also houses the UNESCO Chair in Marine Sciences, established in 2020. This Chair is the first of its kind in the region and contributes to promoting sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, increasing scientific knowledge, developing research capabilities, and enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate-related risks and other threats. ESC also holds academic chairs, including the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Chair. In the same context, Dr Aiman Erbad highlighted the pivotal role of the Agricultural Research Station that aims to develop innovative agricultural technologies to provide the best ways to utilize available natural resources and address the challenges of dryland agriculture. Among the key research facilities discussed by the Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU is the Center for Advanced Materials, established in 2012. This Center plays a key role in promoting and supporting multidisciplinary research in materials science and engineering, focusing on priority sectors such as oil and gas, water, and local manufacturing industries. The center includes the UNESCO Research Chair in Water Desalination and Treatment, the first of its kind in the Gulf region. Through its partnerships with international universities and research institutions, the Chair contributes to addressing water security, which is one of the biggest challenges in the Arabian Gulf region. Furthermore, Prof. Erbad noted that over the past two years, QU has implemented several transformative research projects that have contributed to achieving qualitative results in the field of environment, among other areas, and have directly contributed to supporting the country's development plans. He stated that these projects include a solar-powered water desalination project, which aims to provide sustainable solutions to the problem of water scarcity in Qatar and the region; a sustainable smart cities project, in collaboration with government agencies, to develop smart and environmentally friendly infrastructure; and a project to produce biomaterials from industrial waste to support the circular economy and reduce environmental impact. He pointed out that, in addition to its academic and research efforts, the university is adopting initiatives to raise environmental awareness in cooperation with several relevant entities. These initiatives include the student competition Environmental and Climate Change Awareness Campaign. At the end of his interview with QNA, the Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU emphasized that the university, as a national institution for education and research, contributes effectively to supporting the country's efforts in the field of environment and promoting sustainable development goals through diverse research covering strategic topics in areas that have a direct impact on quality of life and environmental and economic development, in line with QNV 2030.
Qatar Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QU, World Summit AI Qatar ink cooperation agreement
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar University (QU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Summit AI Qatar (InspiredMinds) as part of the university's efforts to advance the knowledge-based economy, promote scientific research, and contribute to building national capacities in the field of artificial intelligence, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country's digital agenda. World Summit AI (WSAI) is the largest recognised AI community globally and has become the most important summit on the planet dedicated to advancing strategies for AI development. Spotlighting the wide-ranging applications, potential risks, inherent benefits, and remarkable opportunities associated with AI advancements worldwide, WSAI has cemented its status as the definitive platform for shaping the future of this transformative technology. The MoU was signed by Dr. Aiman Erbad, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, and Sarah Porter, CEO and Founder of InspiredMinds, the organizing body of the World Summit AI. The signing ceremony was attended by officials from QU, InspiredMinds, and representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Under this agreement, QU will serve as the official exclusive education partner of the AI Summit in Qatar from 2025 to 2028. This partnership will offer unique opportunities for students and faculty to engage with international experts, showcase their research and entrepreneurial projects, and participate in hands-on activities such as specialized classes, advisory clinics, and global discussion sessions. QU reaffirmed its pivotal role as a leading regional centre in artificial intelligence, innovation, and future technologies. The four-year partnership will enhance the university's ability to shape the scientific content of the summit, narrate its strategic journey, and organize high-quality sessions that highlight its academic and research excellence. It will also strengthen local and international partnerships and attract collaborators from various sectors, further establishing QU as a globally impactful academic institution. The World summit AI serves as a prominent platform for transforming academic excellence into tangible impact by spotlighting applied research, student innovations, and emerging technologies in sectors such as health, business, and AI infrastructure. This participation supports the innovation and entrepreneurship framework at QU, reflecting its journey from idea to research, commercialization, and national transformation. In his statement, Dr. Aiman Erbad, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, said, 'This agreement reflects QU's firm commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation and reaffirms the university's leadership in supporting digital transformation and developing AI technologies to benefit both Qatari and global communities. Our new partnership with InspiredMinds will empower our researchers and students to explore the latest advancements in AI and enhance their ability to develop practical solutions across various sectors.' He added that through this collaboration, the university aims to support Qatar's efforts in achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by advancing the knowledge-based economy and developing the research and innovation infrastructure—with a focus on the human and ethical dimensions of building trustworthy and secure intelligent systems. Dr. Erbad emphasized that QU is fully aware of today's global challenges—from economic shifts to rapid technological transformations—which require interdisciplinary research that produces deep, impactful scientific responses. Accordingly, the university has placed scientific research at the core of its vision, mission, and research priorities. Hassan Jassim Al Sayed, minister's advisor and Artificial Intelligence Committee chairman, at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), said, 'We are pleased to have Qatar University on board as the education partner of the World Summit AI Qatar. This partnership is fully aligned with the priorities of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in building a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and digital technologies.' He added, 'Empowering national talent in the field of artificial intelligence and strengthening collaboration with academic institutions and global tech companies are two foundational pillars in our efforts to develop an advanced and sustainable digital ecosystem. We are confident that this partnership will open new horizons for cutting-edge research, applied projects, and technological innovations that will have a tangible impact on accelerating digital transformation across the country's key sectors.' Sarah Porter, CEO and founder of InspiredMinds, the organizing body of the World AI Summit, also commented, 'Our partnership with Qatar University comes at a critical moment for scientific and technological research. Now is the time to invest in cutting-edge, explorative studies that drive real world impact for humanity, so we are delighted to be partnering with such an institution of academic excellence'.
Qatar Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QU, World Summit AI Qatar sign MoU to promote scientific research
Qatar University (QU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Summit AI Qatar (InspiredMinds) as part of the university's efforts to advance the knowledge-based economy, promote scientific research, and contribute to building national capacities in artificial intelligence, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country's digital agenda. The MoU was signed by Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU Dr. Aiman Erbad, and CEO and Founder of InspiredMinds Sarah Porter, the organizing body of the World Summit AI. Under the agreement, QU will serve as the official exclusive education partner of the AI Summit in Qatar from 2025 to 2028. The partnership will offer unique opportunities for students and faculty to engage with international experts, showcase their research and entrepreneurial projects, and participate in hands-on activities. (QNA) page 12
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QU, Wifaq sign MoU to boost research, family services
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar University (QU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Family Consulting Center 'Wifaq' to strengthen joint cooperation in the exchange of expertise and knowledge in research, training, and related fields. This partnership aims to support research and social development efforts that benefit Qatari society and improve the quality of family services. The MoU was signed by Dr Aiman Erbad, vice president for research and graduate studies at QU, and Engineer Jaber Rashid Al-Nuaimi, executive director of Wifaq, in the presence of several officials from both organisations. The agreement outlines the mutual exchange of expertise and information, including publications, periodicals, studies, statistics, and data. It also encompasses the organisation of joint studies, research projects, conferences, meetings, and training programmes, as well as cooperation in any other relevant and mutually beneficial areas. In a statement, Dr Aiman Erbad said: 'This collaboration forms part of QU's commitment to its societal role and its engagement with various national institutions to foster partnerships based on knowledge exchange and expertise. It also aims to develop research and studies that address pressing societal issues. At QU, we believe that the impact of research and training is truly realised when it connects with reality and responds to community needs. This partnership with Wifaq is a living example of the convergence between knowledge and practice, and between academic work and field-based social initiatives.' He added: 'Through this MoU, we look forward to implementing specialised training programmes, conducting joint scientific studies, and developing knowledge databases that could serve as a national reference in the field of family and social relations.' For his part, Engineer Jaber bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi stated: 'At Wifaq, we believe in the importance of integration between academic and social institutions. Signing this MoU with QU marks a pivotal step towards leveraging the university's scientific and research capabilities to enhance our tools and services in line with the needs of families and society.' He added: 'Through this collaboration, we aim to build a shared knowledge base and develop specialised training programmes that strengthen the competencies of social service providers and connect fieldwork with accurate, research-based outcomes.'
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HBKU co-hosts the 14th Materials Science and Engineering Symposium 2025
Doha – Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) partnered with Qatar University (QU) and Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) to organize the Annual Materials Science and Engineering Symposium (MSES-2025) with generous support from Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO). Taking place on April 14, the Symposium brought together over 190 participants, including national and international experts from academia, research institutes, industry, government entities, as well as graduate and undergraduate students, for a day of discussions centered on the recent technological advancement in the development and applications of resilient and sustainable materials. Held under the theme "Advancing Resilient and Sustainable Materials through Technological Innovation" the event also highlighted materials technologies that contribute to economic diversification in alignment with the third Qatar National Development Strategy. This edition of the Symposium featured keynote and invited presentations, industry showcases, undergraduate and graduate research presentations, and a panel discussion on synergizing collaboration among all stakeholders to advance the field of sustainable and resilient materials. The Symposium began with introductory remarks delivered by Dr. Eyad Masad, Vice President for Research, HBKU, Professor Aiman Erbad, Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies, QU, and Dr. Patrick Linke, Executive Associate Dean, TAMUQ. These were followed by keynote presentations, innovation challenges for undergraduate and postgraduate researchers, a technology showcase of relevant innovations by Qatari companies, and a panel discussion. The Symposium concluded with an open discussion among participants, closing expert remarks, and an award ceremony. Commenting on the Symposium, Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Dean, CSE, remarked: 'For the past 15 years, this event has consistently attracted high-caliber academics, students, and industry professionals to discuss topics vital to the advancement of the research and development in the areas of material science and sustainability in the State of Qatar and beyond. This was a day filled with insightful discussions and overviews of innovative projects highlighting the synergy between resilience and sustainability. We're grateful to our colleagues at QU and TAMUQ for their support in co-organizing and delivering this Symposium.' HBKU looks forward to organizing and hosting future editions of the Annual Materials Science and Engineering Symposium. About Hamad Bin Khalifa University Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. For more information about HBKU, visit About the College of Science and Engineering One of the longest established colleges at HBKU, the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) graduates the highest number of students and offers the largest portfolio of degree programs within the University. HBKU's CSE is home to the supplementary Division of Engineering Management and Decision Sciences, Division of Sustainable Development, and the Division of Information and Computing Technology, which together form a unique, multidisciplinary education and research environment of the highest caliber. For more information about HBKU's CSE, visit
