Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) co-hosted the eighth Arab-American Frontiers of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Symposium online from November 1-4.
In his opening speech, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, HBKU President, highlighted the importance of the Arab-American Frontiers programme, which is celebrating 10 years, and how it contributes to HBKU’s own mission to develop national research capabilities that drive collaboration with the world’s best institutions.
“We believe that promoting science among the young generation is key for the development of Qatar, the Arab region, and the world at large. I urge you all to build as many bridges as you can with other scientists from the Arab region. Take this opportunity to collaborate, speak, and debate different ways that we could work together, as the result depends on your ability to build those bridges,” he said.
QNRF’s Dr. Munir Tag, Senior ICT Programme Manager, highlighted that QNRF funded collaborative projects with the US in all areas of science and technology, including energy, health, sustainable development, society and digital technology, which yielded high quality results.
“We look forward to transforming the outcomes of these projects into business opportunities and deeper impact for societal and economic benefits,” he said.
He also renewed QNRF’s commitment to engaging with its partners and to further developing these projects’ research outcomes; advancing cutting-edge research and innovation in science, engineering, and medicine; and fostering closer ties between Arab and American researchers, which were initiated through QNRF funding programmes.
The 2021 symposium featured more than 20 speakers and 64 poster presenters. Five sessions focused on research in the fields of advanced materials; e-health; water, food, and energy; emerging technologies and society as well as cybersecurity.
