HBKU, ICSS establish knowledge partnership

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly exploit opportunities for cooperation and collaboration on sport and health, safety and security, and youth education.

Enhanced cooperation brings together resources, expertise, and knowledge, enabling HBKU and the ICSS to expand their roles as hubs of expertise and advice for governments, sport bodies, and other stakeholders. Priority areas, which include health-related threats and cybersecurity in sport — as well as sport and entertainment management — align with HBKU’s established research programmes, while the ICSS’s work to safeguard sport integrity is supported by partnerships with Qatari and international stakeholders. 

Those include the World Health Organization, other UN agencies, the European Union, international and continental sport bodies, and others.

Massimiliano Montanari, ICSS Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, Vice-President for Research at HBKU and VP for Research, Development and Innovation at Qatar Foundation, signed the agreement on behalf of their two entities during a ceremony at the HBKU headquarters.

Dr. O’Kennedy said, “One of HBKU’s fundamental pillars that defines our competitiveness is our collaboration with world-leading organisations and institutions. We are pleased to establish this partnership with the ICSS to jointly work on initiatives that enhance the ability of our organisations to strengthen the educational and social role of sport. It will also further enrich local research and innovation capability to support Qatar in its emerging role as a major international sporting hub ahead of the FIFA World Cup.”

Montanari commented, “We are keen to initiate this cooperation with HBKU as a leading national academic institute and we foresee a productive and knowledge-driven collaboration. With Qatar’s imminent hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, our joint effort will contribute resources, expertise, and certified training that integrate current methodologies and international best practices to safeguard sport. Our commitment is always to promote the instrumental role of sport in addressing societal issues and creating opportunities for youth.”