HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, yesterday graced the opening session of the Annual Research Conference 2014 (ARC’14), organised by the Qatar Foundation Research and  Development (QF R&D) at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

The opening plenary session was attended by a number of ministers, senior officials of QF R&D, leading scientists and researchers from around the world, experts and specialists in different fields and a number specially invited guests.

ARC’14, held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, supports QF R&D’s mission to build Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity while addressing immediate social needs in the community.

Thirty three graduates of the Qatar Science Leadership Programme (QSLP) were honoured during the opening session. The QSLP programme runs in three streams of leadership, management and research.

This year’s conference with the theme  ‘Towards World-Class Research and Innovation’ examines research priorities closely aligned to the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS), including Water Security, Energy Security, Cyber Security and Integrated Healthcare.

Participating in the opening plenary panel, Faisal M Alsuwaidi, president, QF R&D, discussed the future of Qatar’s research agenda with world-renowned scientists. He also narrated how the whole idea of research and development was conceived and is being executed in the country.

“Over the past five years,  our business model has focused on building local infrastructure. We are fully aware this is not something that can be achieved in the short term, but is rather a long term investment – managing expectations around this is essential. As we move forward, a successful research model will depend on building bridges between industry and research,” he said.

“As Qatar and the international science and research community come together, it is our pleasure and privilege to have such influential expertise in Doha to partner with us on our mission towards world-class research and innovation, to support Qatar’s transition to a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. ARC is our flagship event and provides a uniquely dynamic platform for advancing the country’s ambitious national research agenda. We have come together to find local solutions to global problems.”

The two-day conference will discuss Qatar’s several challenges in various sectors such as energy, water, environment, cyber, health among others. It will  continue building on previous successes for the fifth consecutive year, offering thought-provoking panel discussions, technical presentations, and high-powered debates where leading experts will share constructive experiences and innovative approaches.