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Qatar University (QU) and Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre (QCRC) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate joint research in the area of cardiovascular health, mobility of faculty, scholars, and students, and staff professional development. |
The agreement was signed by QU vice president for research Dr Hassan al-Derham and QCRC executive director professor Magdi Yacoub in the presence of QU president professor Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad.
The MoU will also facilitate the sharing or creation of educational materials and resources, contractual services, student sponsorship and enhance access to research facilities.
QU students will now conduct research at the centre’s facilities under the supervision of its researchers and QCRC researchers may engage in sponsored research on QU campus.
Al-Derham said that the collaboration with QCRC marked a threshold in efforts to prioritise issues about cardiovascular health in the research agenda of QU as expressed in the goals of the newly-established Biomedical Research Centre (QUBRC).
“This will also enhance Qatar University’s capacity to produce graduates who will be well-equipped to tackle emerging health challenges,” he explained.
Prof Yacoub said: “In the last two years we have been impressed by the quality of some of the young scientists joining QCRC from Qatar University. Over this time we have also begun collaborations on some aspects of research, and we have started teaching a master’s course as part of an expanding QU graduate programme.
“I am therefore delighted to be taking this next step, in cementing our partnership, towards developing tomorrow’s research leaders in Qatar.”
QUBRC director Dr Asmaa al-Thani said that the partnership would give the centre the momentum to achieve its objective of becoming a model of excellence in interdisciplinary biomedical research that advances knowledge and improves health in Qatar and beyond through the establishment of platform technology and core facilities.
