United Kingdom-Qatar co-operation has been further strengthened with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on environmental research, development and the exchange of
academic staff and students.
The five-year agreement was signed by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, UK (Cefas), and Qatar University (QU).
The partnership aims to strengthen research and education at both institutions, enhancing collaboration and mutual understanding between academics and students.
Areas of co-operation are expected to include environmental education programmes, joint research activities and publications, exchange of staff, scholars and students, exchange of academic information and materials and participation in seminars, conferences and academic meetings.
Separate agreements detailing specific institutional activities, for example with the university’s Environmental Studies Centre (ESC), are
expected to follow.
Mike Waldock, chief executive officer, Cefas, said, “This new academic partnership heralds an important new era for UK-Qatar collaboration in the fields of environmental studies, marine science and research. We very much look forward to working in co-operation with our Qatari partners to deliver mutual benefits for both organisations, our countries and most importantly our shared global environment.”
QU president Prof Sheika Abdulla al-Misnad said, “Following the successful seminar in April hosted by the Environmental Studies Centre at Qatar University for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science of the UK Government’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, I am pleased to announce that a memorandum of understanding has been signed between ESC and Cefas to begin a scientific partnership and collaboration.
“Cefas is the leading government scientific body on marine science in the UK and is renowned internationally for its evidence-based scientific guidance on the marine environment. Cefas has active projects in the Gulf region and its partnership with ESC will benefit not only Qatar, but the GCC region as a whole.
“ESC’s collaboration with Cefas will provide invaluable access to Cefas laboratories and expertise for staff and students at Qatar University, and will stimulate greater scientific exchange and endeavour between Qatar and the UK. In short, this is a major opportunity that will lead to many excellent research opportunities within a strong, scientific framework.”
ESC’s marine research vessel Janan.
