Qatar University (QU) has achieved full membership in the IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence, an international institutional non-profit association of ranking organisations, universities, and other bodies interested in university rankings and academic excellence.
Admission to IREG membership is based on recommendation from two sitting members. As the observatory’s most recent member, QU joins a list of 40 members comprising universities, higher education institutes, and quality assurance and rankings organisations from around the world.
The certificate of membership was presented to QU vice president and chief financial officer Dr Humaid al-Midfaa by IREG president Dr Jan Sadiak at the opening session of the IREG Forum on “Rankings by Subject: Inclusive Approach to University Performance” held at Aalborg University in Denmark from June 10 to 12.
The forum was organised by IREG Observatory and Aaalborg University. It was the first forum for QU to attend as an IREG member.
The conference discussed how rankings reflect on the quality of higher education in different fields of study, highlighting how the issues are important not only to universities but also to employers, industry and policymakers, as the quality of higher education determines the level of quality and excellence of graduates and their ability to contribute to the economy and society.
Dr Humaid said, “We are honoured to join the list of prestigious higher education and rankings organsations, who are IREG members and extend our sincere thanks to IREG for this
recognition.
“It is indeed an honour and an achievement of which we are very proud. We are equally pleased to be here at the forum where we can all share our thoughts, opinions, and experiences on the issue of rankings, at the same time meeting many of our partners as well as
prospective collaborators.”
He added that as Qatar’s first national institution of higher education, QU is now on its 42nd year and has grown to become a leader in academic and research excellence in the GCC region.
“At Qatar University, we deeply appreciate how rankings impact on a university’s positioning on a domestic, regional, and international level and its role in informing students and parents, policymakers, quality assurance and funding organisations, employers and the media of the university’s brand, its mission and vision,” he said.
Dr Humaid drew reference to QU hosting within this year alone two leading international and regional conferences: the Times Higher Education Mena Universities Summit and the fifth QS Middle East and North Africa Professional Leaders in Education Conference and
Exhibition.  
“Our aim is to advance regional and international dialogue on higher education quality and the importance of international reputation in expanding horizons, including for collaboration and exchange of experiences and partnerships that are undeniably key drivers of progress in higher education.”