QFFD, Qatar University to support research in developing world

Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar University (QU) to establish collaboration in the field of education and research and promote studies on areas of interest in developing countries.
The MoU was signed by QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham and QFFD director general Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari in the presence of officials from both institutions.
The terms of the MoU include collaboration between QU and QFFD to promote and support research in developing countries in line with QFFD’s strategy. Both parties will co-operate to build research labs and centres, to provide financial support for the establishment of research infrastructure and to implement joint research projects that are of benefit to developing countries.
Other areas of collaboration include the preparation and training of students from developing countries to enrol in QU graduate programmes or to conduct a part of their research at QU, the provision of training and consultancy services by QU faculty and researchers to universities in  developing countries, as well as the development of intellectual property in these universities and the support of innovation and development opportunities through the use of technology.
In his remarks, Dr al-Derham said: “Our partnership with QFFD will provide us with the opportunity to communicate and interact with developing countries. It will contribute to strengthening links between QU and QFFD to support and promote research in developing countries.
“Both institutions will collaborate on the establishment of laboratories and research centres in these countries, as well as the implementation of joint research projects that are of benefit to these countries. Students from developing countries will also have the opportunity to enrol in QU graduate programmes and to benefit from the ‘graduate studies assistant programme’ in collaboration with QFFD.”
Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari said: “This MoU aligns with QFFD’s efforts to achieve an integrated system of co-operation with institutions and organisations at the local and international level. It also reflects our commitment to establish effective partnership and strategic co-operation with local and international institutions from the private and public sectors, in order to promote education and research in developing countries.”