Qatar University (QU) has announced the names of the awardees of the QU Humanities and Social Sciences research (QUHSS) grants for the year 2025 during a scientific gathering organized by the university, attended by a distinguished group of researchers and academics. This announcement comes as part of the university's commitment to supporting scientific research in areas that directly impact Qatari society and contribute to public policy development and sustainable development.
In his speech on the occasion, Dr. Omar Al Ansari, President of QU, expressed his pleasure at launching this pioneering research program, noting the special importance that QU places on the humanities and social sciences.
He stated, "I am pleased to welcome you today to this distinguished scientific meeting, where we announce the names of the awardees of the Humanities and Social Sciences Grants for the year 2025, as part of the pioneering initiative launched by QU to support and advance the humanities and social sciences. QU has paid special attention to these sciences, believing that they represent a cornerstone in building a comprehensive knowledge-based society."
Dr. Al Ansari further emphasised that these grants reflect the university's orientation toward empowering interdisciplinary research teams, stating, "Through this program, we aim to enhance academic performance, achieve excellence in research, education, and community service, address societal challenges, nurture talent, build capacities, and actively contribute to shaping effective policies that support decision-makers."
He also explained that QU, through this program, seeks to expand academic collaboration, and effectively contribute to public policy formulation - supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Dr. Al Ansari extended his thanks to the Office of Research Support, the working teams, and the evaluation committees for their professionalism and transparency in selecting the winning projects.
Dr. Al Ansari concluded his speech with an open invitation to all researchers: "I invite everyone to seize this opportunity to produce high-quality, impactful research outputs and to actively participate in the Annual Humanities and Social Sciences Forum and all related activities."
This year's winning projects included distinguished studies on critical topics such as integrating national identity into educational curricula, empowering Qatari women in both public and private sectors, preserving national cultural heritage, enhancing financial literacy among youth, and the role of the family in social stability. Additionally, several studies focused on environmental sustainability and the impact of climate change on local communities. These projects were notable for their interdisciplinary nature, combining expertise from the humanities and social sciences with applied sciences, engineering, health, and information technology - reflecting the integrated research approach QU aims to achieve.
This year will also witness the launch of the second cycle of the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Grants Program, within an enhanced framework aligned with the university's strategic directions and aimed at strengthening its position as a leading academic institution both locally and regionally. There will be an Annual Humanities and Social Sciences Forum that will also be held as a central platform for fostering collaboration, dialogue among researchers, sharing experiences, and expanding academic networks.
Emphasizing the continuity of this research approach, Dr. Al Ansari noted, "This path will continue in the second cycle of the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Grants Program, which is part of the internal grants and is set to launch its ninth cycle tomorrow, within an improved and enhanced framework that reflects the strategic directions and research aspirations of the University."
In his remarks, Prof. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, highlighted the university's research priorities for the 2025-2030 period, stating, "As part of its firm commitment to supporting the national research ecosystem, QU has outlined its research priorities for the period 2025-2030 in alignment with the strategic directions of the state. These priorities cover key areas such as health, resource sustainability, digital technology, society, and energy - reflecting the university's central role in addressing national challenges and fostering innovation."
He added, "QU embodies its commitment to community service by advancing research in the humanities and social sciences, in line with its strategic priorities, through the launch of supportive research programs that contribute to developing knowledge related to societal issues."
He also emphasized QU's dedication to building research capacity through a diverse portfolio of internal research grants. These include Capacity Building Grants, Collaborative Grants, Institutional Collaboration Grants, Government and Industry Collaboration Grants, the Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Grant, Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Research Grants, Postdoctoral Researcher Grants, Student Research Grants, and the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Humanities and Social Sciences Grant. These initiatives play a vital role in preparing competent researchers who contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision.
Dr. Saeed Al Meer, Director of Research Support (Grants and Contracts), honored the awardees.
The winners of the Humanities and Social Sciences Grants were Dr. Turki Obaid Al Marri, Assistant Professor of Fiqh and Usul Al Fiqh , College of Sharia and Islamic Studies; Dr. Shaikha Al Kuwari, Assistant Professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Israa Al Muftah, Assistant Professor of Educational Sciences, College of Education; Dr. Hamad Al Ghadeed, Assistant Professor of History, College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Amna Sadiq, Assistant Professor of Gulf Studies, College of Arts and Sciences.
The QUHSS grants represent a national investment in interdisciplinary knowledge, aimed at linking research with policy formulation and empowering researchers to address the most pressing societal challenges. As the initiative continues to evolve, it reinforces the university's - and the nation's - status as a regional hub for innovative, comprehensive, and impactful scientific research.
