Increased interest among Qataris in QSLP programme

More than 220 applications have been received so far, with over 70% of them being in the Research Scientist track, which is tailored for Qataris who want to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in areas that will develop Qatar’s economic and scientific footprint.

This year, with the introduction of two new tracks, Research Undergraduate and Research Postdoctoral, the programme has been successful in reaching out to more Qataris interested in pursuing a career in science. In addition, QSLP also offers a Research Management track for those interested in the research administration field.

Dr Ayman Bassil, head of research training at Qatar Foundation Research & Development Division, said the country needed to train capable young Qataris who could lead the progress to achieve its research goals.

“The programme has proven to be an excellent capacity-building resource for this purpose. QSLP already has more than 50 young Qataris who are being trained at prestigious universities and research centres, abroad as well as locally, to become future scientific leaders in Qatar,” he explained.

QSLP is becoming increasingly popular among Qataris with excellent academic standing. It is structured in a manner that provides trainees with an expert training, mentoring and support system to help them pursue a career in science at world-class institutions.

Dr Khaled Machaca, associate dean for basic science research at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), said: “The programme has been exceptionally successful in identifying well-qualified candidates and matching them with opportunities that fit their career expectations and the needs of the country. WCMC-Q has had the privilege of training several QSLP candidates. We currently have four PhD candidates. Programmes such as QSLP are essential to build the human capacity needed to move Qatar towards a knowledge-based economy in line with the vision of the leadership.”

Kholoud al-Shafai, who trained under the programme and is currently a senior research associate at Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre, said QSLP has been instrumental in helping students attain higher education in world-class institutes.

Another graduate, Nada al-Olaqi, who is currently a senior research monitoring specialist at Qatar Foundation Research & Development Division, said that in addition to scientific researchers, Qatar needs experienced research management and administrative teams to carry out central research administrative functions, which include manpower and resource planning, reporting, proposal development, funding application, procurement, operational functions and organising research events.

Applications for this cycle of QSLP will be accepted until May 15.