By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

The grand challenges that have been identified by Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R& D) can open up a world of opportunities for Qatar and help in diversifying the economy, a senior official said.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference yesterday, Thomas Zacharia, executive vice-president of research and development, QF, presented three key points to overcome the challenges and creating opportunities for Qatar.
“Translating science into innovation, opportunity to create a global nexus of scientific talent and growing economic clusters through impactful science can not only address the grand challenges of the country but also create diverse opportunities.”
Commenting on the three grand challenges of energy, water and cyber security, Zacharia admitted that they are big challenges.
“They are big problems for the country but they also create a number of  opportunities for Qatar. They offer an opportunity for Qatar for offering solutions locally, opportunities for leading technologically and opportunities for new businesses here in Qatar in our drive towards a knowledge-based society. Producing 1gigawat of solar energy creates opportunities for new technologies and businesses in Qatar. Renewable energy gives way for new technologies.”
The official also emphasised the importance of developing local talents in scientific areas. He highlighted the recently launched doctorate programme to nurture local talents that started off with three Qatari students.
“It is a good beginning. We need to inculcate the spirit of science among the high school students. It is not enough to nurture local talents alone but we need to attract international talent particularly in the near term to strengthen our international linkage. We are developing a world class environment for scientific development here in Qatar in research environment and infrastructure. We need to engage international scientists also in this regard,” he said.
Zacharia stated that the ultimate aim is to diversify the economy by growing economic prosperity through different partners. “This can be done through R&D investments, developing deep knowledge and capability in the grand challenges and proactively engaging the industry to facilitate knowledge and technology.”
He observed that in a diversified industry many researchers will be in the private sector. “QF R&D will promote diversified economic clusters. When we create this kind of R&D ecosystem and infrastructure, the multinationals will locate in this part of the world,” he said.