QNRF awards 13 grants to postdoctoral scientists

The awarded candidates of the first cycle of the Postdoctoral Research Award (PDRA) are from Qatar University (QU), Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI).

One of the awarded proposals from TAMUQ will investigate an efficient way of converting carbon dioxide into methanol to reduce emissions and develop low-cost, efficient and sustainable alternative energy resources.

A proposal from QU will seek to develop inexpensive, high-performance electric generators by converting heat energy from the sun into electrical energy, whereas another from QEERI will utilise several methods to develop graphene, a strong, pure carbon known to conduct heat and electricity with great efficiency. The goal of the research is to control the surface wettability of graphene in order to improve electrochemical energy storage.

QNRF programmes are designed to engage researchers with different levels of experience, from students to top-tier scientists. PDRA is one of QNRF’s new funding programmes created to attract the best PhD graduates from around the world to pursue their research careers in institutions within Qatar.

PDRA funds researchers in Qatar who have earned their PhD degree no more than five years prior to the proposal submission. The submitted proposals undergo two rounds of rigorous review - a scientific merit review and a programmatic review. The funding programme provides successful applicants with up to two years of financial support, which can be extended for one additional year.

Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, executive director, QNRF, said the goal of PDRA is to attract top-notch postdoctoral scholars to work within research groups located in Qatar in areas considered as national priorities as outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy.

“We are confident that, by supporting their efforts, we will contribute in helping Qatar develop into a hub of research excellence and ensure Qatar’s competitiveness in the global economy.”

Dr Abdulnasser al-Ansari, deputy executive director at QNRF, explained that the proposals look into finding solutions for pressing environmental issues in Qatar as well as creating innovative technology that will raise Qatar’s profile in the global research arena. “Through this programme we are not only creating research opportunities but also highlighting the significant potential of early-career investigators.”