Cardiovascular Centre and University join hands

DohaQatar University (QU) and Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre (QCRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate joint research on cardiovascular health and to assist the staff to achieve professional excellence.The agreement was signed by QU vice president for research Dr Hassan al-Derham and QCRC executive director Prof Magdi Yacoub in the presence of QU president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad.The MoU will also facilitate the sharing or creation of educational materials and resources, contractual services, student sponsorship and enhance access to research facilities.With the agreement, QU students will be able to conduct research at the Centre’s facilities under the supervision of its researchers and QCRC researchers could engage in sponsored research on QU campus.Dr al-Derham said that the collaboration with QCRC marked a new era in efforts to give priority to topics on cardiovascular health in the research agenda of QU. It is in tune with stated goals of the newly-established Biomedical Research Centre (QUBRC).“This will also enhance Qatar University’s capacity to produce graduates who are well-equipped to tackle emerging health challenges,” he explained.Prof Yacoub said: “In the last two years we have been impressed by the quality of some of the young scientists joining QCRC from Qatar University. Over this time we have also begun collaborations on some aspects of research, and we have started teaching a Master’s course as part of an expanding QU graduate programme.“I am therefore delighted to take this next step, that is to cement our partnership in developing tomorrow’s research leaders in Qatar.”QUBRC director Dr Asmaa al-Thani said that the partnership would give the Centre the momentum to achieve its objective of becoming a model of excellence in interdisciplinary biomedical research.  “It consolidates and further empowers our vision to leverage on Qatar University’s internal human and infrastructural resources and the expanding network of organisations in Qatar with interest in biomedical research," she added.