QF R&D awards to be announced next week

This year’s upcoming Annual Research Conference 2016 (ARC’16) is set to reveal the winners of Qatar Foundation Research & Development’s (QF R&D) Best Research Project Award and Best Innovation Award.
The Best Research Project Award is funded by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a member of QF R&D, and recognises achievements and excellence in research in 2015. The award brings to light contributions made to knowledge and science that have had an impact on policy making or capacity building in Qatar.
Over 71 projects were thoroughly reviewed by the QNRF Director’s Committee. The award takes into consideration the level of scientific excellence in terms of publications, citations, and patents, as well as the lasting effects of the project, including societal impact, enhancement of a research culture inside Qatar, and the effectiveness of collaboration and international recognition.
“The local research and development portfolio is making significant progress due to the calibre of creativity and innovation of the research community within Qatar. Acknowledging the advancements not only helps to bring forth the framework stipulated within Qatar’s National Research Strategy, but also validates our investment in our human capital,” said Dr Hamad al-Ibrahim, executive vice president of QF R&D.
The Best Innovation Award recognises the most innovative project processed by Qatar Foundation’s Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IPTT) for its commercial potential, marketability, and contribution towards developing Qatar’s knowledge and innovation based economy.
The award formally identifies an invention created by a Qatar entity partially or entirely supported by Qatar Foundation.   Candidates for the award were selected from QF’s intellectual property portfolio. The winner was selected out of 280 inventions.
QF R&D’s flagship event is set to take place on March 22-23 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Bringing together some of the world’s brightest minds, ARC’16 provides a platform to highlight the importance of strategic investment in research and innovation for the benefit of Qatar’s society while addressing the country’s national Research Grand Challenges on a global scale.