Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq) is looking to diversify its research portfolio and attract more funding through various ways and means, the dean of the university has said .

“ At present we get around $4mn from the industries annually, but we would like to double this amount and we look at the industry for more support. We also have to explore more collaborations which is another way to bring more money for research,” Dean Dr. César O Malavé, told Gulf Times.
Dr. Malavé observed that state funding for research is going down all across the world and it has to be compensated through other sources. “We have to diversify our research portfolio so that we can get more funding from industries and private resources. It would be excellent if we can double the amount of corporate funding for our research programmes. We also intend to approach foundations in the country for supporting our activities.”
Dr. Malavé , who who took charge of the office in July this year said that he had set three goals for the university in the near future. “I look forward to more collaboration, more diversification and transformative educational experience for the students. Similarly, students must be given more opportunities to engage in activities outside the classroom such as internships and study travels.”
The official stated that more collaboration is one way for better research programmes. “The research programme at Tamuq has been very important and very successful and has been looking at some of the key challenges of Qatar. I am looking at stronger collaborations with other universities not only in the Education City, even outside,” he emphasised.
“ If we can widen the collaboration with other entities in the country and outside, it can also benefit us financially. If the faculty at Tamuq can collaborate with the faculty at the main campus, there are opportunities for more grants from the funding agencies in the US,” he continued.
Dr. Malavé also pointed out that research portfolio diversification also aims at getting support from private foundations in the country. “We may have to approach foundations in the country. They have a clear and specific goal. This might help us in getting some assistance,” he noted.
The dean hinted that the university would try to become more economical with the research funds. “We also want to be more efficient with our research funding. Right now we are doing our research programmes with post -doctoral people. If I am successful in establishing a PhD programme, I can do research with PG students,” he highlighted.
The official indicated that there are two advantages in this regard. “By accommodating PG students for research, research becomes more educational. Moreover, the cost for a PG student is lower than that of a post-doctoral student. Most of the research in the US is done with PG students,” he added.
Tamuq has been providing its educational experience for the last 13 years since its inception in 2003. It participates in research activities now valued at more than $236.4 mn, which address issues important to Qatar.