Qatar University (QU) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sidra Medical and Research Center (Sidra) to establish collaboration in the field of education, clinical training, and research.
The MoU was signed by QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham and Sidra CEO Peter Morris in the presence of QU vice president for Medical and Health Sciences and dean of the College of Medicine (CMED) Dr Egon Toft, dean of QU College of Pharmacy (CPH) Dr Mohamed Diab, and officials from both the institutions as well as QU faculty and staff.
The terms of the MoU include collaboration between QU and Sidra on medical and health research through the establishment of joint research projects in line with Qatar’s national priorities and the National Research Strategy, and through the cross-funding of joint research and graduate student projects. They also include cross appointments whereby Sidra health practitioners will co-supervise QU students and deliver specific courses and lectures at QU, and QU clinical staff will carry out patient-care responsibilities at Sidra and gain access to facilities relevant to their teaching and research interests at Sidra.
Both institutions will also collaborate on the design and implementation of continuing professional development activities in the field of pharmacy, health sciences and medical education.
Other areas of collaboration include the provision of scholarships and student sponsorship to QU students in health related programmes, and the organisation of joint conferences, seminars, workshops, and health-awareness and outreach activities.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr al-Derham said: “It is a great pleasure to sign the second MoU within this week and this time with Sidra Medical and Research Center, one of the world-class research centres. This MoU will provide the members of QU Health with opportunities to work together with Sidra’s researchers. Health care and wellness are one of QU’s health priorities, and through this MoU, both institutions will organise joint conferences and workshops.”
Morris pointed out that Sidra is built on a foundation of three pillars – patient care, biomedical research and medical education. “Our partnership with QU is an exemplary showcase of our collaboration across all three pillars. This is the start of a strong relationship that will help establishing collaborative pathways that will change lives. Not only that of the young professionals coming out of QU, but also how our joint efforts will impact on the health care needs of the women and children of Qatar.”