Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) has introduced a new forum to discuss the issues and opportunities facing different sectors of Qatar’s economy. 
The Dean’s Panel Series brings together experts from government, research and industry to delve into topical and relevant questions within each of CMU-Q’s programme areas. This semester, panels have included topics within the areas of biological science and information systems.
Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, said: “To have a transformative impact on society, the first step is to understand the issues that industry leaders, policy makers and government officials are facing. The Dean’s Panel Series is an excellent forum for the community to learn more about where we can make the most significant, meaningful impact.” 
The first panel of the academic year discussed the burgeoning pharmaceutical industry in Qatar. The panel included experts in the research, policy, regulation and manufacture of pharmaceuticals in Qatar: Dr Ahmed al-Mohanadi, CEO of QLife Pharma; Dr Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute; Dr Emad Mansour, supervisor - drug registration, Ministry of Public Health; and Dr Salvino Salvaggio, senior director of implementation and V-P - RDI Office Management. 
CMU-Q’s second panel discussed e-commerce and its role in the future success of Qatar. The panel included Faleh al-Naemi, chairperson and managing director of Qatar Post; Amna Jassim Sultan, Isteshara manager of Qatar Development Bank; and Amina Ahmadi, co-founder of Oola Sports.
CMU-Q offers undergraduate degree programmes in biological sciences, business administration, computational biology, computer science and information systems. The Dean’s Panel Series will return in early 2019 with topics crucial to the areas of business administration and computer science.