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The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University has launched a new AI-powered platform called ThinQa, that converts biological research and principles into 3D-printable prototypes in minutes.“ThinQa is a research and development AI platform that combines biological research with advanced manufacturing capabilities to deliver unprecedented innovation, speed and accuracy. It generates biomimicry solutions using cutting-edge AI and transforms months of research into actionable prototypes in minutes,” Dr El Tayeb Bentria, scientist at QEERI told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.The platform uses a multi-agent AI system to analyse natural phenomena and rapidly generate manufacturable 3D designs based on biomimicry principles.“The platform is in its pilot phase and accessible online, with a full launch expected within a year. Patents have been submitted, and plans are underway to create a spinout. ThinQa is also expected to have a STEM-focused version to help students quickly develop 3D prototypes for projects,” disclosed Dr Bentria.According to the researcher, ThinQa can dramatically speed up research and prototyping by transforming biomimicry research into ready-to-print models. He explained: “It is particularly focused on material science and engineering, though it can also be applied to architecture and design. Researchers are currently testing prototypes, including improved CO₂ capture filters designed using nature-inspired shapes to enhance performance.”Dr Bentria said that the new platform can help understand the nature and environment in Qatar in a better fashion.“If you look here in Qatar, you see that plants and animals have adapted to the heat and scarcity of water over thousands of years. They have developed a technique that can be learnt and used in enhancing our technologies. So usually the problem is translating these techniques into feasible prototypes. And now we think ThinQa will help in this regard with AI as the translator,” he continued.Dr Bentria said ThinQa uses advanced models to analyse natural phenomena and translate biological principles into innovative design solutions. “It generates precise, manufacturable 3D models optimised for immediate printing and testing. This innovation has been grounded with peer-reviewed research and has validated biomimicry principles for reliable results,” he noted.Dr Bentria said the platform can understand limitations and advantages and translate them into a 3D design. “So the platform uses a multi-agentic AI system that reads all the user input, reads more about scientific papers, and then generates a script-based tool. When you run it using ThinQa, it generates a 3D prototype,” he underlined.“One of the areas that we are working on is the CO2 capture filters. We are trying actually to optimise the existing one, using the rules of biomimicry to maximise the surface area, or to make the shapes capture more CO2. The filter has a certain design, but using biomimicry, you can enhance its capabilities,” he pointed out.Dr Bentria said the platform is designed to be used for students too. “We are planning also to have a STEM-based version, where students, actually high school students, can do their projects and get printable 3D prototypes in hours, instead of spending much time building them by hand,” he said.“This is in the piloting stage. I think it will take less than a year to launch the full version of the platform. We are testing the efficiency of the results that are generated and once it is done, this will be launched in full scale. We have filed for the patents and hopefully the platform will be launched before the end of this year,” Dr Bentria added. 

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University has opened applications for its 10th Summer Research Programme (SRP), offering undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge, faculty-led research. To take place from May 31 to July 16, the seven-week programme will bring together students from institutions across Qatar to exchange ideas while actively contributing to research that addresses national priorities covering precision medicine, disease prevention, and improved healthcare outcomes. Participants will benefit from QBRI’s faculty mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, applicants can align their research interests to topics across QBRI’s Diabetes Research Centre, Translational Oncology Research Centre, or Neurological Disorders Research Centre. The programme will bolster professional development by offering seminars and workshops that target critical skills needed for successful careers in scientific research. Participants will also have the chance to engage with the wider QBRI community and absorb insights in a diverse range of biomedical fields. Throughout the programme, activities will cover key areas including autism, cancer, and diabetes, conditions of significant relevance to Qatar and the wider region. By combining intensive mentorship, real-world contributions, and strong institutional support, the SRP strengthens national research capacity by preparing and empowering the next generation of biomedical research leaders. Dr Vladimir Katanaev, acting executive director and scientific director of Translational Oncology Research Centre, QBRI, stated: “Over the past decade, the Summer Research Program has helped cultivate a vibrant research community by giving students early exposure to rigorous, hands-on scientific inquiry. Initiatives like this are critical to opening pathways for research-focused careers, building the state’s capacity in this field and preparing the next generation of biomedical research leaders to drive innovation and scientific excellence.” SRP applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate programme in a biological or medical-related science and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Qatar’s vegetation cover and preserve native plant species, the Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG), a member of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, has distributed 5,000 native trees and wild plants over the past two months.The distributed species included sidr, samar, ghaf, qarat, awsaj, neem, and frankincense trees, which are propagated in QBG’s nurseries using advanced scientific techniques. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change was one of the main beneficiaries of the programme, as collaboration between the two entities continues to flourish in restoring Qatar’s rangelands and supporting national afforestation programmes. Additionally, Mazzraty Company received several trees to plant in production areas to strengthen biodiversity. Schools, municipalities, and national institutions also benefited from the project.This initiative is part of QBG’s broader campaign to plant and distribute 2.5mn trees over the current decade, in collaboration with Qatar Red Crescent Society. It also reflects the state’s commitment to planting 10mn trees, translating this pledge into tangible action in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment.Fatima Saleh M al-Khulaifi, director, QBG, said: “Protecting the environment is not only an institutional responsibility, but also a commitment individuals and communities must uphold. The distribution of these trees is a practical call to action for everyone to take part in reviving Qatar’s natural landscapes and preserving its environmental heritage for future generations.”“Through its nurseries and scientific and community-based programmes, the QBG continues to expand the propagation of wild and domesticated plants in Qatar to ensure the sustainability of the local vegetation cover and provide a constant source of trees and plants for greening and rehabilitation projects.”“Meanwhile, QBG remains steadfast in its mission to expand Qatar’s green cover and raise environmental awareness, guided by Qur’anic values,” she added.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been awarded a Unesco Chair on Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, with the College of Science and Engineering’s (CSE) Dr Raian Ali appointed as Chairholder from June 2025 to June 2029.Unesco’s Chairs Programme represents the organisation’s most significant intersectoral activity in higher education. The designation is in recognition of HBKU’s excellence, building on the existing Unesco Chairs on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, a statement said Wednesday.The new Chair will explore the intersection between digital technologies and human behaviour, promoting digital well-being, ethical use of technology, and positive societal transformation. It will also encourage healthy human interaction both online and offline, tackling challenges such as Internet addiction, cyberbullying, and misinformation, while fostering active engagement in addressing these issues.Commenting on the announcement and the significance of the Chair, Dr Mounir Hamdi, Dean, CSE, stated: “Technology is transforming every aspect of how we live, work, and connect. Through this Unesco Chair, HBKU will lead a global effort to ensure that digital transformation empowers people, strengthens communities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and contributes to a healthier relationship between humanity and evolving technologies.”As part of its activities, the Chair will address the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) while embracing its potential benefits, stressing the importance of aligning technology with cultural values and societal norms. By merging a cross-disciplinary approach within Qatar, the region and globally, the programme will promote collaboration among stakeholders, including ministries, policymakers, health professionals, and educators, to maximise social and economic impact.The Chair will also host events that encourage dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovation across academia, industry, and public policy. These platforms help co-create solutions that are more likely to be adopted and sustained.Dr Ali said: “I am proud to lead this exceptional opportunity to advance research that ensures technology serves human values responsibly. At HBKU, we aim to generate evidence-based insights that promote digital well-being, impact-driven innovation, and a digital future shaped by ethics.”By collaborating with more than 15 partner institutions from over 10 countries and engaging around 40 professionals, the Chair reflects HBKU’s commitment to shaping a holistic and forward-thinking ecosystem that aligns with Qatar’s national priorities and the university’s core research strengths, the statement added.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and European Materials Research Society, are hosting Advancing Materials Science: Bridging Chemistry and Engineering for a Sustainable Future conference. Taking place until Wednesday, the three-day event marks the first RSC and E-MRS conference in the Middle East. The conference will accelerate scientific discoveries, industry collaborations, and advancements in sustainability-driven materials research by bringing together global experts and young researchers in materials science, chemistry, and technologies. Sessions will focus on facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration; showcasing research in advanced materials, sustainable energy, nanotechnology, and functional polymers; supporting early-career researchers and students; and positioning Qatar as a hub for scientific collaboration in materials science and innovation. Dr Mounir Hamdi, dean, College of Science and Engineering, HBKU, commented: “This conference provides an essential platform for thought-provoking dialogue and collaboration that turns ideas into solutions. As a leading research university, we remain committed to driving transformative change that addresses national priorities while contributing to global progress.” A panel discussion ‘Science Without Borders: Strengthening International Partnerships for Innovation’ considered how cross-cultural collaboration can promote sustainable growth. The session featured a diverse high-level group of experts, including Dr Eyad Masad, vice-president for research, HBKU, Dr Tony Kenyon, president, E-MRS, Dr Hisham Sabir, Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, and Toby Underwood, head of Professional Standards, RCS. Dr Mohammed al-Hashimi, professor, CSE, and conference chair, added: “The exchanges taking place here will help shape how chemistry contributes to solving pressing challenges and advancing sustainability both locally and globally.”

As part of Qatar Shell’s Tafawoq programme, a group of energetic students from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Education City campuses came together to experience the transformative journey of the Shell NXplorers Pro programme.NXplorers Pro is Shell’s advanced educational programme to equip future leaders with practical tools for solving complex global challenges. It blends systems thinking, scenario planning and theory of change, collectively known as NXthinking, to help participants explore problems, envision sustainable futures and develop actionable solutions.Hosted at HBKU, the NXplorers Pro programme challenged students to tackle global issues, imagine bold futures and develop actionable solutions for sustainable impact. Their energy and creativity highlighted the power of experiential learning to shape future changemakers.Dr Ala al-Fuqaha, associate provost, Teaching and Learning from HBKU, said: “At HBKU, we are proud to continue our well-established collaboration with Qatar Shell and its Tafawoq programme, of which we are a founding partner. NXplorers Pro aligns with our commitment to empowering the next generation of problem-solvers as they prepare to address critical challenges of our times. The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by our students reaffirm the importance of such experiential learning opportunities.”Bader al-Jaidah, director of Tafawoq, said: “By engaging with universities, we are building a bridge that helps students gain a clearer understanding of how industry operates before they begin their professional journeys. Our enduring partnership with HBKU in Qatar highlights the transformative power of collaboration in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.”Pia Ceasar, a graduate student at HBKU, who participated in the programme shared: “What I found most impressive about the programme was how seamlessly it combined deep insight with practical application. The experience sharpened my critical thinking and equipped me with powerful frameworks and tools to structure ideas and navigate complex challenges in both professional and personal contexts.”Tafawoq is a centre of excellence in project management, dedicated to developing professionals in Qatar and the wider region for major investment projects that support the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) held a series of summer research and interactive programmes and activities to nurture academic excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration among students and early-career researchers.Held across several colleges and research institutes, the programmes offered participants opportunities to engage in hands-on research, academic mentorship, and knowledge exchange in various fields.The Qatar Centre for Quantum Computing at the College of Science and Engineering in collaboration with Qatar Foundation’s Mukhyamna, organised the second edition of the Quantum Computing Summer School for high school students.In its second edition, the programme welcomed 27 students, comprising 13 girls and 14 boys, who completed the one-week course. Participating students came from 23 schools in Qatar spanning 15 different nationalities. The students, aged 13 to 17 years old, gained exposure to practical application through interactive lectures and hands-on lab sessions utilising both simulated and real quantum platforms.The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) hosted its Creative Space Summer Camp 2025 for youth aged 7-17. The camp offered 11 programmes for 151 students, featuring a range of workshops designed to teach coding, electronics, and computational thinking, while fostering creativity, innovation, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.QCRI also partnered with Mukhyamna to offer a cybersecurity course on ethical hacking. Students aged 15-17 years old learned how networks operate and how to prevent real attacks. They explored ethical hacking and digital defence, utilising real-world tools such as Wireshark, TryHackMe, and Cyber Range.For its Summer Internship Programme, QCRI recorded around 108 students from eight Qatar-based universities, including Qatar University, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Arkansas State University Doha, and Ulster University Qatar. Several international institutions also participated including Princeton University.The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) concluded the 9th edition of its Summer Research Programme (SRP) with an appreciation ceremony. The SRP provided students with an intensive, immersive research experience. Participants worked across QBRI’s three specialised centres and had the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with leading scientists in state-of-the-art laboratories, contributing to projects addressing critical health challenges such as diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders.During the appreciation ceremony, 19 undergraduate students from leading institutions were recognised for their achievements. They also presented their research projects and shared what they learned during the course of the programme.Dr Eyad Ahmad Masad, vice president for research, HBKU, said: “Our summer initiatives reflect HBKU’s vision of impact-driven learning, where curiosity and collaboration thrive. Through these research experiences, students gain skills for future success while advancing Qatar’s knowledge economy and contributing to the global research community.”

The Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) concluded a high-level policy roundtable examining the implications of the Ukraine war for the Gulf region.Held at Education City’s Minaretein, the event titled “The Ukraine War Through a Gulf Lens” gathered experts, academics, and international observers to analyse critical intersections between the conflict and Gulf interests, particularly in food security, energy markets, and humanitarian diplomacy. The event was also attended by ambassadors and heads of mission from embassies based in Doha.The Ukraine war has created unprecedented global disruptions that resonate deeply across the Gulf region, which stands at the crossroads of global supply chain vulnerabilities and shifting geopolitical realignments. As major energy exporters and food importers, the Gulf states face both opportunities and risks as a result of this development.Additionally, Qatar's successful mediation efforts in various international crises uniquely position it to lead conflict resolution, particularly in addressing the humanitarian dimensions of family separation and civilian protection.Following opening remarks by ambassador Dr Mohamed Ali Chihi, executive director, GISR, proceedings moved on to a roundtable titled “Exploring Common Interests: Ukraine and the Arab States”. The session explored historical foundations and current Ukraine-Qatar relations, with a focus on Qatar's role as a mediator. It also analysed president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent diplomatic outreach on Palestine, Syria, and Sudan as a strategic bridge for engagement with Arab and Gulf states and mapping future areas for Ukraine-Arab collaboration. This was followed by a roundtable on “Lessons from Ukraine: Regional & International Security”.Dr Chihi stated: “This event holds particular significance as it reflects Qatar’s role as a major diplomatic actor, committed to advancing dialogue and peaceful solutions to some of the world’s most complex crises. In the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, it also reinforces HBKU’s position as a leading hub for public policy dialogue, championing independent analysis, engaging policymakers, and fostering a diversity of thought to address pressing global challenges through an Arab perspective and a forward-looking vision.”Another roundtable, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Energy Security in the Shadow of War,” spotlighted the impact of the war on global energy markets and implications for Gulf producers. It also assessed the geopolitics of energy infrastructure, examining the short and long-term impacts of primary and secondary sanctions on Russian oil and gas. A subsequent roundtable titled, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Food Security in the Shadow of War” assessed the impact of the war on global grain markets and Gulf food import strategies and explored regional cooperation mechanisms for crisis response.

The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has completed an intensive training programme for senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The course, designed under the theme ‘The Role of the State of Qatar in Mediation and the Resolution of Regional Conflicts’, equips officials with advanced skills relevant to the fields of diplomacy and conflict resolution, a statement said. The three-day training, delivered by CPP Prof Dr Sultan Barakat, was attended by around 25 participants holding high-ranking positions at MoFA, Ministry of Defence, and the armed forces. Dr Abdelaziz al-Hour, director of the Diplomatic Institute, stated: “The choice of subject reflects the strategic importance Qatar places on mediation, and we were delighted to have Dr Barakat share his extensive and global experience with our colleagues.” The curriculum explored the complexities of mediation strategies and concepts, analysed real-world case studies, and discussed tools for measuring the effectiveness of mediation, highlighting the importance of regional and international co-operation in peacebuilding. Additionally, participants were informed on how Qatar’s soft power influences policymaking during times of crisis, the impact of the state’s mediation on peace processes in various regions, as well as Doha’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations while maintaining neutrality.

The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), through its Hadaba initiative, recently held ‘Hadaba 25: Public Narrative & Data Storytelling’ forum at Minaretein, Education City. This year's theme was designed to advance innovation in policy design through narrative strategy and data storytelling. In doing so, it explores the intersection of data, which is transparent, accountable, and empirical, with storytelling providing the emotional resonance needed to engage people, build narratives, and communicate complex concepts. The two-day event brought together around 180 policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and students to develop practical, data-driven narratives that inform public policy. It blended collaborative training sessions, masterclasses, workshops, talks and keynotes to ensure participants are equipped with skills in data visualisation, policy communication, and collaborative storytelling. As part of the event, Unicef expert Priscillia Hoveyda delivered a talk on 'Storytelling in Humanitarianism,' emphasising the importance of promoting this medium among people facing displacement and humanitarian crisis. Representatives from Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council; Harvard Kennedy School, Weill Cornell Medical College and the Leadership Hub also led sessions and masterclasses across various topics. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology led a talk session which explored Qatar's public sector in the context of narrative. Commenting on the theme of the event and its significance, Dr Logan Cochrane, acting dean, CPP, said: “Authentic stories are more memorable than raw data, and this starts by understanding exactly what a narrative is, its parts, and how to align them to inspire action and inform decision-making. We recognise that storytelling grounded in data is not only a communication skill but a strategic policy tool.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will host a conference exploring the global ethical implications of AI technologies.Taking place on September 28-29 at Qatar National Convention Centre, the event on the theme ‘AI Ethics: The Convergence of Technology and Diverse Moral Traditions’ will consider the impact of AI on culture, tradition, and values.The conference brings together academics, policy makers, tech industry experts, ethicists, and others from around the world to explore how can AI efficiently and ethically serve humanity.The participants will explore the intersection of foundational and cross-cultural ethical principles with socially disruptive technologies while upholding rich moral legacies, centuries-long scholarship, and diverse perspectives of both secular and religious moral traditions.By blending advanced technology with deep ethical inquiry, the conference also creates a space where technological breakthroughs are measured against values, and progress is guided by purpose.The experts will explore the critical intersection of AI and ethics through six focused thematic tracks, including healthcare, urban design, security, education, finance, and the future of the workplace, reflecting the most pressing contemporary challenges and opportunities. Through these diverse yet interconnected lenses, the conference aims to shape a more just and human-centred technological future.Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president, HBKU, noted: “AI is reshaping every part of our lives, offering immense opportunities while raising urgent ethical questions. Our region’s strong religious foundations and rich heritage uniquely position us to actively contribute to the global dialogue on AI ethics and to offer humanity alternative ethical frameworks. Through this conference, Hamad Bin Khalifa University is bringing global voices together to ensure that AI serves humanity responsibly, guided by values rooted in fair moral traditions.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University's (HBKU) College of Law, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, hosted the second edition of the conference on 'The Role of ADR, IP Protection, and Innovation in Advancing FDI for Sustainable Development'. The meeting was held at Minaretein, Education City.The two-day event convened an impressive assembly of top legal scholars, industry experts and policymakers to underscore the pivotal role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in intellectual property (IP) issues. In doing so, the gathering highlighted the effectiveness of ADR mechanisms in enhancing collaboration, particularly in sectors critical to sustainable development.Speakers also examined the intersection between sustainability policies and promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as strategies that foster entrepreneurship and SMEs across critical economic sectors. Panelists also elaborated on how robust IP protection can catalyze innovation in specific sectors, achieving the National Development Strategy (NDS3) and contributing to Qatar National Vision 2030.In addition, attendees gained insights into the latest advancements in IP rights protection both regionally and globally, underscoring the need to adapt legal frameworks to support innovation in an increasingly interconnected world. A dedicated session examined dispute resolution and IP protection in sports, where participants discussed the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a case study for regional and global leadership on this issue.Dr. Susan L. Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, HBKU, added: "This conference addresses the critical issue of IP protection and ADR in a fast-changing world. Mediation provides a confidential, efficient, and flexible means of resolving IP disputes, while ensuring business continuity. Qatar has been proactive in promoting mediation, aligning its IP laws with international standards reflecting its commitment to strengthening its dispute resolution framework and promoting a thriving business environment."For his part, Ignacio de Castro, Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, said: "Mediation and arbitration have proven to be effective in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property. This is evident from the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. By working with our partners in Qatar, we shared our experience and WIPO's tools that complement court procedures and help foster innovation in this field."Leveraging multidisciplinary and international partnerships, HBKU continues to foster impactful innovations by inspiring dialogues about contemporary challenges, promoting research mechanisms, and aligning its efforts with Qatar's strategic development goals. (QNA)