• Home
• News Article

Research grants awarded to researchers in Qatar and their Nile University counterparts

QF strives for joint collaboration with distinguished research centers in the region

Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), established by QF, supports scientific research programs across the Arab world

Haitham Desoky from Nile University wins 'Stars of Science', a QF docu-reality show

31 December 2011 (Doha, Qatar): Amongst many partnerships that have emerged from Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) to support scientific research, joint collaborations have surfaced between researchers in Qatar and their counterparts across the Arab world, including those from Nile University (NU) who won 5 research grants in July 2011 on behalf of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) .

The grants reflect QF's commitment to its goal of unlocking human potential in local communities through partnering with leading educational institutions in the region. They also emphasize QF's continued efforts to promote the exchange of knowledge and build partnerships for the advancement of science and research among the region's youth.

"Nile University and its research initiatives have made it one of the most important partnerships between researchers in Qatar and their counterparts in Egypt," said QF President Dr. Mohammad Fathy Saoud.

"Haitham Desoky's victory as a researcher on the 'Stars of Science' program, launched by QF, is evidence of Qatar's support for science and technological innovations not only inside the country, but around the greater Arab world," exclaimed Dr. Saoud.

Aired on MBC4, Haitham Desoky was announced winner for his 'Vivifi' invention, a system of transparent stickers designed to convert most surfaces into touch screens, thus enabling touch-technology to control devices used in daily life including water taps, lights and mobile telephones.

"Desoky's achievement is a clear sign of outstanding research programs at Nile University," said Dr. Moustafa Ghanem, Vice President for Research at NU, who took great pride in Desoky's work, a symbol of the University's achieved excellence in the field of scientific research.

"Desoky's invention and his success on the program are direct results of continued efforts from researchers in the field of science and technology at the University, which will further enable us to stretch

and expand the existing relationship with our counterparts in Qatar to uncover future, new developments," continued Dr. Ghanem.

Desoky is a research and development engineer at NU and has always had a passion for inventions, thus expressing his gratitude to QF for its continued support to research and innovation efforts in Qatar and the Arab world.

"QF has made the event more than just a competition; it has been a true journey of learning and knowledge. I am thrilled with my achievement and look forward to further cooperation with QF to put my product on the market or to develop new inventions," said Desoky.

"The different phases of the competition, from the concept illustration, to the designing process, to putting the plan into actual practice, were all factors that ensured that the competition was strenuous but still fair amongst the competitors. Additionally, without the guidance and encouragement we received, along with the logistical and technological support that was readily available, none of us could have ever reached the advanced stages that we did in the competition," added Desoky.

Desoky also expressed his appreciation to NU for its continued support to him throughout his years of research.

The relationship between QF and NU began in 2008 when the University won a grant offered by QNRF for its project 'Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks.' This was followed by another QNRF grant received by the University in 2009. In 2010, the University also received grants from QNRF to finance three other research projects.

NU has also recently engaged with QF's Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Qatar Environment and Energy Institute (QEERI) on future collaborative projects.

Dr. Saoud, highlighting the role played by QF in providing support to such initiatives, stated "QF has taken the lead in supporting education and scientific research in the region. We will continue this noble mission to unlock human potential in education, science and community development by encouraging innovation and cultivating young talent, particularly in the Arab and Islamic world."

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development strives to meet the immediate needs of the Qatari community by contributing to the establishment of a developed society and enhancing its cultural life, while still preserving the country's national heritage.

-Ends-

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, science and research, and community development. QF's education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences. Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar's heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa

Nile University
Nile University was founded in 2006. Science and research programs serve as the University's main priorities, thus encouraging and sponsoring scientific research of its students to promote sustainable development in Egypt and the Arab world.

For further information on Qatar Foundation , contact:
Tariq Al Sada
Press Office Unit Head, Media Relations Dept
Communication Directorate
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 4454 0991
Mobile: +974 55886760
Email: talsada@qf.org.qa

For further information on Nile University, contact:
Nadia Shalqamy
Manager of Marketing Relation
Nile University
Tel: +20 100 1063326
Email: nsholkamy@nileuniversity.edu.eg

© Press Release 2012