QF R&D to share plans on energy and water research

Doha, 7 October 2013 - The Annual Research Conference (ARC'13), organised by Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D) and its research institutes, will help to address some of the country's research grand challenges, such as the latest innovations in sustainable solutions for natural resources.

Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), a principal constituent of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), conducts research to support Qatar's energy independence, water sustainability, and food self-sufficiency goals.  The institute will play a pivotal role at the conference by bringing together global leaders to discuss and debate issues in these critical areas, and by sharing its own innovations in energy and water security.

Dr Mohammad Khaleel, Executive Director of QEERI, believes that participating at ARC'13 is of significant value to research organisations in Qatar.

"The Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference provides the perfect opportunity for research institutes to share details about projects and plans with people, academics and industry leaders within Qatar," he said. "We can explain exactly how our work will help reach national goals, increase and build human capacity and ensure that industries in Qatar are successful. It also gives us the chance to hear from world-renowned experts and learn how other nations deal with similar challenges."

"Qatar is blessed with a lot of natural resources," said Dr Khaleel. "However, the country understands the importance of diversifying the energy portfolio in order to create a solid foundation for a sustainable future. The question is then raised about the future of energy in Qatar. One, clear solution is solar energy."

World-renowned experts will come together at the conference under the theme of "Qatar's Cross-cutting Research Grand Challenges" to debate issues and combine efforts in order to forge ahead and address the challenges outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy.

Dr Ramesh Ramamoorthy is one such expert and the deputy laboratory director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He led the SunShot Initiative, a collaborative effort to make solar energy in the US cost-competitive with other forms of electricity by the end of the decade. He is a member of the US National Academy of Engineers and one of the Institute's advisory board members and he will speak about the technological innovations and cutting edge activities that need to be undertaken in order for Qatar to utilise solar energy in a cost-effective manner.

Another eminent expert speaker at the event is Dr Adel Al Sharif, Research Director of Water Desalination and Reuse at QEERI. Dr Al Sharif is a world expert in forward osmosis membrane technology, used to desalinate water, and will be sharing the centre's work in bringing this new technology to Qatar.

The conference will serve as a venue to highlight other research grand challenges including protecting the nation's cyber infrastructure, developing an integrated, modernised health care system, and supporting Arabic culture, arts, heritage, media and language amongst others. Other QF R&D constituents such as Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) and Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) will also be looking at ways to address some of these challenges. 

The Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference , which takes place at the Qatar National Convention Centre, between 24-25 November, will allow national stakeholders from universities and local organisations, as well as international partners, to network, familiarise themselves with Qatar's latest research initiatives and facilitate knowledge transfer.

As part of the conference, all delegates will also be able to attend the poster sessions and visit local and international exhibition stands. For more information about ARC'13 please visit: www.qf-arc.org.  

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) 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, the Father Emir, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. 

QF's work encompasses education, research and community development.  World-class universities are brought to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. At the same time, QF builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercializing solutions through key sciences.  The Foundation also works to foster a progressive society while 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 www.qf.org.qa

For more information about this press release please contact:
Rania El Husseini, BLJ Worldwide
Mobile: 00974-70218286
Email: rania@bljworldwide.com 

For more information on Qatar Foundation please contact:
Tariq A. Al Sada
Head of Press Office
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 4454 0991
Email: talsada@qf.org.qa                                                                                         

© Press Release 2013