Qatar University (QU) is preparing to launch its intensive summer research internship programme for students to develop their research capacities, as part of its transformation strategy of 2018-2022, which is consistent with the country's orientation towards a knowledge-based economy and sustainable development, as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.

The programme, the first of its kind in this level, focuses on training undergraduate and postgraduate students on scientific research methods by contributing to a number of research activities and innovative projects, as well as introducing them to the latest technologies related to their specialties, under the supervision of faculty members and staff of specialised research centers that are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and compete or may outperform those of international universities.

QU has a number of advanced institutes and research centres to serve students and researchers in general. Some of them are unique in the region, such as the animal research centre, the medical biomedical research centre, the advanced materials centre, the central laboratory unit, the environmental science centre, the Institute for social and economic survey research and others.

The comprehensive training programme is part of QU's transformation strategy which places scientific research at the centre of its attention, guiding it to serve the national priorities, and meeting local needs and the needs of the local, regional and global academic community.

The developments in the region, especially the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar, have contributed to further guidance and research focus on local needs, without neglecting the need of the academic community, Dr. Al Maadeed said.

Dr. Al Maadeed underlined that everyone works for Qatar, and that Qatar University has a clear strategy through which it responds in a conscious way to the local challenges, focuses on the needs of Qatar and affects the academic level locally and globally.

She added that the blockade imposed on Qatar prompted the University to focus on its research and training priorities, and direct them towards vital areas such as food and information security, as well as supporting the industrial sector, the water and energy sectors and others.

QU summer research internship program consists of two tracks. The first is the intensive programme that provides training for a specific project in specific scientific fields of research centres supported by the research staff, and students can participate in other activities such as seminars, workshops and effective interaction with research members. The second track is a specialised programme that provides an opportunity to develop the skills needed to conduct specialised research in a particular field of world-class quality.

Director of Research Planning and Development at QU Dr. Aiman Erbad said that the best way to provide students with critical thinking skills, problem-solving, teamwork and effective communication is to work hard within the research and operational teams on serious research projects.

He stressed that these experiences are important for refining the student's skills and personality and preparing him to deal with the same research challenges in the work environment, in the light of a clear strategy that focuses on building research capacities for students, with a view to innovation, entrepreneurship and applied scientific research through specialised research centres.

The Biomedical Research Centre focuses on regular training programs for students who are about to graduate from the medical colleges (medicine, pharmacy, health sciences), as well as graduate students looking to join the field of biomedical research.

Director of the Biomedical Research Center Dr Asma Al Thani said applicants for the summer programme will work for two weeks in a specialised research team at a high level of training. The focus will be on specific topics, including techniques used in biomedical research such as genome, microbiology, virology, and metabolic disorders. Some of the chronic diseases prevalent in Qatar and the region, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are studied through the use of research models such as zebrafish and chicken embryos, she said.

She added that the students of the summer program, which will be held between 10-23 June, will also learn about the security and safety procedures in laboratories and research laboratories, and methods of using basic devices and ways to help in medical laboratories. She said that students wishing to join the program are invited to register through the centre's website, which is open until the end of April.

The central laboratory unit participates with its researchers and technical staff in QU summer programme for research training for the 2019 summer through five training courses: atomic and molecular spectroscopy, electron microscope and active magnetic resonance, chromatography techniques of various types and applications of research and industry.

Head of the central laboratory unit Dr. Mohammed Al Safran said that these courses, which are implemented throughout the months of July and August, are important for the rehabilitation of students to engage in the labour market and the integration of industrial sectors with specialists able to meet the needs of industrial sectors and other sectors.

He said the training programmes of the unit focuses on the practical and technical aspect and links to the research and industrial applications of each technology, noting that each programme accommodates ten students for five days.

The Environmental Science Centre (ESC) provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills in analysing environmental samples and gaining multiple expertise in chemical analysis within a distinct environment for a period of 6 - 8 weeks from June to August at the accredited laboratories of the centre.

ESC Director Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari said the training programme offered by the centre represents an opportunity for students to acquire advanced research skills such as analysis of various environmental samples, including living organisms, soil, sedimentation and water. In addition to training them on various devices and advanced technologies used in this field.

At the Laboratory Animal Research Centre, which is unique in the region, students receive extensive training in how to use laboratory animals, handle diagnostic laboratories and conduct research in this field.

Director of Laboratory Animal Research Centre Dr. Hamda Al Naemi said this training provides a unique opportunity for students and researchers to acquire the necessary skills to conduct experiments on laboratory animals, learn the principles of designing scientific experiments, collect data and analyse them. In addition to writing scientific reports and presenting results, identifying ethics and regulations governing the use of animals in scientific research.

Director of Center for Advanced Materials Nasser Alnuaimi touched on a training programme in the centre which lasts for up to six weeks, where students receive training on the latest equipment in various scientific fields related to the study of materials ranging from manufacturing and characterisation to applications in various fields. He noted the importance of this program in the refinement of skills and the rehabilitation of students to meet the requirements of the highly qualified industry sector in the country.

The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute announced that students will be trained in the field of data analysis and writing related to the research projects carried out by the centre, as well as benefiting from the views of students in identifying new research projects for the coming year. (QNA)

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Nabeela

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