CENG hosts symposium on research activities in Qatar

Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG) hosted a symposium on research activities in Qatar on October 25, in collaboration with Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).

Themed “Joint Symposium on Research Activities in Qatar”, the event aimed to explore research collaboration opportunities between CENG, HBKU and TAMUQ and to agree on one systematic plan of the institutions’ joint research projects. Attending the event were CENG Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Abbes Amira, TAMUQ Dean Dr César Malavé, TAMUQ Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Prof Ioannis Economou, TAMUQ Associate Dean for Research Prof Hassan Bazzi, and HBKU Sustainability Division Director Prof Muammer Koç, as well as CENG, HBKU and TAMUQ faculty and staff.

The event’s program included presentations delivered by speakers from CENG, TAMUQ and HBKU. They discussed a wide range of topics that align with the Qatar National Research Fund’s (QNRF) research priorities namely energy, information and communications technology (ICT), biomedicine and health care. They include  “Multiscale approaches in water research at the Department of Civil Engineering - Qatar University”, “Designing Future Gas Processing Technology: Environmental, Efficiency and Product Design Challenges”, “Energy Water Food nexus”, “Active and stable nickel/alumina catalysts for steam and dry reforming of methane”, “Next Generation Buildings”, “Microstructure Design of Materials for Sustainable Applications”, “Multiphase Flow Assurance in Oil and Gas Industry”, “Water Shut-off in Oil and Gas Wells Using Polymeric Gels”, “Biomedical Imaging and Sensing for Health and Well-Being of Self and Society”, “An overview of biological processes and their potential for CO2 capture”, “A New Paradigm in Diabetes, Cancer Cardiovascular and Genetic Diseases”, “Cybersecurity”, and many more.

In closing, the event featured a session on the impact of the blockade imposed on Qatar on research and new research priorities in Qatar. In his remarks, Prof Abbes Amira said: “The joint initiatives include research programs, groups, studies and a white paper from the three institutions about the recommendations from this event, and reflect CENG commitment to deliver high-quality research in line with society needs. This symposium underlines CENG ongoing efforts to strengthen links with various institutions from academia and industry to promote academic and research excellence.”

Prof Muammer Koç said: “The 2^nd Joint Research Workshop brought leading faculty and researchers from HBKU, QU and TAMUQ to further identify and prioritize collaboration opportunities and necessities in the wake of recent regional issues. This event was ended with concrete ideas, solutions and recommendations to be shared with extended R&D community and decision makers in Qatar.”