HH Sheikha Moza Attends Opening of 7th Edition of QF Annual Research Conference

Doha, March 19 (QNA) - HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), attended on Monday the opening session of the 7th edition of Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference (ARC'18), which is held at Qatar National Convention Center under the theme 'R&D: Focusing On Priorities, Delivering Impact'. The two-day conference was attended by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, and a number of sheikhs, ministers, and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar, as well as a group of experts, academics and research and technology specialists from around the world. Following the opening ceremony, Her Highness presented the ARC'18 Best Research Project Award to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) for a diabetic foot care project by Dr. Talal Khader Talal and Dr. David Armstrong, and the ARC'18 Best Innovation Award to Qatar Computing Research Institute for the invention of advanced copying system implemented by Eng Ahmed Ali and Dr Hassan Sajid. In her opening speech, HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), said, "Based on our firm belief that research, technology, and development are among the most important elements of a competitive and diverse economy, our main areas of interest at Qatar Foundation remain research and development, along with empowering and activating research innovations across the State of Qatar. Research offers a significant contribution to promoting human capital development and supporting the growth of local institutions throughout the region, thus helping to provide security that can mitigate the current turmoil in the region. "Our belief in the importance of innovation, research, and development has increased following the blockade imposed on our beloved country. It has motivated us to strive for economic independence and devote our efforts to make Qatar a regional and international center for research and development, through co-operation with partners, governments, and research institutions, both locally and globally. This blockade represents a challenge for us to persevere and pursue innovation; we see it as an opportunity to continue co-operation and research partnerships, and to make further contribution to the development of Qatar." HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani added, "Here comes the role of the Annual Research Conference, which stems from Qatar Foundation's efforts to address major national challenges, contribute to the establishment of a diverse and sustainable economy, and provide effective and impactful solutions. Focusing on national priorities, this conference recognizes solution-based research as the best means for greater prosperity and regional security." HE Sheikha Hind said, "As the blockade continues, Qatar has unveiled its second national development plan, focusing on building human and institutional capacities, developing a system that supports entrepreneurship and promotes research and development. The plan comes in the context of efforts aiming to achieve sustainable development and accelerate progress and innovation." "Through our concerted efforts, we can achieve our vision and goals in a manner that fortifies Qatar and all its residents. Our efforts will not stop at this point, but like our nation, we share the fruits of our work, our experiences, and our ideas for the benefit of all", Her Excellency added. HE Sheikha Hind said, "The current circumstances require us to take effective and careful measures, and to exert more efforts to raise the banner of the State of Qatar by investing in the brightest minds. I invite you all to cooperate together to achieve the desired positive impacts." "We collaborate with stakeholders in the public and private sectors to shape the future of research and development, both inside and outside the country, so that we can provide innovative, research-based solutions. An example of this is the collaboration between the National Research Fund and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, the results of have been are very successful. Further partnerships will be signed during this conference, in continuation of our efforts to address the major challenges facing us. For this cooperation, we gather in this conference to start a conversation spoken in the language of impact and success, not the language of slogans," Her Excellency added. HE Sheikha Hind said, "We make these efforts and endeavors in response to the call of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to develop our educational and research institutions; combine efforts; and show solidarity and harmony among the various academic, industrial, and research bodies to address the challenges facing us with regard to development and innovation." HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani attended a public session titled "The Future is Now." The session was organized by Qatar Science and Technology Park, in cooperation with Singularity University of the US. (END)