Prof. Amer bin Saif Al-Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies & Research, represented SQU in the 2025 Annual Research Forum and Exhibition at Qatar University. His participation included speaking in the first panel discussion of the forum, which focused on regional cooperation in research and community development, which is an essential pillar for fostering innovation and achieving sustainable development across various sectors.
The session highlighted how knowledge and expertise exchange between countries and research institutions can effectively address shared challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable energy. This collaboration also contributes to capacity building, joint funding opportunities, and the development of research-based solutions tailored to the needs of regional communities. Strengthening regional partnerships further enhances the impact of scientific research, facilitating its translation into policies and projects that directly benefit societies.
The discussion also covered a range of strategies to help universities in the GCC strengthen collaboration in tackling regional challenges, including climate change, economic diversification, and social transformations. Among these strategies were research cooperation and knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, developing joint academic curricula and programmes, building partnerships with both government and private sectors, and supporting social transitions through research and policy development.
During the session, Prof. Al-Hinai responded to questions, including one about the lessons that could be drawn from Oman’s higher education experience in community engagement, scientific research, and consultancy. He noted that Oman’s experience offers valuable insights for universities in the GCC and beyond. These include linking education to labour market needs, contributing to sustainable development, focusing on applied research, supporting research through funding and international collaboration, and strengthening research infrastructure by establishing specialised research centres.
When asked about research models that ensure the establishment of sustainable and impactful partnerships between academia and society, Prof. Al-Hinai emphasised that such partnerships require research models that foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and tangible impact. Examples include community-based participatory research, applied research for problem-solving, university-industry collaborative research, policy-driven research to aid knowledge-based decision-making, and interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.
The Qatar University 2025 Annual Research Forum and Exhibition serves as a key platform for students, researchers, and academics from all colleges, research centres, and institutes within the University, as well as external partners and stakeholders. It showcases and discusses Qatar University's most significant research activities and outcomes.
This event provides an opportunity for Qatar University to share its research expertise and best practices in transforming societal challenges into success stories through effective partnerships with stakeholders, industry, research centres, and various institutions. As part of its ongoing commitment to research-driven development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the forum enables faculty members, researchers, and students to exchange ideas and experiences while maximising opportunities for support from relevant partners.