Overview

QFIRST 2007 brings together leading Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) and Qatari scientists and decision makers to enhance the national research vision of Qatar. As such it correlates with Qatar’s strategy and national objectives, and His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani’s plans for the establishment of a knowledge-based society and sustainable economy in Qatar. This vision is supported by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned’s capacity building, both as Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and in the initiation of the AES founding conference, IQ 2006.

Background

AES are key partners in the process of achieving the goals of Qatar’s national research strategy. The partnership was emphasized in the joint planning and execution of IQ 2006 (the first conference of Arab expatriate scientists held in Doha in 2006) and its concluding declaration (see www.qf-qfirst.info).

To ensure the success and the continuity of the Qatari initiative, the IQ 2006 declaration announced the establishment of the joint AES and Qatari scientists’ follow-up committee that carried forward the implementation of IQ 2006 including the following:

1. Establishment of a network of AES, Qatari scientists and stakeholders in the three research priority areas: biomedical, environmental and information technology research.
2. Development of Qatar national research priorities in coordination with the various stakeholders for the above three priority areas.
3. Development of an outline and basic elements of a national strategic research plan for Qatar.
4. Development of an outline for institutes adDr ssing the research priority areas.
5. Promote research culture in Qatar by supporting the ongoing research programs funded by Qatar.
6. Planning for the QFIRST’07 in support for the short and long term Qatar national research strategy.

QFIRST 2007 objectives:

1. Articulate Qatar’s vision for sustainable development.
2. Highlight the role of research in building a knowledge-based society.
3. Showcase Qatar’s research initiative and the challenges and opportunities in the three priority research areas: biomedical, environmental and information technology.
4. Explore successful models and experiences in the implementation of research and technology policies for sustainable development.
5. Review and analyze proposals for research/think tank institutes in priority areas.
6. Provide further opportunities for Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) to network with scientists in Qatar in key research areas, and develop joint R&D plans.
7. Highlight the newly established collaboration mechanisms of the Joint Committee and the Arab Expatriate Scientists Forum.
8. Contribute to the promotion of innovation and scientific culture in Qatar and the region.

QFIRST 2007 format and expected outcomes:

Over the three days QFIRST 2007 will feature plenary talks by key decision makers in Qatar, world renowned scientists and other leading Arab expatriate scientists. Significant time in the agenda has been devoted to discussions on challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable research infrastructure in Qatar and the region. The closing session will comprise the final reports by the working groups, and the announcement of specific research programs and initiatives to be developed and launched within a defined time period. The closing session will be followed by an open floor discussion.

In addition, both the opening day reception and gala dinner are designed to facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities among the participants.

Some of the highlights of QFIRST 2007 include the presentation of details regarding the Qatar Foundation database of Arab scientists and the launch of several Qatari research programs and funding opportunities. An expected and desired outcome also is the expansion of the AES forum.