Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar University (QU) has achieved the distinction of being the first university in the Arab Gulf region to secure three academic chairs in the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
This was announced at a press conference attended by Prof Mariam Al Maadeed, vice-president for Research and Graduate Studies; Ali Abdul Razzaq Marafie, acting secretary-general of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, along with various senior officials from QU and the research sector.
The three academic chairs are: the ALECSO Chair for Environmental Seaweed System in the Arabian Gulf region under the direction of Prof Dr Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari, director of QU’s Environmental Science Centre (ESC); the ALECSO Chair for Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences under the direction of Dr Nayef Nahar Al Shamari, director of QU’s Ibn Khaldon Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences; the Chair for Water, under the direction of Dr Maryam Al-Ejji, professor in QU’s Centre for Advanced Materials.
Commenting on the achievement, QU President Dr Omar Al Ansari said, “The university takes pride in obtaining three academic chairs in the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). This accomplishment reflects our strategic vision to elevate the level of research and innovation while maintaining a commitment to providing high-quality education.
“Qatar University continuously works to identify its research priorities in line with a focus on the national vision and to establish close connections between research, programmes and research projects that are directly relevant to the needs of the local job market.”
Prof Maadeed expressed her pride in the university’s progress in the region, saying: “Qatar University is strongly advancing towards a new phase of academic excellence. The acquisition of chairs from ALECSO reflects our steadfast commitment to enhancing scientific research and raising the standards of higher education in the region.
“This achievement underscores our dedication to serving the community and making valuable contributions to the fields of science and culture. We are proud of this accomplishment, which reflects progress and excellence in Qatar’s journey of development and knowledge, both locally and globally.”
Marafie said, “The launch of three ALECSO chairs enhances Qatar’s leading role in the field of scientific research, highlighting Qatar’s position on regional and international platforms. It establishes Qatar University as a beacon for Arab universities in finding solutions to common issues in the Arab world.
“The launch of these chairs aligns with ALECSO’s vision and meets the aspirations of Arab countries, addressing their need for specialised expertise in various fields of education, culture, science, scientific research, information and communication. These chairs will contribute to building a culture of innovation and creating platforms for disseminating knowledge, study results, scientific research and exchanging experiences with counterparts from universities and research centres.”
Discussing the ALECSO Chair for Environmental Seaweed System in the Arabian Gulf region, Dr Kuwari noted that seaweed plays a vital role in Qatar’s ecosystem, being globally well-preserved due to efforts from authorities like the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
He added that the chair supports research in this ecosystem by encouraging local and international collaboration, organising educational events, promoting student interest and planning for a global conference on the topic soon.
Commenting on the Chair for Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr Shamari said the chair role aligns with QU’s continuous efforts to establish and develop interdisciplinary approaches in academic institutions at both educational and research levels.This aims to provide a more integrated perspective in understanding social phenomena through interdisciplinary approaches.
Regarding the Water Chair, Dr Al-Ejji noted that obtaining this chair is in line with achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The activities associated with the chair aim to enhance collaborative research and scientific cooperation between the university and research institutions in the region.
ALECSO established these chairs with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of higher education and scientific research in the Arab world. Their objective is to promote the exchange of knowledge and collaboration among universities and research centres at both regional and international levels.
