Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a division of the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, has successfully concluded its Research Outcome Seminar (ROS) on the theme ‘Waste to Value’. The virtual seminar was held to present the research outcomes of six QNRF-funded projects to advance waste management in Qatar.
The ROS was attended by 157 members of Qatar’s scientific and technical sectors, as well as fellow academics from the global research community. The projects showcased in the seminar were aimed at the country’s advancements in infrastructure, construction, material design and agriculture sectors, and provided economic and sustainable solutions for their waste reduction and optimization.
“We are delighted to witness another successful execution of our ROS series. The application of these projects touches key facets of our daily lives and economy,” said Dr Parakalan Krishnamachari, QNRF’s programme manager of Energy and Environment Pillar. “Effective management of waste will not only improve the public health and environment, but also enhance the quality of life by generating jobs and creation of new products,” he added.
The seminar featured research from experts across various disciplines representing prominent academic institutions in Qatar. As part of QNRF’s capacity building programmes, Qatar University’s Dr Ala AbuTaqa presented her research which investigated the potential utilization of waste generated by tunneling in creating concrete. The project offers the opportunity for further research into developing cost-effective construction materials that will reduce the cost associated with construction and material supply and contribute to Qatar’s circular economy.
Texas A&M University at Qatar’s Professor Eyad Masad shed light on his research project which provides several economic and environmental benefits by detailing the creation of locally produced and recycled materials for sustainable and durable roads in Qatar.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Professor Gordon McKay presented his project aimed at enhancing Qatar’s water and food security by utilizing organic waste materials to create carbon neutral soil product for agricultural purposes. The carbon neutral product, MoistChar, has been developed and applied in partnership with national stakeholders including the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Shell, and local farms and restaurants.
With a similar focus on Qatar’s agricultural landscape, University of Doha for Science and Technology’s Professor Amin Esmaeili explored the development of new agricultural technologies that address the lack of a compost collection programme in Qatar. He proposed an optimized composting system that meets the needs of Qatar’s growing agriculture sector and creates value in its increased agricultural waste.
Texas A&M University at Qatar’s Professor Mohammed Al-Hashimi focused on hydrocarbon byproducts that are used as raw materials in the production of adhesive, rubber, and food packaging. His research also has cross-cutting biological applications that are being developed in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar. The project has received significant global interest and is currently being explored for Qatar’s growing market for sustainable and environment friendly specialty chemicals.
The seminar concluded with Qatar University’s Prof. Mohammad Al-Ghouti sharing his solution for clean water supply by utilizing aluminum waste to enhance water quality. His proposal also meets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Clean water and Sanitation.
This ROS addressed the national challenges of resource sustainability and preservation, which is one of the strategically significant priority areas outlined in the QRDI 2030 Strategy. QNRF’s support of scientific research endeavors are one of many in the multi-pronged efforts led by QRDI to help foster comprehensive change in the research, development, and innovation ecosystem by repurposing and developing practical and innovative solutions for key economic sectors.
