Lusail University (LU) on Tuesday announced the launching of LU Press, a move seeking to publish specialized, teaching and reference books and scientific journals as a link between authors and readers across various fields of knowledge to advance and enrich the global conversation.
The publications will come out in paper, digital, audio and open access formats and in line with the needs of people with visual impairments, the university said.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dean of LU Prof Nitham Hindi said the move comes in line with the LU's strategic plan, which aims to enhance the culture of scientific research, highlighting that its mission is based on providing a stimulating environment for scientific research and knowledge production that contributes to sustainable development, and promotes service and community building.
With most publications available today being concerned with Arab and foreign law, the new project will start with publications (paper books and E-books) related to Qatari law, Hindi said.
Most of the House's books will be available in Arabic, and the most important English books will be translated into Arabic to offer a true benefit for the society, he added.
Director of Publications and Artistic Works Department at the Ministry of Culture Mubarak bin Abdullah Al Khalifa hailed the move as a distinguished initiative in elevating the cultural activity in the State of Qatar, noting the Ministry's support and welcome of various initiatives that promote cultural activity with all their available capacities.
LU's launching of the publishing house with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and cultural aspects of the concerned groups are highly appreciated, Al Khalifa told QNA.
Also speaking to QNA, Director of LU Press Dr. Murielle El Hajj Nahas said that the house will offer a large-scale publication of the LU staff's papers, highlighting the House's policies that ensure the accuracy and authenticity of scientific publications and journals.
The LU Press will also translate scientific research published in Arabic into English, so that it can be recognized globally, Nahas said.
She added that the House will contribute effectively to highlighting the distinction of Qatari and Arab culture, by publishing academic works on the State of Qatar and the region, highlighting the debut textbook entitled Introduction to Qatari Law.