Qatar University (QU) and Dalhousie University, Canada, have formalised collaboration in the field of ocean sciences.
A five-year agreement was signed at the Canadian university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 4 between QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad and the newly-installed Dalhousie President and Vice-Chancellor Dr Richard Florizone.
QU Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dr Humaid al-Midfaa and College of Arts & Sciences dean for research Dr Mohamed Ahmedna were present.
The signing ceremony took place amid a series of events surrounding the honorary Doctor of Laws award bestowed on Prof al-Misnad and seven university leaders by Dalhousie for their achievements in education, and the
installation of Dr Florizone.
By the terms of the agreement, co-operative activities will include, or may be expanded to include, faculty and researcher exchanges; student exchanges; mutual recognition and accreditation of courses; graduate student advising; development and/or delivery of courses; joint project development and submission for external funding support; and any other area of co-operation that may be mutually agreed upon by the two institutions.
Prof al-Misnad said the memorandum of understanding will afford both institutions significant academic and research opportunities.
“The field of ocean sciences is fast growing in importance for Qatar and the Gulf region, and is a strong focus at Dalhousie due to its location in Nova Scotia that is just metres away from the Atlantic Ocean. Through this agreement, we are taking the lead towards producing future ocean scientists and researchers who can make a significant contribution to Qatar’s progress in this area.”
Dalhousie University dean of science Chris Moore said: “Even though Qatar University and Dalhousie are on different oceans, both the Qatar economy and the Nova Scotia economy are heavily linked to the ocean. This forms the basis for similarity and
collaboration.”