By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter

Citing experiences in the UK, David Lomas, dean of Medical Sciences, said the “spirit of partnership” has helped UCL develop five new research institutes and establish new undergraduate degrees and masters programmes.

Lomas was at the Aspetar Auditorium yesterday for the second installment of the annual “Junior Scientists Symposium” organised by the Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ).

The symposium aims to promote original research and experimentation in the life sciences at the graduate level and to recognise junior scientists for their achievements.

Lomas also encouraged junior scientists and subject matter experts in Qatar to travel abroad to learn about the work being undertaken at UCL and its other partner-universities.

“Hopefully, some of you may decide to come and work at our partner-institutions and then bring back to Qatar the experiences you have gained abroad. That would be perfect,” Lomas stressed.

Qatar University president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad, who was a guest at the symposium, extended her congratulations to the panel of experts and presenters at the event.

“As an indicator, few things make me happier than seeing students and young researchers present their ideas, talk about their work, network, and colleagues, and engage enthusiastically with their peers,” Prof al-Misnad said.

She also lauded ADLQ general manager Dr Mohamed al-Sayrafi for the lab’s contributions to the country’s sports science community.

“The commitment of the Anti-Doping Lab to building physical and human capacity in Qatar is for true play and keen competition and it is certainly a commitment worthy of our respect and support,” she pointed out.

Prof al-Misnad also underscored the collaboration between QU and ADLQ in the areas of research, staff development, and student experience.

“Indeed, in the short time since its establishment, the Anti-Doping Lab has already become formally involved with a number of Qatar University departments. The avenues for collaboration are numerous, including the Health Sciences Department, Biomedical and Environmental Science Department, Sports Science Programme, and hopefully the newly-established Biomedical Research and the new medical school,” she noted.

Prof al-Misnad also noted that QU’s “high-quality” undergraduate and graduate teaching programme emphasises on practical experience and hands-on learning, and encourages innovative research starting from an early stage.

She also reminded junior scientists at the symposium to make the most of the opportunities presented to them and to engage in further research activities. “With Qatar’s interest and capacity in sports sciences and the country’s generous funding, the time is right to engage in research, targeting this emerging and exciting area,” Prof al-Misnad emphasised.

She added, “Research can be a remarkably rewarding career. It is more so when the infrastructure, funding, and intellectual collaborations are all well-aligned.”