The Qatar Foundation annual research conference, held under the theme “Investing in Research and Innovating for Society”, has received more than 1,300 scientific abstracts for its 2016 edition, a record number. 
Scientific abstract submissions for ARC’16 have seen an 11% increase since last conference with submissions from the local and international community comprising 64% and 36% 
respectively.
Under the patronage of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, this year’s conference, will take place on March 22 and 23, at the Qatar National Convention Centre, and is now open for registration. 
ARC’s abstract review committee has reviewed more than 1,300 abstract submissions. The evaluation criteria included research quality, originality, merit, relevance to Qatar and the grand challenges as stipulated within the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS), water security, energy security, cyber security as well as healthcare. 
More than 600 poster-presenters along with about 50 oral-presenters will have the opportunity to contend for the Best Poster and Research Presentation Awards 
respectively.  
“Since ARC’s inception in 2010, the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference has attracted the world’s foremost scientists and research entities from Qatar and beyond, providing the appropriate platform to address the most prominent challenges facing not only Qatar’s society but the global community as well,” said Dr Nabeel al-Salem, executive director of Outreach and Communications at 
QF R&D. 
“The calibre of abstract submissions this year are a reflection of the strides Qatar is making in research and national development initiatives, consistent with the efforts undertaken by Qatar Foundation Research & Development in addressing the research priorities identified by the Qatar National Research Strategy,” he added.
Qatar Foundation’s prestigious research project award and innovation award to recognise local works of outstanding, commercially viable innovation will also be launched at the conference.
Announcement of successful grant applicants under Qatar National Research Fund’s National Priorities Research Programme will also be made during the conference.