The Gulf Studies Centre (GSC) at Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU CAS) has held its first annual Gulf Studies Student Symposium with the aim of giving students an opportunity to present their research projects.
The opening ceremony was attended by CAS associate dean for research and graduate studies Dr Mohamed Ahmedna, GSC director Dr Abdullah Baabood as well as CAS faculty and students.
The symposium discussed a wide range of topics, such as “Citizenship and identity in the Gulf, “Foreign policy”, “Economic, social and political developments in the region”, “The relationship between Iran and the Gulf states” and “The challenges posed to those studying the region”.
Dr Baabood said, “This is the first student symposium that was organised by GSC students for their peers. As an educator, I am particularly proud of the students for engaging in this endeavour and for creating this opportunity for their fellow students. Engaging in research and the exchange of ideas in a conference or symposium like this one gets to the heart of university life.
“Given the great success of this first GSC symposium, we are planning to have it as an annual event involving more interested students from Qatar University and other universities in Qatar, the region and the world. This could surely become a major event on the calendar for all those interested in Gulf studies.”
Alieu Manjang, PhD student at GSC, noted, “This conference is meant to involve the students in campus life outside of the classroom. More specifically, it attempts to introduce students to presentations in conferences at the regional and international levels. Not only this will develop the presentation skills of students, but will also give students the confidence to present their works to academicians from different backgrounds.”
GSC Masters student Dalia el Sayed said, “The participation in extra-curriculum events is important in enhancing the overall academic experience. Engaging in debates and discussions outside of the classroom is a necessary aspect of the research process and encourages young researchers to pursue their research interests.”