HH Sheikha Moza inaugurates the sixth edition of Qatar Foundation's annual research conference

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) delivered the Leadership Address at the official opening of the two-day QF Annual Research Conference 2016 (ARC’16) yesterday.

Held under the theme ‘Investing in Research and Innovating for Society’, this year’s Opening Plenary Session delved into ‘Strategic Investment in Research and Innovation for Society’ alongside internationally renowned industry experts across a variety of fields.

Her Highness said: “Qatar is a primary emerging economy strategically investing in science, research and development in accordance with the requirements of progress and solutions for various developmental challenges. Qatar possesses the success factors for development based on scientific research, particularly the political will, quality education, financial resources, and R&D centres, in addition to world-class scientific and academic partnerships.”

Calling for national collaboration in support of the research and development sector, Her Highness added: “In comparison with Western countries and Eastern Asia, the Arab world’s investment in research and development is minimal, particularly from the private sector. It is a dilemma that requires immediate action.”

Highlighting QF’s focus on this area, Her Highness said: “QF’s current role in the development of our research and development sector is based on our overall vision that developing the realm of science is a direct reflection of Qatar’s current socio-economic status as a country, society, and economy, through the belief that a knowledge-based economy is not a choice but a necessity.”