QU's research department spearheads excellence in scientific research

Qatar University (QU) continues its pursuit of scientific excellence, pushed by the unwavering dedication of its Research Planning and Development Department (RPDD).The latest publication from QU's scientific magazine sheds light on the instrumental role played by the RPDD, headed by Prof Bassim Hammadi, director, Research Planning and Development, vice president office for research and graduate studies, and professor of chemical engineering, College of Engineering, in fostering a culture of exceptional research within the institution.The recently published article, titled "The Role of Research Planning and Development Department in the Excellence of Scientific Research at Qatar University," highlighted that QU has established itself as a dynamic hub for scientific innovation with cutting-edge laboratories and specialised research centres in energy and environment, health and biomedical sciences, ICT, and social and human sciences.The RPDD has fostered a culture of exceptional research, with four research pillars and comprehensive priorities reflecting Qatar's National Development Strategy 2018-2022 and Qatar National Vision 2030. The Office of Research Planning and Quality, housed within the RPDD, has renewed ISO Certification No. ISO/IEC 17025 for multiple research centers.The Policies and Administrative Initiatives Section oversees ethical research, while the Research Ethics and Integrity Section ensures ethical compliance for human, animal, and biohazard-related research. The Office of Innovation has elevated its intellectual property endeavours by registering, protecting, and marketing patents.QU's research output has grown significantly, with over 1,500 publications in a six-year span, constituting 70% of QU's Scopus-indexed publications. Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, and Social Sciences are the top contributing disciplines, with over 61% of publications ranking in Scopus' first quartile. QU's alignment with the sustainable development goals and its exceptional field-weighted citation impact index further solidify its global impact.To enhance research collaborations, QU's researchers and centres extend their services to over 350 institutions worldwide. This impressive network signifies QU's commitment to fostering synergies that transcend geographical boundaries. Prof Bassim Hammadi, director of research planning and development at QU, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have propelled QU's research initiatives to new heights.