Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) organised an activity for students pursuing degrees in international affairs at the Innovation Lab during the summer break this year.
Led by Robert Laws, GU-Q’s Data, Media, and Web librarian, students immersed themselves in projects that integrated media, technology, and communication—key areas for tackling complex global challenges. This hands-on summer work experience gave the lab students practical experience that will be invaluable as they move forward in their studies and careers.
To support these projects, the lab introduced a new digital scholarship service model, offering students and faculty multimedia tools to enhance their academic work. With access to advanced equipment and software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud, students created a variety of multimedia projects. They even got to sharpen their photography skills, preparing posters that will soon grace the library walls.
“The projects are primarily driven by faculty needs, with a strong emphasis on podcasting and multimedia storytelling,” Laws explained. A prime example of this was the recording and editing of interviews about a student trip to Greece, led by Prof Raha Hakimdavar. Lab students were responsible for handling the technical aspects of the project, from setup to final edits, while the Greece trip students participated in the interviews, sharing their experiences and efforts to address environmental challenges in Greece. The final videos, documenting these efforts, will be shared with project stakeholders.
The students working in the lab were selected through a competitive interview process that highlighted their existing talents in technology or media, as well as their enthusiasm for further development. Nestled within the GU-Q Library, the Innovation Lab is a vibrant hub where creativity meets technology. Officially opened in September 2023, the lab was inaugurated by GU-Q dean Safwan Masri, who described it as “a bold step towards confronting future challenges with confidence and advanced skills.”
Looking ahead, the Innovation Lab has set ambitious goals for the upcoming academic year. Expanding podcasting services is a priority, providing students with the resources they need to create high-quality audio content for projects and self-promotion. Robert also highlighted the lab’s commitment to integrating AI into its offerings to stay at the forefront of technology.
Participants of the programme
