Qatar

Qatar Charity allocates QR7mn for applied research in Gaza

Qatar Charity allocates QR7mn for applied research in Gaza

November 20, 2014 | 12:17 AM
Officials at an event pertaining to the u2018Searchu2019 project.

Qatar Charity (QC) has launched its flagship “Search” project, funded by the GCC countries’ programme for the reconstruction of Gaza and in collaboration with Islamic Development Bank.

The funds will be used to support 70 distinct research projects at a total cost of QR7.3mn.

QC’s “Search” project aims to provide financial and technical support for the implementation of scientific research and applied projects for researchers, academics and undergraduate and graduate students, via grants of between $3,000 and $50,000 depending on the project’s quality and relevance.

The projects will be environment-friendly, creative and unique, using materials, equipment and capabilities available in the Gaza Strip or are easily supplied to the area.

The projects must be viable and contribute to enhancing the quality of products or services, or contributing to solving social and economic problems in the local or regional community, who will work on the project, thereby also helping create new jobs.

The research will take the form of applied research projects and all researchers, whether they are students, academics or researchers in universities, the government or the private sector, may apply for the grants.

Mohamed Abu Halloub, deputy director of QC’s Gaza Strip office, said the project provides direct support for scientific research in an effort to support desired development in this field, with a focus on areas that aim to serve global and local communities, in an attempt to link the results with the market needs and create new opportunities for sources of income for creators of the research in the fields of computer and information technology and engineering sciences.

The project will also help meet the needs of the besieged Gaza Strip by finding scientific solutions in the areas that have suffered most in the private sector, health, water, environment and agriculture.

QC began taking applications from those wishing to participate in the project (researchers, academics, professionals and others) on November 12 and will continue until January 12, 2015.

All submissions must fall within the national priorities for science and participants must agree to discuss their policy orientations with QC. The initiative contributes to the “Search” project by investing in the development of Palestinian research and scientific capabilities, including improving the quality of life of the community and contributing to overcoming the problems and obstacles faced by the Palestinian people.

A group of consultants from different scientific disciplines and expertise will be assigned to review and evaluate the initial applications and final projects for researchers.

For more information, visit www.ibhath.ps

November 20, 2014 | 12:17 AM