QNRF hosts seminar on research outcomes

Themed ‘Education for the Future of Qatar’, the seminar saw QNRF-funded researchers share the results and benefits of their completed projects in the field of education, with the public.

By investing in cutting edge-research, QNRF is enhancing a culture that supports Qatar Foundation on its mission to build Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity and help the nation develop into a hub of research excellence through QF R&D.

“The Research Outcome Seminars provide a valuable glimpse into the work that QNRF is funding within Qatar in various research disciplines,” said Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, executive director, QNRF.

“At QNRF we believe it is important to showcase the important work underway locally, to relevant beneficiaries, government and industry stakeholders, and the public, since it not only addresses, but will have a direct impact on national priority needs, helping to nurture a sustainable post-hydrocarbon society, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Dr Michael Romanowski, professor of Education at Qatar University, presented his findings and analysis of Qatari educational reform.

His study explored the implications of current reforms underway through the ‘Education for a New Era’(EFNE) initiative.

By gaining insight from teachers, principals, and parents, Dr Romanowksi analysed how EFNE is making an impact on learning in Qatar. Additionally, his research data, collected from various schools across Qatar, allows for valuable comparisons and highlights several issues that have been improved within Qatar’s school system.

Dr Ziad Said, from the School of Engineering Technology at the College of the North Atlantic Qatar, presented his team’s research finding regarding Qatari students’ interest in science at school.

This joint research assessed pre-college Qatari students’ attitudes towards science, including their disposition towards pursuing it in higher education, which would ultimately lead them into science-based careers. It also identified factors that impact these interests and attitudes.

The project draws from a sample of Qatari students and science teachers from grades 3 through 12. These project findings will help provide possible methods to enhance Qatari students’ interest in pursuing science majors at university.

The event also included a dynamic panel discussion among stakeholders on the ‘Challenges for Education and Educators in Qatar’ moderated by Dr Romanowski.

It hosted Dr Batoul Khalifa, associate professor of Educational Psychology at Qatar University; Imran Abu Musa, science educational consultant at the Supreme Education Council and Dr Faryal Khan, Unesco Doha education programme specialist.