HBKU conducts its final Science Majlis of the year

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) hosted a discussion on space exploration and its importance for understanding both climate and water resources variability in the Arabian Peninsula and in Qatar at its final Science Majlis for this academic year. Held on a monthly basis, Science Majlis sessions aim to address the general public, exploring how science can improve an individual’s life and tackle societal challenges.This month’s session addressed a question on “how groundwater mapping in Qatar contributes to better formulation of new space missions dedicated to map fossil aquifers in Earth desert environments and beyond on planets”.The conversation presented several facts regarding space exploration and dispelled many rumours that are common in the public sphere.The discussion was led by Dr Essam Heggy, principal investigator at HBKU’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute and a member of Nasa’s and ESA’s space missions to explore subsurface water on bodies in the solar system. Dr Heggy said: “Science plays two fundamental roles in our society; the first is exploring new scientific frontiers of our planet as well as for our universe, and the second is fighting misconceptions and ignorance that can be detrimental to human development. The informal setting of HBKU’s Science Majlis sessions enables us to consider relevant and contemporary issues while engaging the audience in a lecture-free and friendly environment.”Recurring Science Majlis events are a part of HBKU’s  public lectures, workshops, and sessions to raise awareness among the local community on innovative research conducted at HBKU to support the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.