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Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference 2014

ARC’14, Qatar Foundation Research and Development’s flagship conference, builds on nationwide efforts to advance Qatar's ambitious research agenda. It provides a unique platform to activate multidisciplinary knowledge sharing and collaboration needed to tackle the most pressing national challenges in research, as well as bolster Qatar’s research and development sector. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, ARC’14 will bring together international scientists, researchers and subject matter experts along with members of Qatar's research community, academia, industry, public and private organizations and professional societies. .

This year’s conference follows on the success of ARC’13, which was attended by more than 2,000 delegates and wherein Qatar’s research grand challenges were unveiled. A record number of more than 1,000 scientific abstracts were received of which close to 450 high-quality abstracts were accepted for poster presentations. Additionally, the authors of about 50 exceptional abstracts had the opportunity to deliver oral presentations on their research and contend for the best research presentation award. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Towards World-class Research and Innovation.’ ARC’14 will feature various sessions related to the four thematic pillars defined in Qatar’s National Research Strategy (QNRS) - Energy and Environment, Computing and Information Technology, Health, and Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

Pursuing the vision of developing Qatar into a leading center for research and development excellence and innovation, ARC’14 will include thought-provoking panel discussions and technical presentations where leading experts will share constructive experiences and innovative approaches aimed at addressing critical issues such as Qatar's cyber and water security, solar and renewable energy solutions, health management systems, as well as the social challenges and opportunities facing Qatar and the region.

A high-powered debate on day two of the conference will be the highlight of ARC’14, allowing thought leaders and experts to have progressive deliberations on how best to drive Qatar towards world-class research and innovation. Networking and exhibition opportunities will serve as outlets for further engagement amongst local and international delegates.

For more information visit: http://www.qf-arc.org/arc14

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Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference 2013

ARC' 13, fourth in the series of conferences launched in 2010, was held from 24-25 November under the theme "Qatar's Cross-cutting Research Grand Challenges”. The flagship conference was attended by over 2,000 delegates, providing a unique platform for the interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and collaboration needed to develop holistic solutions to the unveiled research grand challenges most pressing for Qatar.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, ARC’13 was Qatar Foundation Research and Development's signature event. It positioned Qatar as a leading international center for research and development excellence and innovation, gathering international scientists, researchers, and subject matter experts. Members of Qatar's research community, academia, industry, public and private organizations and professional societies, took part in various sessions of the conference, including keynote panels and lectures, research poster and oral presentations, and high-powered debates which were a new and engaging attraction to the conference.

A record number of over 1,000 scientific abstracts were received for ARC’13 of which close to 450 high-quality abstracts were accepted for poster presentations. Additionally, the authors of 50 exceptional abstracts had the opportunity to deliver oral presentations on their research and contend for the best research presentation award.

The conference focused on and celebrated innovative research within the pillars of the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS), namely Energy and Environment, Computing and Information Technology, Health, and Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. The two-day conference also included a series of presentations and panel discussions, where delegates delved into crucial issues such as Qatar's cyber and water security; solar and renewable energy solutions; health management systems, as well as the preservation of its Arabian heritage and language.

For more information visit: http://www.qf-arc.org/arc13

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Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum 2012

The third Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum (ARF) was held on 21–23 October2012 under the theme "Unveiling the Qatar National Research Strategy" and was organized in conjunction with the Arab Expatriate Scientists Network Symposium.

The Forum brought together over 2,000 regional and international researchers, scientists, and high-profile delegates from around the world for the unveiling of theQatar National Research Strategy (QNRS) and the National Cancer Research Strategy.The Forum was aimed at reversing the drain of research talent from the region by engaging Arab scientists worldwide and stimulating future innovation partnerships. Over 180 national, regional, and international institutes submitted 658 abstracts for expert review.

A main focus of ARF 2012 was to establish a roadmap for implementing solutions to the country's most pressing research challenges. Delegates addressed solar energy research and the development of renewable energy capabilities, as well as subjects ranging from cardiovascular research to human capacity building, in various workshops.

The forum recognized the incredible research progress being made by national stakeholders, international partners, and multinational companies in Qatar. It focused on Qatar's core research disciplines: Health and Biomedicine, Energy and Environment, Computing and Information Technology, and Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Islamic Studies.

For more information visit: http://www.qf-arf.org/index.php

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Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum 2011

Expanding upon the success of the inaugural edition in 2010, the second Annual Research Forum (ARF) took place from 20-22 November 2011 under the theme "Globalization of Research."

The forum brought together representatives from the local, regional, and international research community to consider the attributes and needs of the developing world in the globalization and democratization of science and research. Sessions and discussions focused on devising alternative solutions and building partnerships for the benefit of developing nations.

The 2011 ARF was also dedicated to achieving higher standards of research while promoting a scientific culture across the region, by providing students and scientists additional outlets to network and share ideas.It included expanded research tracks and saw the launch of a separate environment track. The Forum also served Qatar Foundation's mission of supporting Qatar on its journey from a carbon-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, by establishing Qatar as a research powerhouse in the Arab world.

For more information visit: http://www.qf-arf.org/arf2011/

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Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum 2010

The inaugural Annual Research Forum (ARF) was held from 12–13 December 2010 under the theme, "Achieving Higher Standards of Research". It successfully drew attention to leading research efforts across the country, and reflected Qatar Foundation's commitment to fostering science and innovation.

The forum emphasized Qatar Foundation's science and research agenda, while celebrating the accomplishments of its stakeholders and partners. It aimedat supporting andinitiatingprimary research in Qatarin order to find home-grown solutions for local and regional challenges, to the ultimatebenefit of the wider world.

In addition, the forum created a platform for building research collaborations, interdisciplinary research programs and research partnerships. The various sessions and tracks highlighted groundbreaking research already underway in the country, providing valuable opportunities for further research discussion and development.

For more information visit: http://www.qf-arf.org/arf2010/