1. Qatar National Research Fund
October, 2009
Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie,
Executive Director, QNRF

2. Outline Overview QNRF Programs & Activities Qatar Foundation (QF)
Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS)
Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)
QNRF Programs & Activities
National Priorities Research Program
Undergraduate Research Experience Program
Biannual National Research Survey
Conferences and Workshops Sponsorship Program
Special Research Program

3. for Education, Science and Community Development
QATAR FOUNDATION
for Education, Science and Community Development
An independent, chartered, nonprofit organization committed to the development of Qatar and its people.
Founded in 1995 by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Chairperson: HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned.

4. Qatar Foundation Overview
QF Mission and Vision:
“Qatar Foundation is guided by the principle that a nation’s true
wealth is its people. Our goal is to develop that human potential:
by creating a network of centers committed to delivering
first-rate education, supporting science and research
and promoting community development.
by partnering with world-class educational and research institutions.
by building a unique Education City, featuring state-of- the-art technology and facilities, that is a hub for the creating, sharing and finding practical uses of knowledge”.

5. Qatar Foundation Overview
QF Innovation, Science, Technology and Research Entities.
QF supports a network of centers and
partnerships with elite institutions:
Education City.
Research Centers of Excellence.
The Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).
The Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).
International Partners.

6. Qatar Science Technology Park
Qatar Foundation
Qatar Science Technology Park
Convention
Centre
Sidra Medical and Research Centre
Faculty of Islamic Studies
Northwestern University
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
Georgetown University in Qatar
Schools
Qatar Academy
Bridge program
The Learning Centre
Carnegie Mellon Qatar
Texas A&M University
at Qatar
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar

7. Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS)
Overview of QNRS:
QF is entrusted with the implementation of the Qatar
National Research Strategy (QNRS) whose main drivers are:
Support for existing industry.
Diversification.
International Recognition.
Environmental Protection.
Improving Health.
Education.
Quality of Life.

8. QF Research - Long Term Vision
2007
2012
2017
2018
2008
2009
2010
2011
2013
2014
2015
2016
2019
2020
2021
2022
Phase 1: Pursuit of Cutting Edge Science
Enrich people skills and research capabilities through the pursuit of cutting edge science in Qatar:
Specific programs initiated in year 1
(New programs)
Support other ongoing programs and initiatives
Building Qatar’s strength from Day 1 progressing in parallel
Phase 2: Position Qatar as Major Regional Contributor of Science
Advance the national ability to become a major contributor of science and technology at regional stage and position among the world leaders in patent filings
Phase 3: Become A Magnet for Innovative R&D Worldwide
Achieve significant advancement in niche areas of research and ensure this step forward becomes the growth sectors of tomorrow

9. QF Model for Research Integration and Coordination
Qatar Business & Research Organizations
Qatar Governmental Institutions
Multi-disciplinary
Research
Programs
Research Innovation Portfolio
Qatar Institute
for Biomedical
Reserch
Hamad Medical Corporation
Qatar Institute
for Computational
Sciences &
Data Mining
Qatar Institute
for Energy &
Environment
Shafallah
Commercialisation
Corporate Research

10. Qatar National Research Fund

11. Qatar National Research Fund
Vision:
The Qatar Foundation envisions research as a catalyst for expanding and diversifying the country's economy; enhancing the education of its citizens and the training of its workforce; and fostering improvements in the health, well-being, environment, and security of its own people and those of the region.
Mission:
QNRF will lead the strategic development of a national research enterprise within Qatar. It is required to work in close cooperation with government ministries and departments that have a legitimate interest in the research enterprise of Qatar.

12. Qatar National Research Fund
QNRF Goals:
Build national human potential by using research funding
and other activities to accelerate development of
opportunities for education and training in basic and
applied research in Qatar.
Fund research that focuses on related national needs.
Raise Qatar’s international profile in research and expand non-QNRF funding.

13. QNRF Programs & Activities

14. QNRF Programs & Activities
Current:
National Priorities Research Program.
Undergraduate Research Experience Program.
Biannual National Research Survey.
Conferences and Workshops Sponsorship Program.
Arab Expatriate Scientists - Fast Track Launch Program.
Tasked:
Theme Projects Program.
Distinguished Fellowships.
Facilitate the application of research results.
Graduate Research Experience Program.
Secondary Schools Research Program.
Young Scientists Research Program.

15. Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP)

16. Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP)
The QNRF seeks to stimulate a broad array of undergraduate research opportunities in Education City and Qatar University through faculty- and other researcher-led projects involving one or more students inside Qatar.
The (UREP) promotes “Learning by Doing” mentorship activities as effective methods for undergraduate education. Students gain experience with team-based research collaboration with faculty, graduate students, and other undergraduates or research staff.

17. Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP)
QNRF conducts two UREP cycles per year, six UREP cycles have been implemented since the fall of 2006; the seventh cycle is due in October 2009.
So far the following has been achieved:
6 cycles were launched.
563 proposals were submitted.
299 proposals were awarded.
Around 60 publications so far.
781 students awarded and mentored by 325 faculty members.
US$6,36 million total funded.

18. Biannual National Research Survey (BNRS)

19. Biannual National Research Survey
The BNRS is intended to be the national repository of research activities, including data collection efforts, findings, and scientific and technical publications in Qatar.
So far the following has been achieved:
QNRF launched the BNRS search engine on Thursday, 5th Feb,
4600 records encompassing Qatari research from
New records over the period 2007 – 2009 is expected to be incorporated in the BNRS database late this year.

20. Conferences and Workshops Sponsorship Program (CWSP)

21. Conferences and Workshops Sponsorship Program
(CWSP)
Goals and Guidelines:
To create a framework that fosters collaboration among researchers in Qatar with the global research communities.
To encourage all academic institutions and relevant stakeholders in Qatar to engage in hosting scientific and academic conferences.
To attract national and international academic institutions and relevant stakeholders to host their periodic conferences in Qatar.
To give exposure to the importance of research for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Qatar.

22. Conferences and Workshops Sponsorship Program (CWSP) Achievements
QNRF sponsored 4 major international conferences through the CWSP over the last year:
Logic Programming Artificial Inelegance and Reasoning (LPAR 08).
Information and Communication Technologies and Development (ICTD 09).
11th International Conference on Relational Methods in Computer Science/6th Applications of Kleene Algebra (RelMiCS11).
17th International Conference on Telecommunications.

23. QNRF Support Activities Achievements
Launched the 1st QNRF Newsletter.
As a testament of its continuing efforts to introduction research culture in Qatar, 23 Research Offices were created in academic and non-academic Qatari institutions to support research and researchers.
Launched QNRF’s in-house revamped website (more than 1.7M hits to date).

24. QNRF Support Activities Achievements
Enhanced (in-house) the online submission solution with 3 separate channels for:
Applicants (around 7000).
Research Offices (23).
Peer Reviewers (around 3500).

25. National Priorities Research Program (NPRP)

26. National Priorities Research Program (NPRP)
Overview of NPRP:
QNRF’s largest grant funding activity.
Seeking to address key national, regional, and global needs through research.
Pursuing research opportunities for which Qatar has a comparative advantage.
QNRF seeks to support a broad variety of projects in basic and applied research in:
Natural sciences.
Engineering and Technology.
Medical and Health sciences.
Agricultural sciences.
Social sciences.
Humanities.

27. National Priorities Research Program (NPRP)
Benefits of NPRP:
Service to Qatar.
Collaboration and sustainability.
Merit-based research awards.
Active publication, promotion and outreach.
Furthering research culture in Qatar.
Expand knowledge in Qatar.

28. NPRP Proposal Project Design and Program Eligibility:
QNRF accepts individual or collaborative, small or large proposals spanning between one and three years.
QNRF encourages:
Multi-year, multi-disciplinary, and multi-institutional projects.
Collaborative projects partnering researchers and academia from different campuses or organizations outside academia.
Partnerships between institutions in Qatar and outside Qatar.
Awards will be made to institutions and organizations only.

29. NPRP Proposal Conditions that must be met:
At least 50% of the research must be conducted in Qatar by the research team in Qatar, as measured in person-days spent on the project.
At least 65% of the proposed project funds must be administered by an institution in Qatar and expended within Qatar.
The Co-LPI must reside in Qatar (but need not be a Qatari citizen).

30. NPRP Flowchart RO Lead PI RO QF EBOD Approval QNRF Submit LOI
Submit Proposal RO
Vet
Lead PI
Registration RO
Registration
Statistical Analysis Funding
Option
Notifying Ineligible Proposals
Evaluation Received
QNRF
screening
Reviewers
QF EBOD Approval
Award Notification (RO/LPI)
Receiving Complementary Documents For Funded Projects
FMA Signing and Disbursement Of Funds
Steering Committee 30

31. NPRP 3rd Cycle Timeline

32. Payment Schedule 3 year Project 2 year Project 1 year Project
100% for equipment and any associated material cost, plus up to 50% of the remaining annual budget.
50% upon receipt and acceptance of the 1st interim progress report.
Year 1
100% for equipment and any associated material cost, plus up to 50% of the remaining annual budget.
50% upon receipt and acceptance of the 1st interim progress report.
100% for equipment and any associated material cost, plus up to 50% of the remaining annual budget.
30% upon receipt and acceptance of the interim progress report.
20% upon receipt and acceptance of the final report.
Year 2
100% for equipment and any associated material cost, plus up to 50% of the remaining annual budget upon acceptance of the Annual Progress Report.
30% upon receipt and acceptance of the 2nd interim progress report
20% upon receipt and acceptance of the final progress report
100% for equipment and any associated material cost, plus up to 50% of the remaining annual budget upon acceptance of the 1st Annual Progress Report.
50% upon receipt and acceptance of the 2nd interim progress report
100% for equipment and any associated material cost, plus up to 50% of the remaining annual budget upon acceptance of the 2nd Annual Progress Report.
30% upon receipt and acceptance of the 3rd interim progress report
20% upon receipt and acceptance of the final progress report

33. NPRP Achievements QNRF Launched three NPRP cycles since April 2007.
QNRF received over 700 proposals through its in-house developed submission solution.
Each proposal was sent to 5 internationally renowned PRs.
Strict PRs screening criteria were applied (at least assistant professor with min. 20 publications, has no conflict of interest, etc).
Funding was increased from US$25 to US$ 86 million per cycle.
Size of grants per year was increased from $250k to $350k per project.

34. 1st & 2nd NPRP Cycles General Statistics
Summary
1st Cycle
2nd Cycle
Letters of Intent (LOIs)
341
748
submitted Proposals
206
489
Ineligible Proposals 31 6
Submitting Institutions 18 23
Number of participants
1537
3274
Participating Institutions
302
277
Institutions Countries 33 46

35. Distribution of Proposals per Disciplines

36. Results of the NPRP 2nd cycle

37. To sign in/sign up: (www.qnrfsubmission.info/prog/)
QNRF website ( )
To sign in/sign up: (

39. Qatar Development
To show you how the city of Doha has changed in the past 2 to 3 years only let us compare the following pictures
The major new developments goes up daily (actually we daily read new project in the newspapers)
The 50 or so skyscrapers in Doha downtown, around half are under construction, and we know that there are more than 100 on design stage
People visited Qatar for the Doha Asian Games have walked away with an impression of a remarkable country whose booming economy is bringing a rabid change and development

41. Doha 2025

42. Thank You for Your Attention Dr
Thank You for Your Attention Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie Executive Director, QNRF

43. Qatar Science Technology Park
600,000-square-meter campus.
State-of-the-art facilities.
Free trade zone.
Business incubator QF.
Promotes economic diversity, job
creation and commercial investment
in Qatar.
- Anchor tenants include Microsoft,
Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, GE.

44. Sidra Medical and Research Centre
All-digital 348-bed academic medical center.
Specialty care for women and children plus clinical/surgical services for all patients.
- World-class biomedical research center.
Teaching facility for Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar.
Working in concert with Hamad Medical Corporation.
- 8 billion US dollar endowment.
- Opening 2012.

45. Weill Cornell Medical College
- 2 year Premedical Program.
- 4 year M.D. Program.

46. Carnegie Mellon University
- Business Administration.
Computer Science.
Information Systems.

47. Texas A&M University in Qatar
- Chemical Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Petroleum Engineering.

48. Virginia Commonwealth School of the Arts in Qatar
- Graphic Design.
- Interior Design.
- Fashion Design and Merchandising.

49. Qatar National Convention Centre
- Opening in 2011 and setting a new benchmark in global venue design.
- QNCC will feature 40,000 sqm of exhibition space over 9 halls with the capacity for a conference or gala dinner for 10,000 guests, a 4,000-seat conference hall, 2,300-seat lyric style theatre, three tiered auditoria, an additional 52 meeting rooms, all adaptable to accommodate the full range of events.

50. Now while economy is booming, through the development of the north field, investment is been channeled into projects which fits in with a long-term vision of Qatar future
Qatar Energy City is the first Middle East's full-service energy business centre catering to the commercial, technical and human resource needs of the oil and gas industry, with cutting-edge facilities and services.
Education City, is a 2,500-acre city that hosts branch campuses of some of the world's leading universities, as well as numerous other educational and research institutions.
The Pearl Island, also referred to as Pearl of The Gulf, is a US$ 2.5 billion man-made island being built off the coast of Doha. It is a 988 acre (4 million square meter) island is shaped like a string of pearls that will accommodate 30,000 residents.
Lusail project is a massive $5bn development that will cover 35 square kilometers  (13.5 square miles) and will house around 200,000 people.
Doha sport city is the city which was built to host the 15th Asian Games last December, 2006
These project are only the recent one which I remember during the last couple of years only.
$3bn Aluminum Smelter Complex
$1.6bn Dolphin Energy’s Gas Processing
Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) is expected to procure 50 LNG ships by 2012