A group of UTM researchers visited Qatar University to propose a number of high impact research
proposals to the academics of Qatar University for joint submission to the Qatar National Research
Foundation.
The UTM delegation, led by Vice Chancellor/President Zaini Ujang comprised 8 UTM researchers
including Prof Dr Ismail Said, Prof Dr Azman, Prof Dr Zulkifli Yusop, Prof Dr Esah, Prof Dr Norsheila, Prof
Dr Naomi , Prof Dr Awaluddin and Prof Dr Zainuddin.
The team paid a courtesy call to the President of Qatar University, Sheikha Abdalla al Misnad earlier
in the visit on the 8 May. This was followed by a research workshop chaired by Dr Hassan Al-Derham,
Qatar University Vice President for Research, in which each UTM delegate presented research proposals
to the Qatar counterparts.
The UTM Water Research Alliance(RA) under Prof Zulkifli presented two proposals on the Development
of Qatar’s synergistic framework on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and another
on Development of mixed metal oxide electrodes for the treatment of new emerging pollutant in clinical
waste. Discussions with the industries and fellow academicians on water and wastewater research in
Qatar were also held.
The Water RA also agreed to partner with researchers from Qatar University to submit proposals on
the following areas namely Green House Gas Inventory and strategy to improve Qatar’s position in global
carbon foot-print (to be submitted to the Department of environment, Qatar) and Water and waste
water minimization or zero discharge for selected industries (to be submitted to QNRF)
The workshop was well attended by the academic staff of Qatar University drawn by the proposed titles
and areas for possible research collaborations between both universities.
It is worth noting that several proposals had already been discussed prior to the trip between potential
partners from both parties. Detailed discussions and further deliberations were held following the
presentations.
Also present were other senior Qatar University graduates including the Head of Materials and
Technology Unit, Dr Mariam Al-Maadeed who participated actively in the seminar. There was a further
visit and round of discussions the following day in which the UTM group met with potential partners.
Another workshop was also organised by the Engineering Department in which UTM researchers
listened to a briefing by a representative of the Qatar National Research Foundation. Prof Ahmad Zaki
Abu Bakar, a UTM lecturer currently attached to the School of Engineering in Qatar University for a year
helped with the logistics and organisation of the visit.
The visit to Qatar marks a significant milestone in the UTM-Qatar University relationship in terms
of academic and research collaboration. The visit was a success as the objectives set out were met
which further improves bilateral engagements between both universities and further enhancing UTM’s
international standing as an innovation-led and entrepreneurial research university.