CIRS Research Roundtable

In order to enhance local research productivity, and build upon its established collegial ‎relationships with other research entities in Qatar, CIRS hosted a “Research Roundtable” on November 17, 2013. During this one-day event, academics, policy analysts, and representatives of research institutions and think tanks discussed their respective research initiatives and activities in an attempt to identify research synergies across institutions. Participants additionally discussed the extent to which their research endeavors align with Qatar’s National Research Strategy, and the linkages between their research output and policy making in the country.

The research landscape and various challenges faced by research organizations in Qatar were central discussions of the Roundtable. As with most early stage research economies around the globe, capacity building of research institutions, coordination between research organizations, and establishing partnerships between research and policy-making bodies are core areas in need of development. In the past decade, research organizations have mushroomed throughout Qatar and collectively cover a wide array of subject areas. At this stage in its development, participants discussed Qatar’s need to build the capacity of organizations to conduct and disseminate research. More importantly, the complex research landscape in Qatar requires a coordinating body that could generate awareness on the type of research carried out by various institutions. This would enable organizations to effectively articulate research synergies with other institutions, avoid duplication of efforts, and identify areas where research is needed. Communicating research activities and transferring knowledge output to policy making entities is also of importance. Informed decision making and evidence-based policy are contingent upon access to and knowledge of the relevant research. This Research Roundtable provided a platform for various members of the research community to highlight their research areas and share insights on the state of research in the country. 

Participants:

• Ibrahim Sharqieh, Deputy Director & Foreign Policy Fellow, Brookings Doha Center
• Nader Kabbani, Director of Research and Policy, Silatech
• Florian Wiedmann,  Urban Planning and Development Authority
• Professor Tim Cable, Director of Sports Science, Aspire Academy
• Hanan Abdul Rahim, Associate Director SESRI, Qatar University
• Tatjana Martinoska, Independent Researcher
• Noor Al Malki Al Jehani, Executive Director, Doha International Family Institute (DIFI)
• Sanaa Alharahsheh, Associate Researcher, Doha International Family Institute (DIFI)
• Simon Hall, Project Manager Qatar National Food Security Programme
• John Crist, Director of Research, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar
• Mehran Kamrava, Director, CIRS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar
• Zahra Babar, Assistant Director of Research, CIRS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar
• Suzi Mirgani, Manager and Editor of CIRS Publications, CIRS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar
• Dwaa Osman, Research Analyst, CIRS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar
• Elizabeth Wanucha, Project Manager, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar
• Nerida Child Dimasi, Financial and Budget Analyst, CIRS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar
• Barb Gillis, CIRS Coordinator, CIRS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar