Qatar Foundation is prioritizing support for academic research, particularly for multidisciplinary initiatives that aim to bring about impactful change. Samah Abdulhafid Gamar, Ph.D., the Director of Academic Affairs at Qatar Foundation, highlighted the launch of a new cycle of multidisciplinary learning Research Grants this year to promote cross-institutional research on academic matters with timely relevance. The foundation welcomed almost 40 new faculty members this year, focusing on enhancing systems and operations through the integration of AI into teaching and learning platforms for personalized student support.
The primary goals of Academic Affairs at Qatar Foundation during this academic year include promoting transformative educational approaches and enhancing cross-institutional collaboration through multidisciplinary learning. The foundation is committed to building greater academic integration among the eight Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Education City, facilitating the development of joint academic programs and initiatives. Innovative pedagogical frameworks in teaching and learning, with a focus on critical and culturally responsive approaches, are also being emphasized to create an intellectual environment that encourages open dialogue and critical analysis.
Qatar Foundation is spearheading exciting research initiatives across its universities this academic year, with a focus on multidisciplinary learning initiatives that drive impactful change. The foundation will be launching a new cycle of multidisciplinary learning Research Grants to support cross-institutional research on academic matters facing an evidence gap. These grants encourage collaborative research on teaching and learning matters, promoting interdisciplinary approaches and knowledge sharing across institutions. The integration of diverse academic perspectives through these grants aims to develop innovative and culturally relevant pedagogical strategies.
Efforts to develop evidence-based pedagogical frameworks at Qatar Foundation involve curating research that addresses gaps in higher education teaching methodologies, particularly those that are critically and culturally rooted. The launch of the Ta’leem Journal, an Arabic and English international higher education journal, aims to foster a global dialogue on higher education in the Arab world. The foundation is also actively supporting multidisciplinary learning Research Grants that bring together faculty from different universities within Education City, incentivizing interdisciplinary approaches and the sharing of best practices to develop more inclusive and effective educational practices.
Qatar Foundation is introducing new cycles of research grants for multidisciplinary learning that aim to bridge understanding between the Arab world and global higher education. These grants are designed to align with the foundation’s mission of fostering intellectually and morally grounded individuals who can positively contribute to society. New interdisciplinary programs recently introduced within Education City, such as the Minor in Media and Politics and the Certificate in Energy Studies, merge various fields of study to offer students a multidisciplinary learning perspective. These programs advocate for a more open conceptualization of academic studies and encourage collaboration among faculty members from different institutions.
The commitment to academic excellence at Qatar Foundation is exemplified by the recruitment of nearly 40 new faculty members this year, bringing a diverse range of expertise and accolades to Education City universities. The new faculty members have published extensively, conducted research on critical global issues, and held leadership roles at prestigious academic institutions globally. Qatar Foundation focuses on supporting the professional development of its faculty to ensure they remain at the forefront of their fields through collaborative opportunities, culturally responsive pedagogies, and interdisciplinary initiatives. As Qatar Foundation embarks on a new academic year, the emphasis is on creating an integrated and student-centered academic environment that champions collaboration and innovation.
