Middle Eastern university hosts successful H2020 info session

It has been announced that Qatar University will offer local researchers several opportunities under the EU’s research and innovation programme.

The statement comes following a successful information session at the university last week when it was announced that Horizon 2020 would be partnering with countries particularly in the Gulf, as well as Africa and Asia. During the event, Dr Elisabeth Lipiatou, head of the European Neighbourhood Policy Unit for Africa and the Gulf in the European Commission, said that there was “strong potential” for co-operation between the Gulf and the EU, citing Qatar as an “important country”.

In comments carried in Gulf Times, Dr Hassan al-Derham, vice-president for research at Qatar University, told attendees: “Qatar University has always been keen to partner with international universities and research organisations. Horizon 2020 offers us a unique opportunity to interact with top European researchers, and this is an opportunity that we are looking forward to as we can expand our scope of research. We will find out interests which are mutually beneficial and will try to work them out.”

During the workshops on Thursday, delegates also heard from Thierry Devars, policy officer for the Eastern Partnership (South Caucasus), Middle East and Gulf. A large number of Qatari researchers participated in the event.