Qatar University (QU) Health and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RSCI) sign an agreement to activate a dual doctoral program between the two universities, which will include PhD candidates from both sides as part of their close academic and research cooperation. The agreement was signed as part of the QU Annual Research Forum and Exhibition.
The event was attended by Prof. Asma Al- Thani, Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences at QU, Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU; Prof. Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor of RCSI and Director of Research and Innovation; Dr. Mohamed Elrayess, Director of Basic Research at QU Health; Prof. Darran O’Connor Head of RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies, and directors and deans of QU Health colleges.
Prof. Asmaa Al-Thani, Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences emphasized the benefits of the cooperation between QU and RSCI, highlighting the two parties intention to focus on developing research and education that facilitates scientific discovery. She says, “The agreement provides an opportunity to integrate the best experiences in the world into programs that focus on health and medicine, expressing aspiration to implement fruitful exchange programs between the two colleges that provide exceptional opportunities for students and faculty.”
Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies commented saying, “Today, Qatar University, as a leading educational institution provides quality education in line with international standards, and in line with its progress in global and academic rankings which has opened up many prospects for joint cooperation between Qatar University and local, regional and international universities. The establishment of postgraduate programs, such as the joint doctoral program with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, is a distinguished addition to the postgraduate programs in the colleges of the Health Cluster at Qatar University, which will enrich experiences, exchange competencies and elevate the level of students’ abilities in both universities.”
Prof. Mariam Al Maadeed also added, “We are pleased to provide all the support necessary for students from both sides to achieve a high level of scientific excellence, and we wish them a distinguished research experience and journey at our university.”
In a statement given by Dr. Mohamed Elrayess, he said, “The activation of the dual PhD program reflects recent successes of Qatar University in terms of education and research, as manifested by the steady improvement in ranking and the high caliber of its graduate studies. The agreement involves exchanging PhD students from both sides where candidates are expected to spend half of their PhD degrees at each campus. It will provide students from both sides the chance to widen their horizons and experience research by some of the best research groups on both sides.”
Prof. Fergal O’Brien, Chancellor of RCSI, said, “RCSI is very excited at the opportunity to develop this dual PhD program with Qatar University. Both universities have aligned interests in a number of areas, so by working together and ensuring strong mobility between both universities, it will provide exceptional training for talented early career researchers in health care focused research programs.”
In addition, PhD students enrolled in this program will have full scholarships from both universities that will be offered in a very competitive manner.
It is worth mentioning that RCSI is a world leader in health education, training, and research. They ranked in the top 250 among world universities.
QU Health is considered one of the largest academic health clusters in the region. It includes five colleges under one umbrella: College of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, College of Dental Medicine and College of Nursing. The sector prepares competent graduates who supply health practitioners that meet the health needs of the population in Qatar and are able to shape the future of health care in the country.
Source: Qatar University