Qatar University (QU) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sidra Medicine to establish collaboration in the field of education, clinical training, and research.
The terms of the MoU include collaboration between QU and Sidra on medical and health research through the establishment of joint research projects in line with Qatar’s national priorities and the National Research Strategy, and through the cross-funding of joint research and graduate student projects. They also include cross appointments whereby Sidra Medicine health practitioners will co-supervise QU students and deliver specific courses and lectures at QU, and QU clinical staff will carry out patient-care responsibilities at Sidra Medicine and gain access to facilities relevant to their teaching and research interests at Sidra Medicine.
Both institutions will also collaborate on the design and implementation of continuing professional development activities in the field of pharmacy, health sciences and medical education.
Other areas of collaboration include the provision of scholarships and student sponsorship to QU students in health related programs, and the organization of joint conferences, seminars, workshops, and health-awareness and outreach activities.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “It is a great pleasure to sign the second MoU within this week and this time with Sidra Medicine, one of the world-class research centers. This MoU will provide the members of QU Health with opportunities to work together with Sidra Medicine’s researchers. Health care and wellness are one of QU’s health priorities, and through this MoU, both institutions will organize joint conferences and workshops.”
Mr Peter Morris said: “Sidra Medicine is built on a foundation of three pillars — patient care, biomedical research and medical education. Our partnership with QU is an exemplary showcase of our collaboration across all three pillars. This is the start of a strong relationship that will help establishing collaborative pathways that will change lives. Not only that of the young professionals coming out of QU, but also how our joint efforts will impact on the health care needs of the women and children of Qatar.”
Dr Egon Toft said: “This agreement highlights QU Health’s commitment to address the increasing need for high-qualified doctors, and to support the country’s national strategies in health care and education. We hope that through shared areas of interest we can create the necessary platform for relevant research and ultimately contribute to advancing the health care sector in Qatar.”