Special Supplement Thursday, May 30, 2019
The City of Universities For the past 23 years, students in Qatar have been studying in a city where the iconic landmarks are some of the world’s top universities from New York, Paris, Chicago, London, Washington, DC, and more. Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Foundation International. “Collaborations between some of the world’s best institutions are happening right here in Doha.”
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hat started with a single school has transformed into Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) ‘Education City,’ a 12 square kilometer urban development housing various education and research institutes. This model was created when QF’s founders developed a plan for Qatar’s future that would provide a greater choice in education, research, and community development. The organization partnered with Georgetown, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, Texas A&M, Virginia Commonwealth, HEC Paris, and University College London to offer their flagship programs in Doha. In 2010, QF established Hamad Bin Khalifa University, a homegrown research university that offers customized programs catered to the needs of the region. While they are supported by QF, all the universities enjoy complete academic freedom and authority over their curricula and the recruitment of students, faculty, and staff. The Education City Model At Education City, students have a chance to experience multiple universities during their
academic journey. “One of the best parts of being with QF is that they always urge us to be experimental. They want us to do things that we might not be able to do on our Washington campus,” said Brendan Hill, Senior Associate Dean for Students at Georgetown University in Qatar. One example: Georgetown’s partnership with Northwestern on a combined minor in Media and Politics, capitalizing on the respective strengths of each school.
Education City universities are within walking distance of one another and cater to more than 3,000 students every year. Housed in builtfor-purpose campuses, they offer programs in media, international affairs, business, computer science, medicine, engineering, cultural heritage, knowledge management, and arts.
“These students are part of a larger ecosystem at QF that includes scholars, researchers, and innovators generating significant achievements in key areas including the social sciences, healthcare, IT, the environment, and food security with associated commercial opportunities”
Part of Something Greater While studying at QF, students can take advantage of QF’s offerings in research and community development. “Education is an integral part of our mission, but, for us, it’s the first step to help us develop the country’s full potential,” says Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, QF’s Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation (RDI). “These students are part of a larger ecosystem
at QF that includes scholars, researchers, and innovators generating significant achievements in key areas including the social sciences, healthcare, IT, the environment, and food security with associated commercial opportunities” Some of those opportunities for students include the chance to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into businesses through QF’s technology hub, Qatar Science & Technology Park, or turn their curiosities
into fully funded research projects via any of the institutes based in Education City. Moreover, students get to participate in some of the world’s leading conferences, such as the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) and the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). As Qatar continues to fast track large-scale developments and prepare for its future needs, QF is continuing to expand the offerings at Education City. (Courtesy: Qatar Foundation)
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Such joint programs are only one aspect of this unique model. Enrolled students can cross-register at other schools, conduct research with their faculty members, or even start entrepreneurial initiatives with them.They can also study abroad at their respective university’s main campus or participate in fully funded learning trips and residencies in all corners of the globe. “When Education City was first conceived, its vision was to provide world-class education to the people of Qatar. But over the past 23 years, this project has achieved beyond that goal, and the result is an academic hub with unique opportunities and initiatives,” said Omran Al-
Stenden University Qatar Creating critical global thinkers through a broad-based professional education Q How is the relation with the students? How do you support them?
As I said before, we all are one big family at Stenden Qatar. I think the most important thing a good teacher can do is build relationships with the students and being close to them. I know all of my students by name and my office door is always open following our “open doors policy”. Furthermore at Stenden University Qatar there is a counselling department in case any of our students faces challenges, be it academically or on a personal level.
Vanessa Alvarez Fraile
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anessa Alvarez Fraile is Spanish Lecturer at Stenden University Qatar. Holder of a Master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and a BA in Management and International Business Administration, she teaches in all three undergraduate degrees offered at the University: International Business, International Hospitality Management and Tourism Management. Before coming to Qatar, Fraile worked in different management positions worldwide in the tourism industry for 15 years. Having spent the whole of her career in the field of tourism, when she moved with my family to Doha five years ago, she decided it was time for a new challenge. That’s when she made a career change to Education. Gulf Times caught up with her to know how about her experience of switching career and her time at Stenden University Qatar. Excerpts from the interview: Q How do you feel about your new career at Stenden University Qatar? I have been enjoying this experience, particularly mixing with staff and students from all over the world. I enjoy helping students grow! It is rewarding to see how their competencies and confidence grow over the courses and being part of that.
Q How do you enjoy working with Stenden? I love teaching at Stenden! It’s a second home for teachers and students alike. There is such a family atmosphere at Stenden Qatar. I especially enjoy the interaction with the students. I have the privilege of teaching students from across the world with varied languages and different life perspectives. I think I learn just as much from my students as they do from me.
I try to connect my students with what they are learning through engagement and creating learning opportunities. My role as a teacher is to work together with the students acting as a facilitator without always telling them what to do, so that they can be active participants in the learning process. I do appreciate their input and contribution in the class. Q
How do you see your students in the future?
I know that our students are well equipped to start working in the real world immediately after
graduation as they are highly sought after by potential employers. We are proud of the high employability of our alumni within six months of graduation. We attribute such success to our curriculum which is designed to strike the right balance between theory and practice.
adaptable to change. Thus they are welcome worldwide, in all sectors of business and service management. I can confidently say that a degree from Stenden Qatar opens doors to an exciting future with varied career prospects and options.
At Stenden Qatar, we attach a lot of importance to the quality of education which is why all our degrees are internationally accredited. Our programmes provide a flexible and broadbased professional education which makes our graduates critical global thinkers who are
Q
What are your plans for the future?
Life has taught me not to make so many plans for the future as it changes so easily. I am enjoying so far teaching at Stenden. Maybe I will go back to Europe someday, but who knows.
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Higher Education
Gulf Times Special Supplement Thursday, May 30, 2019
HEC Paris
A World Leader in Executive Education
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ounded in 1881, HEC Paris is one of the oldest and most prestigious Business Schools in France. Throughout its rich history, HEC Paris has been attracting highly talented, innovative, entrepreneurial, ambitious and open-minded individuals. The school has earned international acclaim for its exceptional programs, ground-breaking research and outstanding student body. HEC Paris offers a comprehensive and unique range of programs for the leaders of tomorrow, including Master’s Degrees, MBA, PhD, Executive MBA (EMBA) and TRIUM Global Executive EMBA. In 2010, HEC Paris joined Qatar Foundation and brought world-class Executive Education programs and research activity to Qatar and the GCC region. The underlying principle of Qatar Foundation also envisions to prepare the people of Qatar and the region to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world and to make Qatar a leader in innovative education and research. By being a part of this visionary organization, HEC Paris in Qatar ultimately falls under its unified vision to make the new age managers of Qatar the most trusted leaders of tomorrow. HEC Paris has a deep understanding of Qatar Foundation’s mission and the school is honored to support achieving the National Vision 2030 goals to transform the country in to a knowledge-based economy by unlocking human potential. As one of the world’s leading providers of Executive Education, HEC Paris offers in Qatar a complete portfolio of degree management programs, including the International Executive MBA (EMBA), ranked #6 worldwide by the Financial Times 2018 and #5 worldwide by the QS Global Executive MBA 2019, and the Specialized Master’s Degree in Strategic
Business Unit Management (SBUM). The institution also offers Executive Short Programs and Certificates for managers and executives as well as Custom programs for companies.
environment to ensure that participants gain comprehensive, innovative, and applicable knowledge and skills that they can adapt to their specific roles and which will benefit their organizations.
Since joining Qatar Foundation in 2010, HEC Paris has graduated 593 participants in Qatar, of whom 279 participated in the EMBA program and 314 in the SBUM program.
The curriculum of the HEC Paris Executive MBA consists of three key components: 14 core courses, one major and a capstone project. There are nine majors for participants to choose from, allowing them to specialize in a field of their choice. These majors are Aerospace & Aviation, Differentiation & Innovation through Services, Energy, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Entrepreneurship - Project Accelerator, Innovation & Social Business, Leading Digital Transformation, Luxury, and Global Business Management, Digital Strategies & New Business.
HEC Paris Faculty Our permanent faculty work on internationally acclaimed research in all the major fields of management science. This reflects the diversity of thought and culture, the open-mindedness and the rigorous intellectual standards promoted at HEC Paris. The institution has 111 full-time professors who hold doctorates from the most prestigious universities around the world, 16 visiting and 88 affiliate professors. Moreover, it has 700 lecturers and part-time professors. HEC Paris Executive Community Founded in 1883, the HEC Paris Alumni community is recognized as one of the most influential associations worldwide. Graduates gain access to an influential worldwide network of peers that enables them to extend the HEC Paris experience, expand their professional network and strengthen their links with HEC Paris. The HEC Paris Alumni community has 60,000 members from 105 different nationalities. International Executive MBA The International Executive MBA (EMBA) is a part-time program that provides executives with a set of fundamental skills to expand their knowledge and leadership capabilities. The HEC Paris EMBA offers a special focus on strategy, leadership and the global business
Specialized Master’s Degree in Strategic Business Unit Management The HEC Paris in Qatar Specialized Master is a part-time program that comprises three stages, starting with the core curriculum focused on areas of key importance for participants’ personal and professional development. These areas include Strategy, Leadership & Change, Finance & Accounting, Operations Management & Supply Chain, Human Resources Management, and Marketing Essentials. Participants can also personalize their learning journey further by choosing one of three tracks: General Management, Marketing & Sales, and Entrepreneurship & Business Development. Furthermore, the professional thesis enables participants to choose a crucial issue in today’s organization or society – and work out an answer providing detailed solutions for a specific challenge. Executive Short Programs and Certificates
HEC Paris in Qatar delivers a full range of Executive Short Programs and Executive Certificates, focusing on a variety of key management areas. These short, highimpact programs can easily fit into a busy schedule. Several of these programs are excellent preparation for the International Executive MBA and the Specialized Master’s Degree. They are designed for professionals wanting to develop specific skills and see immediate benefits for both themselves and their organizations. Custom Programs HEC Paris award-winning customdesigned programs address the major
challenges facing organizations and are tailored to the specific professional development and training needs of executives and managers. What offers HEC Paris in Qatar an edge over others is that HEC believes in co-creating a program and working closely with its partners not only in the design and delivery phases, but also in assessing the effectiveness of the program by way of offering custom programs. In recent years, we have been working with a number of organizations in Qatar and other countries such as Oman. Over the past year and a half, the custom and executive short program business unit within HEC Paris in Qatar has developed over 1000 professionals, comprising a significant proportion of Qatari Nationals. These managers, leaders and identified talent have come to HEC Paris from over 25 organizations across the GCC region. HEC Paris Custom Program creation process is a highly collaborative one whereby it works with its clients as co-development partners throughout the process. It has even set up a joint project team with representatives of the respective companies and HEC Paris in Qatar to co-design and develop the program. An HEC Paris Academic Director pilots the pedagogical content and
methodology to ensure that the targeted business objectives are met. Participants are immersed in a challenging environment where they can step back from their daily routine and reflect upon themselves, their organization, their role within their industry and the position their company occupies on the national and global stage. HEC Paris Experience Throughout HEC Paris in Qatar programs, participants get the opportunity to learn, not only from top faculty, but also from other participants. Each one brings a wealth of practical business experience from a wide spectrum of industries and management functions. Each classroom is a multicultural and interactive environment where participants from different backgrounds, sectors and countries can share best practices and build up a valuable network of peers. In short, the programs and research activities of HEC Paris in Qatar build corporate competitiveness within the global economy and are fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 to support the transformation of Qatar into an advanced, competitive and knowledgebased economy.
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Higher Education
Gulf Times Special Supplement Thursday, May 30, 2019
Higher Education and Research in Qatar Home to a large number of world-class universities and academic institutions with a diverse range of programs in nearly every field of academia, Qatar is steadily rising as a destination of choice among overseas students seeking international quality education.
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atar has emerged as an unparalleled regional hub for higher education, academic research and advanced scholarship in the last few years, thanks to the country’s exceptional investment in developing its human capital. The country today is a fertile ground for academic achievement and is expanding its own educational development opportunities constantly. The tiny country hosts more branches campuses of Western universities than any other Arabian Gulf country – to bring the greatest in academic excellence to Qatari students. The higher education system in Qatar offers Qatari students free higher education along with scholarships for Arab students and special opportunity for women students from Arab and Muslim countries. Qatar’s higher education system is a deliberate investment to transition the country from a fossil fuel to a knowledgebased economy and is a central component of Qatar National Vision 2030. Pioneers in Qatari Higher Education Qatar University Qatar University is the first university established in the country and offers education in a comprehensive variety
of academic areas. Qatar University provides free tuition for Qatari students and students from other GCC countries who meet the entrance requirements and maintain a qualifying GPA. The university also offers scholarships to students from Arab and Islamic countries. Students at Qatar University are free to enroll in additional classes in Education City. Hamad Bin Khalifa University Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), named after Qatar’s Father Amir, is a homegrown university established in 2010 to offer graduate studies and research opportunities to students in Qatar. HBKU hosts over 600 students, 58 percent of whom are non-Qatari, covering 68 different nationalities. HBKU hosts five colleges in Islamic Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, Law and Public Policy, and Health and Life Sciences, as well as three research institutes – Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Computing Research Institute, and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute. Doha Institute Doha Institute for Graduate Studies is a new, leading center for graduate studies in Qatar, with centers on social sciences, humanities, public administration, psychology, security studies, conflict studies, and executive education.
The institute started its first academic semester in 2015 and offers a variety of areas for masters- and doctoral-level graduate studies. The Education City In 1995 Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser and His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani founded Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) to expand upon the country’s higher education system and train Qatar’s youth for a knowledge-based, post-petrochemical economy – a key component of Qatar National Vision 2030. As its flagship project, QF established the Education City, which today covers 3,300 acres and houses educational facilities from early school age to research level and branch campuses of some of the world’s leading universities. The universities in Education City offer degrees in the fields of media, engineering, design, medicine, politics, business, museum curation and Islamic studies. Education City distinguishes Qatar as a beacon for education and research in the Arabian Gulf region and the greater Middle East. Through Education City, Qatar is building the societal infrastructure to transition from a resource-based economy to a 21st-century knowledge-based economy. Thanks to Education City, students are becoming global citizens, with increased awareness of cutting-edge science, international cultures, and civil society. Qatar achieves these things while maintaining its important cultural values and characteristics. Leading in Scientific Research Qatar’s commitment to research through generous funding and the creation of partnerships between public and private sectors and other concerned institutions is beginning to bear fruit.
A Beacon for Academia
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atar also invests generously in education initiatives around the world, including through its Education Above All Foundation, to help defeat radical extremism by empowering youth to determine their futures and build stronger communities. The Foundation’s programs include: • Educate A Child (EAC), which has a mandate of enrolling and retaining 10 million children without easy access to primary education. Thus far, EAC has helped enroll over 6.6 million school children. • Protecting Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), advocates for education in war-torn countries and regions. PEIC works with multiple United Nations offices and international initiatives to support the right for education in areas of conflict and instability. • Al Fakhoora is an initiative promoting education access for students in Gaza. Al Fakhoora has refurbished or reconstructed 18 university facilities and 71 schools in Gaza and awarded over 5,000 scholarships for students in higher education in Gaza. • Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), a program supporting education and training in crisis areas in Asia. Thus far ROTA has helped provide primary education to 385,473 children and trained 52,667 youths with skills for gainful employment.
The country is steadily developing a reputation for academic excellence and is at the vanguard of research and development across a wide range of fields. In Qatar, there are many institutions and scientific research centers, including: Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) The aim of the QNRF is to encourage innovative scientific research that is selected on a competitive basis in the fields of engineering, technology, physical and biosciences, medicine, humanitarian and social sciences, and art. The QNRF primarily supports the four main pillars of the Qatar National Research Strategy, which form the strategic application of scientific research projects and activities relevant to specific areas of scientific research. QNRF has been funding a wide range of research programs in areas of national priority; thematic and grand challenges; capacity building; policies, rules and regulation; schools and special programs. Furthermore, QNRF is directing resources and investment in various other significant scientific realms.
Qatar Science and Technology Park The Qatar Science and Technology Park is affiliated to Qatar Foundation but is a research entity in its own right.
•Cancer Research •Diabetes and Obesity •Neurological Diseases •Genomics and Personalized Healthcare •Computational Biology and Biostatics
The park focuses its research efforts on four areas that align to the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS): Energy, Environment, Health Sciences and Communications and Information Technology.
Sidra Medical and Research Center (SMRC) Sidra is an academic medical center that uses the most advanced digital technology. The center is striving to accomplish three main aims: to provide the highest clinical medical care, to deliver world-class medical education, and to become a global leader in biomedical research.
Qatar Computing Research Institute Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) is a national research institute, established in 2010 by Qatar Foundation and operating under the umbrella of Hamad bin Khalifa University. QCRI conducts world-class multidisciplinary computing research that focuses on tackling large-scale computing challenges that address Qatar’s priorities for growth and development. Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute is a national research institute established by Qatar Foundation and set up under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation Research and Development with the purpose of transforming healthcare through science and innovation and supporting the strategic priorities outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030. In keeping with Qatar National Health priorities and Qatar National Research Strategy, QBRI operates across five scientific centers of excellence:
Qatar Energy and Environment Institute (QEERI) QEERI’s main task is to conduct and coordinate long term research in tackling national priorities connected to energy and the environment. In addition to these, Qatar has many research institutions and entities, including, but not limited to: QU Office of the Vice President (VP) for Research Qatar University Office of the Vice President (VP) for Research orchestrates a number of educational centers that support world-class scientific research across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including advanced technologies, biomedicine and social sciences. The university promotes a strategy of supporting research that primarily serves the local community and its needs. Research Centers include: •Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) •Environmental Science Center (ESC)
•Gas Processing Center (GPC) •Road Safety Studies Center (RSSC) •KINDI Lab for Computing Research (KINDI) •Biomedical Research Center (BMRC) •The Social & Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) HMC is the primary care provider in the State of Qatar and has delivered healthcare services to nationals for over three decades. In addition to providing safe and effective health services for patients, the corporation is actively involved in research and development. Researches centers at HMC include the Medical Research Centre and the Applied Research Institute. Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) The Qatar Science Club (QSC) was established in 1987 as a national not-for-profit scientific institution encouraging education, innovation and research related to science and technology. Furthermore, the QSC supports innovators by providing services, integration with government circles, and assists in developing partnerships with international institutions. Qatar National Library In addition, the Qatar National Library has established a directory to help those concerned with research in a bid to link up scholars and researchers and to publicize research facilities and resources available in Qatar. Further, the directory aims to cover all institutions and centers of research in Qatar regardless of the field covered.