Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU): At Education City, held the second meeting of its Industry and Government Advisory Board (IGAB).
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting was chaired by HE Qatar's former Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada. The gathering was attended by notable figures, including HE Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al-Thani, HE Deputy Chief Executive Officer of QAFCO Sheikh Khaled bin Abdallah Al-Thani, and Acting CEO of Qatar District Cooling Company Nahar Al Mutawah. Additionally, the President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Taher Hamid, and Country Head and VP Operations at McDermott International, Ltd Middle East Inc Neil Gunnion, were present, along with representatives from energy and technology companies.
Organized by HBKU's College of Science and Engineering (CSE), the IGAB comprises prominent figures and academics dedicated to advancing the University's mission. The board members provide counsel, funding, and additional support, enabling CSE faculty and students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
The IGAB serves as a strategic bridge between academia and industry, ensuring that HBKU's research areas address national priorities. By integrating these perspectives into program design and planning, the Board strengthens pathways for commercialization, accelerates technology transfer, and enhances graduate readiness for sectors driving Qatar's knowledge-based economy.
HBKU's CSE Dean Dr. Mounir Hamdi commented on the Board's significance, stating that it is a cornerstone of their strategy to position CSE as a catalyst for innovation and economic transformation. Through this partnership, future-ready programs are co-designed, mission-driven research is advanced, and a dynamic talent pipeline is created to support Qatar's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Head of the Division of Science at the CSE, Dr. Hassan Said Bazzi, emphasized the depth of HBKU's partnership with Qatar's leading industrial sectors, highlighting the leadership and sustained engagement provided by the Board members. This collaboration enhances academic focus, aligns innovation with market demands, and translates research into market-ready solutions that further national development.
Through initiatives such as the IGAB, HBKU continues to strengthen its role as a global, impact-driven research university, contributing meaningfully to Qatar's long-term economic and societal advancement.