Qatar University (QU) in Doha Qatar University (QU) and Dalhousie University, Canada, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration in the field of ocean sciences and cooperation in the development of research and training opportunities. The relationship between the two organisations will engender collaborative research and teaching activities with the various QU colleges and centers with a special focus on the ocean sciences.
The 5-year agreement was signed at the Canadian university in Halifax, Nova Scotia between QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad and the newly-installed Dalhousie President and Vice-Chancellor Dr Richard Florizone. QU VP and Chief Financial Officer Dr Humaid Al-Midfaa and CAS Dean for Research Dr Mohamed Ahmedna were on hand to witness the signing, along with representatives from Dalhousie.
The signing ceremony took place amid a series of events surrounding the honorary Doctor of Laws award bestowed on Prof Al-Misnad and seven university leaders by Dalhousie for their achievements in education, and the installation of Dr Florizone.
By the terms of the agreement, cooperative activities will include, or may be expanded to include, faculty and researcher exchanges; student exchanges; mutual recognition and accreditation of courses; graduate student advising; development and /or delivery of courses; joint project development and submission for external funding support; and any other area of cooperation that may be mutually agreed upon by the two institutions.
Commenting on the agreement, Prof Al-Misnad said: \"We are pleased to partner with Dalhousie University which will afford both institutions significant academic and research opportunities. The field of ocean sciences is one that is fast growing in importance for Qatar and the Gulf region, and is a strong focus at Dalhousie due to its location in Nova Scotia that is meters from the Atlantic Ocean. Through this agreement, we are taking the lead towards producing future ocean scientists and researchers who can make a significant contribution to Qatar\'s progress in this area\".
Dalhousie University Dean of Science Chris Moore said: \"Even though Qatar University and Dalhousie are on different oceans, both the Qatar economy and the Nova Scotia economy are heavily linked to the ocean. This forms the basis for similarity and collaboration\".
Source: QNA