47 specialised laboratories are expected to be created Doha - Arabstoday Qatar University (QU) has embarked on a major expansion project worth QR3.5bn ($961.4m) to ease the pressure on its existing facilities, The Peninsula newspaper has reported. The university received 5000 new students last year, taking the total number to 13,000, which is said to be an all time high. "The increase in students is really huge and unprecedented. For the university, it is a great achievement to accommodate such huge numbers in one semester. This is the right time to appreciate the hard work of our team," QU chairperson Dr Sheikha bint Abdullah al-Misnad told al-Sharq. The project includes a new research centre complex that will be opened this month. The 21,500 square metre facility will bring all the research activities under one roof, with six main units and 47 specialised laboratories. Various colleges including engineering, pharmacy, law and education will be expanded with more facilities. There will be new building for student services. "All the new buildings will have an environment-friendly design, which will also be a combination of traditional and modern architecture," said al-Misnad.