The College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), signed an agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to advance strategic priorities in scientific research, education, and student exchanges. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) provides a mutual framework for cooperation and support through shared academic initiatives between HBKU and RCSI over the next five years. These include considerations for the development of joint and/or dual master’s and PhD research-based degrees. Other expected outcomes are collaborative programs in areas such as pharmacogenomics and translational personalized medicine, which align with HBKU’s current priorities. 

CHLS currently offers innovative and research-intensive Master of Science (MS) and PhD programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences and in Genomics and Precision Medicine, along with an MS in Exercise Science. A structure for dual graduate degree programs would also give HBKU students an opportunity to complete their research at RCSI. 

Established as the national training body for surgery in Ireland in 1784, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences provides globally renowned and best in-class training in the areas of medicine, surgery and health sciences across three branch campuses worldwide. 

Under the MoU, a major area of collaborative work will be to develop joint innovation and entrepreneurship-related certification programs for HBKU and RCSI students. In keeping with both institutions’ focus on impactful translational research, the agreement will support university-industry collaboration and entrepreneur-investor relations between Ireland and Qatar. 

Highlighting the benefits of the joint cooperation, Dr. Edward Stuenkel, Founding Dean, CHLS, said: “Both our institutions are focused on improving the health of our societies through cutting-edge translational research and education that facilitates scientific discovery. Our agreement with RCSI is an opportunity to integrate some of the world’s best expertise into our programs while focusing on personalized medicine. We look forward to fruitful bilateral exchanges that provide exceptional opportunities for our students and faculty, and access to an extensive professional community. These outcomes tie in with our ongoing efforts to educate research scientists with the knowledge and technical skills to address current and future health challenges.”

Professor Darran O’Connor, Head of School, RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies, said: “We are excited to work with CHLS at HBKU. The global influence of our work in critical research areas at RCSI is greatly enriched through such international academic partnerships. We look forward to maximizing innovation and collaboration between our institutions, academic communities, and on national levels, in areas of priority.”