The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of California, Berkeley, USA, that establishes a framework for international collaboration in research, education, and training programs between their faculty and students over the next five years.

The agreement, which is sponsored by the College of Public Policy (CPP) at HBKU, represented by Dr. Leslie Pal, founding dean of CPP, and UC Berkeley’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES), represented by Dr. Asad Q. Ahmed, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Department of Near Eastern Studies and Department of Philosophy and Director, CMES. CMES promotes the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is widely recognized as one of the country’s most important sources of knowledge about the Arab world. 

The MoU encourages collaboration on topics of mutual academic interest between their faculties and research communities, with CPP’s Program for Social Policy Evaluation and Research (PROSPER) and UC Berkeley expected to develop programs and activities that advance scholarships through their cooperative relationship. Among the activities envisaged are joint research projects, conferences, workshops, symposia, seminars, and training programs. The collaboration will also extend to research exchanges between faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. Knowledge sharing will be encouraged through academic publications and other forms of cooperation.

Dr. Anis Ben Brik, associate professor and founding director of CPP’s PROSPER, said: “At CPP, we are excited that we can build a robust academic relationship with a prestigious university such as UC Berkeley. Through this MOU, we are expected to generate a strong synergy effect by cooperating on a broad range of common interests. The collaboration is a major milestone for HBKU, at a time when the demand for this kind of global approach to higher education is growing due to the complex, interconnected challenges we face”. He added: “CPP’s PROSPER will keep on expanding its global network, thereby building bridges that give our faculty and students exceptional opportunities to advance their scholarships. While giving fresh impetus to HBKU’s reputation for academic and research excellence, PROSPER is committed to promote knowledge and develop competencies that benefit Qatar and the MENA region.”

Professor Aasd Q. Ahmed said: “We are very positive about exploring new opportunities to collaborate with a leading educational institution like HBKU through its College of Public Policy. The MoU will create mutual avenues for our scholars and students to explore interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of our teaching, research, and public service mission, UC Berkeley is committed to boldly confronting the most pressing global challenges, and establishing such dynamic international partnerships is fundamental to this effort.”

For more information on the work of the College of Public Policy, please visit cpp.hbku.edu.qa