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The third cycle of Thematic Research Grant Program (TG) continues HBKU’s commitment to advancing high-impact research aligned with the broad 5 research themes of AI, Precision Health, Progressive Education, Sustainability, and Social Progress. Funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), the program is designed to promote and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across HBKU colleges and research institutes in support of these themes and sub-themes.
By supporting innovative, cross-disciplinary projects, the aim is to tackle complex scientific and societal challenges through collaborative approaches that make effective use of institutional resources. The program reinforces HBKU’s strategic mission to leverage its integrated research ecosystem and capitalize on the combined expertise of its colleges and research institutes.
As part of the submission process, applicants must indicate whether their proposal falls under one of the following tracks:
- Track A: Established Researcher Track – For Lead PIs who hold a rank higher than Assistant Professor or Scientist.
- Track B: Early Research Career Track – For Lead PIs who hold the rank of Assistant Professor or Scientist. This track is designed for researchers in the early stages of their careers.
Submissions in each track will be reviewed and assessed separately.
Objectives
HBKU Thematic Research Program provides funding to HBKU researchers in support of cutting-edge translational research in support of the five QF thematic research areas and in alignment with HBKU’s core areas of expertise.
The program intends to stimulate research collaboration through interdisciplinary and cross-entity research projects to tackle key scientific and technological challenges that cut across priority research themes and sub-themes
Supporting research that is practical and can be implemented through applications, solutions, technologies, policy influence and legislation.
Support forward-thinking, identifying emerging challenges and trends, hence positioning HBKU as a pioneer in societal advancement and economic development.
Help leveraging expertise and resources to optimize research impact
Focus Areas and Desired Outcomes
This program encourages proposals that support interdisciplinary research projects, with a strong emphasis on cross-theme and cross-entity collaboration aligning with QF’s defined and HBKU’s supported thematic research areas listed in the figure below:
Projects should aim to produce one or more of the following outcomes:
- Solution design and implementation
- Feasibility studies and prototyping
- Policy recommendations or development
- Technological innovation or data-driven insights
Deadline extended to September 7th, 2025 at 12:00 noon
Important Documents
Awardees
Track A: Proposals submitted by established researchers
Track B: Proposals submitted by early career researchers
| Awardee | Project Title | Other Principal Investigators | Area of Research |
|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Hicham Hamoudi,
|
| Dr. G. Berdiyorov Dr. Bo Wang Maxime Clement | Sustainability |
Dr. Fadwa El Mellouhi,
| An Artificial Intelligence Platform for Accelerating Materials Discovery (AIPAM)
| Professor Samir Ibrahim Belhaouari CSE | Artificial Intelligence /Sustainability |
Dr. Sophie Richter-Devroe,
| Forced Migration, Digital Technology, and Health
| Dr. Ingmar G. Weber Dr. George Mikros | Sustainability /Social Progress |
Dr. Jens Schneider,
| A multimedial Education Tool for Qatar’s History
| Dr. Younss Ait-Mou Dr. Dena Al-Thani Dr. Marco Agus Dr. Wajdi Zaghouani Dr. Georgios Mikros Dr. Marc Owen Jones | Progressive Education |
Dr. Roberto Di Pietro,
| Blending AI and Regulation for Lawful Anonymous WEB Navigation
| Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos College of Law | Artificial Intelligence /Cybersecurity |
Dr. Julie Decock,
| Validation of LDHC as a Novel Target for Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer
| Dr. Omar Khan CHLS | Precision Medicine |
Dr. Bo Wang,
|
| Dr. Kabir H. Biswas CHLS | Precision Medicine |
Dr. Barry Solaiman,
|
| Dr. Said Ismail Dr. Mohammed Ghaly Dr. Mowafa Househ Dr. Borbala Mifsud Dr. Paul Thornalley | Precision Medicine /Artificial Intelligence |
| Dr. Borbala Mifsud, assistant professor, CHLS |
| Dr. Lawrence Stanton Dr. Mohammed Farhan | Precision Medicine |