Some of the faculty and students that will be busy researching

There is a lot of pride and gratitude floating around the University of Calgary - Qatar.  The University of Calgary - Qatar has been awarded funding for four dynamic research projects.  The money is being provided by the Qatar National Research Fund. 

Dr. Tam Donnelly, who heads up UCQ's research team says, "This is an exciting and challenging time for us.  This is the first step for us to prove we are a university that is research intensive in Qatar."

The projects will delve into: ‘Lifestyle Behaviours Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases Amongst Qatari Women,' ‘Breast Feeding Practices in the State of Qatar,' ‘International learning styles of post-secondary students in Qatar,' and ‘Strengthening Primary Health Care in Qatar.'     "We hope the residents of Qatar will benefit greatly by the outcome of this research," adds Donnelly.

Dr. Imad Khadduri, Special Programs Manager of the Qatar National Research Fund says the UCQ submissions "were very good quality considering it was the first time the university competed for funding."  UCQ's four research projects were among 59 that were awarded funding.  One of the criteria being judged by the peer viewers is how the proposals are contributing to the research culture in Qatar. Dr. Khadduri says, "The fact that the UCQ submissions surpassed the new threshold speaks to the quality of the faculty member's ideas and how they are mentoring their students."

Nahrida Nazir Band, one of the student's involved in the research projects says, "It is a life time opportunity for us that we are involved with research.  It is an honour for all of us to first plant the seeds of nursing research in the State of Qatar".

Gulfama Syed, another student says, "I'm glad I have a chance to work with our professional instructors.  It is a wonderful opportunity to learn new things while using my existing skills."

Asmaa Hassan Abu Hassan, a student who is involved in the cardiovascular research project says, "This will be a tremendous opportunity to get to know Qatari women on a more personal basis.  50 of them will be in our focus group. We will be working with them to help find solutions and preventive methods of dealing with a big health issue in their community.  The research projects will also help us build UCQ's identity and reputation in Qatar.  People will no longer be saying, you're from which university?"

Dr. Donnelly says, "Getting the funding is only one third of our effort.  We must now conduct and deliver the expected outcome of each research project."

Dr. Sheila Evans, Interim Dean and CEO says, "We are thrilled that our first ever submissions for grant approvals has had an 80 per cent success rate.  It's a testament to the quality of work by our students and faculty.  This will be the students' first opportunity to do research at the undergraduate level and gather evidence that they will be using in practice."

"The Qatar National Research Fund has done a brilliant job of creating an undergraduate research program," says Donnelly.  "The State has been very generous and we plan on delivering the finest quality research that will give it an excellent return on its investment." 

UCQ is also grateful to a number of Qatar stakeholders that will assist in the research.  They include: Dr. Jassim Al Suwaidi from Hamad General Hospital, Dr. Nishith Patel from HMC Women's Hospital, Ms. Jessy Shibu, Head Nurse in the Postnatal Department of HMC Women's Hospital and Layla Al-Jasmi, Director of Nursing, Primary Health Care.