Qatar Focuses its Research

DOHA—Research topics focusing on a new set of priorities were presented at the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference last week, responding to a shift in research goals of one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

The change came in response to last year’s announcement by the Qatar Foundation Chairperson, Sheikha Moza, that three “grand challenges” should be the focus for researchers. Aimed at trying to solve the nation’s most pressing problems, the new priorities are water security, cyber security and energy security.

While the shift was made mandatory....