Doha, February 25 (QNA) – Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), at Education City, held the second meeting of its Industry and Government Advisory Board (IGAB).

Chaired by HE Qatar’s former Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the gathering was also attended by HE Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al-Thani; HE Deputy Chief Executive Officer of QAFCO (Qatar Fertiliser Company) Sheikh Khaled bin Abdallah Al-Thani; and Acting CEO of Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool) Nahar Al Mutawah.

Also participating were President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Taher Hamid; Country Head and VP Operations at McDermott International, Ltd Middle East Inc Neil Gunnion; as well as representatives from energy and technology companies.

Organized by HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE), the IGAB is composed of prominent figures and academics committed to advancing the University’s mission to develop capabilities and cultivate professionals who drive meaningful change. In doing so, board members provide counsel, funding, and additional support, enabling CSE faculty and students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.

Serving as a strategic bridge between academia and industry, IGAB ensures that HBKU’s research areas address national priorities. By integrating these perspectives into program design and planning, the Board strengthens pathways for commercialization, accelerates technology transfer, and enhances graduate readiness for sectors driving Qatar’s knowledge-based economy.

In this context, HBKU’s CSE Dean Dr. Mounir Hamdi commented: “The Industry and Government Advisory Board is a cornerstone of our strategy to position CSE as a catalyst for innovation and economic transformation.

Through this powerful partnership, we are co-designing future-ready programs, advancing mission-driven research, and creating a dynamic talent pipeline that directly supports Qatar’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.”

For his part, Head of the Division of Science at the CSE Dr. Hassan Said Bazzi said: “The Industry and Government Advisory Board reflects the depth of HBKU’s partnership with Qatar’s leading industrial sectors. Through leadership and sustained engagement, members add to our academic focus, enhance our priority areas, and ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills and qualifications required to excel in a rapidly evolving workforce. By aligning innovation with market demands, we are translating research into market-ready solutions that further national development.”

Through initiatives such as the IGAB, HBKU continues to consolidate its role as a global, impact-driven research university, contributing meaningfully to Qatar’s long-term economic and societal advancement. (QNA)