Qatar University (QU) is taking significant strides in advancing its programs and curricula to spearhead research, innovation, and capacity building aimed at fostering economic development and enhancing local and international partnerships. In a groundbreaking initiative, QU has concluded the “Researcher” program, a comprehensive three-month course focusing on Research and Development (R&D) skills developed in collaboration with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau. The program aims to equip graduates and job seekers with essential skills, thereby enhancing the performance of the government sector.

The “Researcher” program's primary objective has been to develop and improve human capabilities within government bodies, providing Qatari employees with the functional skills required to excel in their roles. This initiative aimed to unleash creative potential and cultivate a highly productive national workforce. By enhancing the skills of job seekers, QU and the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau aimed to contribute significantly to the nation's development.

In its initial phase, the program targeted 20 female job seekers specializing in various literary fields, including Law, International Affairs, Sociology, Business Administration, Media, Information Science and Libraries, International Politics, Politics, and Planning and Development. The program focused on providing participants with essential skills for succeeding in a research environment, enhancing capabilities in professional writing, technical reports, presentations, and meeting organization. It also aimed to develop proficiency in data creation, classification, analysis, and efficient use of Microsoft Office and research programs, as well as expertise in using scientific research databases such as Scopus and SciVal and social science databases like JSTOR and ProQuest. Participants applied their acquired skills to real research projects at QU's research centers or colleges.

The training plan is structured around two main fields: theoretical knowledge and practical application. The first training field focused on research methodology, data and chart analysis, scientific productivity measurement, and effective communication skills. Experienced researchers, administrators, and trainers from QU's Research and Graduate Studies Sector, including departments like the Research Planning and Development Department, the Research Support Department, and the Engagement and Communication Office, lead a series of training sessions to achieve this. Additionally, participants receive training from experts at the Ibn Khaldon Center for Humanities and Social Sciences and the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI).

The second training area emphasized practical application through graduation projects. Participants conducted field visits to research centers and implement research projects that included research plans, data analysis, and proposals for process improvements, depending on their specialization.

The program has yielded several significant outcomes, providing participants with a thorough understanding of scientific research, its goals, and its types. Key skills acquired include formulating research questions and hypotheses; learning data collection tools, research resources, and databases; understanding electronic publishing houses and library classification foundations; mastering humanities interpretation techniques and survey recognition; conducting observational studies and managing references with EndNote; and writing legal research and studies. Job seekers also received training in writing, registering, and marketing patents, utilizing artificial intelligence techniques, conducting benchmark comparisons, analyzing results, and comprehending the significance of grants in advancing scientific research. Participants also gained skills in writing research papers, preparing presentations, and analyzing data.

This program underscores QU's role as a hub of expertise, reinforcing its vision to be the preferred destination for knowledge seekers and a catalyst for sustainable economic and social development in Qatar. By fostering a highly skilled workforce, QU aims to drive innovation and research excellence, contributing to the nation's progress and prosperity.