HBKU, Center for Wellbeing sign MoU to advance research, policy and community development

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and The Center for Wellbeing have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance research, knowledge exchange, and policy support in community development, particularly in Qatar. The collaboration was officially announced by Prof. Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Emadi, Acting CEO of The Center for Wellbeing, and Dr. Maryam Al-Mannai, Vice President for Student Affairs at HBKU, alongside executive leadership from both organizations.

The partnership aims to leverage the research capabilities of HBKU and The Center for Wellbeing's community-focused expertise to bolster institutional capacity. This agreement will foster joint research projects, professional development, and specialized training, creating opportunities for researchers, professionals, and members from both institutions to share knowledge and work on shared initiatives.

A central focus of the MoU will be the gathering and analysis of data on wellbeing and quality-of-life indicators, which will contribute to the creation of a scientific database for The Center’s Wellbeing Observatory. By linking research, data, and professional experience with community requirements, this partnership will generate evidence that can inform community initiatives, policies, and programs, in line with HBKU's dedication to delivering locally relevant and impactful solutions for Qatar and the region.

Both Prof. Al Emadi and Dr. Al Mannai expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. Prof. Al Emadi highlighted this agreement as a significant milestone for The Center for Wellbeing, stating that the partnership marks a cornerstone for advancing sustainability, benefiting society, and opening new horizons for integration, innovation, and collaboration.

Dr. Al Mannai emphasized the importance of combining academic expertise with field experience to address critical issues affecting Qatari society, and noted that the collaboration aligns with HBKU's commitment to developing practical solutions that support Qatar's environmental and economic goals, while enhancing quality of life.

The MoU outlines collaboration projects and studies centered on wellbeing, social cohesion, and community values. Additionally, the institutions will organize joint conferences, seminars, workshops, and scientific panel discussions. They will also exchange research data, reports, policy papers, and scholarly publications to strengthen knowledge exchange and support ongoing research.

As a leading national academic institution, HBKU is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research, high-quality education, and meaningful community engagement, contributing to Qatar's intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.