HBKU signs pact with Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

The College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has signed an agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to advance strategic priorities in scientific research, education, and student exchanges.

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a mutual framework for co-operation and support through shared academic initiatives between HBKU and RCSI over the next five years. These include considerations for the development of joint and/or dual master’s and PhD research-based degrees. Other expected outcomes are collaborative programmes in areas such as pharmacogenomics and translational personalised medicine, as well as alignment with HBKU’s current priorities.

CHLS currently offers innovative and research-intensive Master of Science and PhD programmes in Biological and Biomedical Sciences and in Genomics and Precision Medicine, along with an MS in Exercise Science. A structure for dual graduate degree programmes would also give HBKU students an opportunity to complete their research at RCSI.

Established as the national training body for surgery in Ireland in 1784, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences provides globally renowned and best in-class training in the areas of medicine, surgery and health sciences across three branch campuses worldwide.

Under the agreement, a major area of collaborative work will be to develop joint innovation and entrepreneurship-related certification programmes for HBKU and RCSI students. In keeping with both institutions’ focus on impactful translational research, the agreement will support university-industry collaboration and entrepreneur-investor relations between Ireland and Qatar.

Dr Edward Stuenkel, founding dean, CHLS, said: “Both our institutions are focused on improving the health of our societies through cutting-edge translational research and education that facilitates scientific discovery. Our agreement with RCSI is an opportunity to integrate some of the world’s best expertise into our programmes while focusing on personalised medicine. We look forward to fruitful bilateral exchanges that provide exceptional opportunities for our students and faculty, and access to an extensive professional community.”

Prof Darran O’Connor, head, RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies, said: “ The global influence of our work in critical research areas at RCSI is greatly enriched through such international academic partnerships. We look forward to maximising innovation and collaboration between our institutions, academic communities, and on national levels, in areas of priority.”

As seen on GulfTimes  Image Credits GulfTimes