Research projects at WCMC-Q secure $12.5 million of funding
May, 2012
WCMC-Q has been awarded $12.5 million in the fifth cycle of the National Priority Research Program (NPRP) from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).
In all, 13 WCMC-Q research projects are set to benefit, which translates as a 37 percent success rate for the college – one of the highest for large, Qatar-based educational establishments.
The projects that have received funding are likely to have long-term benefits for Qatar.
As one would expect, the projects span the scientific range with a focus on biomedical issues important for Qatar and the region, including research into genomics, diabetes, pregnancy, epidemiology, cellular and molecular biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental health issues.
Dr. Khaled Machaca, Associate Dean for Research at WCMC-Q, said the high rate of success for the college's funding applications demonstrated the excellence of the proposed research and the dedication, success and high-level science performed by the Faculty. He also said that this sustained level of funding from the QNRF is evidence for the central role that the QNRF is playing is establishing a research culture in the State of Qatar.
Dr. Machaca added: "The funded projects have clear benefits for Qatar and its people. As part of our commitment to Qatar Foundation, Cornell is committed to train doctors and help create and foster a culture of research in the country. These projects do that and the results are likely to have long-term advantages for Qatar."
The funding provided by QNRF will be released over a period of three years.
