Qatar- KINDI using research to achieve QNV 2030 goals

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Doha: Timely and accurate research on the economy and society is vital to formulate policies for sustainable growth. Research provides a roadmap to accelerating economic diversification and coping with various policy and economic risks. The Qatar National Vision 2030 is a blueprint of a long-term strategy to advance the country by diversifying its economy, make it more self-sufficient and less reliant on gas and other natural resources. It focuses on four key pillars: human development, social development, economic development, and environmental development. Since the launch of the national vision, companies have aligned their objectives with Qatar's 2030 vision, either by integrating it into their culture or the services they provide. Such is the case for Knowledge Intelligence, Networked Data, and Interdisciplinary (KINDI) research. This Qatar University entity undertakes several initiatives ranging from cyber-security, AI, public workshops, and seminars to catered training programmes for industry partners. In an interview with The Peninsula, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Ali, Director of KINDI Computing Research Center Department, College of Engineering at Qatar University, said that the institution is involved in several projects significant to growth and development in several sectors of the country using artificial intelligence (AI). 'KINDI is involved in many research projects. A large share of the research funding comes from the National Priority Research Program (NPRP) — a research funding programme managed by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF). KINDI researchers also attract funding from internal grants as well as International Research Collaborative Co-funds (IRCC), Dr. Abdulaziz said  'Researchers at KINDI have secured more than $8m of research funds in the past three years. This has resulted in more than 40 publications in international journals and reputable conferences, two patents, and 13 industrial and academic collaborations. 'One of the key areas we focus on are ideas that lead to products that have a practical impact and commercial value. In this regard, the research results coming out of KINDI will go beyond being beneficial as knowledge for academic purposes but also result in products of practical value. He noted that KINDI is always interested in core cyber-security and artificial intelligence (AI) issues that Qatar needs to address soon. So far, KINDI is researching the 'Early detection of fake news over Arabic social media, which Dr. Tamer Elsayed leads. The project aims to detect the early spread of fake news over Arabic social media with the help of advanced Artificial Intelligence techniques. Cyber Security for Next Generation Healthcare in Qatar, Challenging Behaviors and Meltdown Detection among children with Autism, and Non-invasive Hypoglycemia Detection are all projects the institute is working on in partnership with relevant organizations in Qatar and around the world.  'We see AI as an enabler for many future works to come, yet centralization of data and the reliance on imported technology are two roadblocks before Qatar, which we aspire to overcome. We are working on establishing training programs in core cyber-security topics such as digital forensics and malware analysis, which will help the government establish a secure posture resistant to cyber-attacks. 'In addition to working with industry and government partners, we also aim to entice students at Qatar University and other institutions to join us in a series of educational and public awareness events bringing us closer to achieving the first pillar in Qatar's National Vision 2030, Dr. Abdulaziz added.  MENAFN22042021000063011010ID1101962846