DOHA: Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, a noted Qatari academic has been appointed as the sixth president of Qatar University (QU).
He replaces Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad who had been serving as president since 2003, QU’s Board of Regents announced yesterday.
Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, who is also Chairman of Qatar University’s Board of Regents, chaired yesterday the board’s fourth meeting for the 2014-2015 academic year.
The meeting took place at the Emir Diwan also thanked previous president Dr Sheikha bint Abdullah Al Misnad for her efforts since assuming the post back in 2003.
“The Board acknowledged the instrumental role Prof Al Misnad played in the years since she assumed presidency in 2003, and recognised the phase under her leadership as a transformational era in the history of the university during which the institution reached new heights of academic quality, research excellence and international recognition,” said a statement.
The Board also expressed confidence that the new president will carry the QU legacy forward, building on his track record of achievements in the academic and research fields and his role as part of Qatar University’s executive leadership team for the past 8 years.
Dr Al Derham served as VP for Research since 2007 and brings with him experience in several positions at QU including Associate VP for Research and Head of Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Dr Al Derham holds a PhD and Post-Graduate Diploma in Construction Project Management from University of South Wales, UK following a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from GeorgiaTech, USA. His undergraduate degree is in Architectural Engineering from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, USA.
He is recognised for playing a major role in establishing the research agenda at both university and national levels. During his term, he successfully developed and implemented the organization’s research policies, procedures, and priorities as well as an ambitious research road map fielding strategic national priorities.
Several research centers were initiated under his leadership including the Gas Processing Center, Qatar Mobility Innovations Center, Qatar Road Safety Studies Center, KINDI Lab for Computing Research, Laboratory Animals Research Center, and the Biomedical Research Center. He also led the inauguration of the organization’s multi-million-dollar Research Complex.
Dr Al Derham’s research interests include construction productivity, project optimization, legal contracts and procurement. In 2009, along with his research team, he won Best Paper of the Year in ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. He is also a member of several professional international societies and organizations.
The Peninsula
