The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has collaborated with the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ (MoTC) Qatar Digital Government Training Program to deliver a series of webinars. Taking place between June 21 and July 2, the series provided multiple perspectives on COVID-19 research and applications. The webinars were delivered by a number of consultants and experts in the field.

The series began with a discussion on the role of blockchain technology in developing applications for secure smart cities after COVID-19 and beyond. Other webinars considered the use of wearable electronics for COVID-19 applications, the pandemic’s impact on global supply chains, data analytic tools for COVID-19 applications, as well as training for designing smart phone applications. 

The webinar series also represented a chance to highlight the CSE’s COVID-19 state-of-the-art projects and applied research initiatives. These include Weqaya, a user behavior application for assessing COVID-19 exposure, and Esra, which provides feedback on a child’s emotional wellbeing to parents, teachers and mental health practitioners as the isolation continues. Besides an overview of the technologies, these sessions consider the issues underpinning their development. Other research projects include V-Mosque for streaming religious events and the development of ICT solutions for COVID-19 and other medical emergencies. 

The events come as part of the continuing support from MOTC for the IT sector across government entities to help them better face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and access the latest technologies, in addition to sharpening the technological, technical and leadership skills of ICT employees in such a way that contributes to achieving the objectives of the Qatar Digital Government.

Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Founding Dean of CSE, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the MoTC to deliver this series of webinars. The collaborations between our organizations are numerous but united under a shared determination to build a robust knowledge-based society with technically grounded leaders and innovators at its heart. These webinars also provide an opportunity to highlight how CSE has recalibrated its research to respond to COVID-19 needs within Qatar and beyond. It has been a pleasure to engage with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience.”

The series addressed other critical topics in relation to technology’s impact and prospects within the pandemic. These included applications of digital health, global supply chain effects, COVID-19 risks for wastewater reuse, the practicality of emergency responses to COVID-19, and contact tracing as a resolution for the pandemic.

The College of Science and Engineering regularly holds events that reflect its research activities and interests. In doing so, it ensures synergy and collaboration with key national stakeholders, to drive Qatar’s national aspirations and confront pressing challenges. For more information, please visit cse.hbku.edu.qa