QNL Launches HBKU Repository Hub in Partnership With Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Doha, Qatar – In a groundbreaking step toward enhancing Qatar’s research ecosystem, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has joined forces with Qatar National Library (QNL) to launch the HBKU Repository hub on QNL’s Manara – Qatar Research Repository platform. This strategic partnership offers an open-access gateway to over 3,000 research works, showcasing the diverse, multidisciplinary research carried out within HBKU’s academic environment.
Promoting Open Access to Cutting-Edge Research
The HBKU Repository is a comprehensive digital collection that allows the public to explore a variety of open-access publications produced by HBKU faculty, researchers, and students. The repository is not limited to traditional research outputs like journal articles and theses; it also features non-conventional works such as preprints, conference posters, poster presentations, software, reports, datasets, and more. By making these materials openly available, HBKU is actively contributing to global knowledge-sharing and positioning Qatar as a leader in research and innovation.
The repository highlights research conducted across all of HBKU’s colleges and research institutes, including the College of Islamic Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, College of Law, College of Health and Life Sciences, and the College of Public Policy. It also showcases groundbreaking work from HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Computing Research Institute, and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute.
Manara – A Gateway to Qatar’s Research Excellence
The Manara – Qatar Research Repository, developed by Qatar National Library, is a public platform designed to archive and share research conducted by Qatar-based scholars with a global audience. This digital repository plays a pivotal role in promoting the global visibility, impact, and discoverability of research across disciplines ranging from the biomedical sciences to the humanities.
Manara’s user-friendly platform enables visitors to easily access Qatar’s wealth of research output, helping to bridge the gap between local research and international audiences. The platform is not just a tool for archiving but also a mechanism for fostering collaboration and engagement among local and international researchers. By hosting the HBKU Repository hub, Manara further strengthens its role as a key player in the dissemination of Qatar’s research output.
Strengthening Qatar’s National Research Capabilities
Commenting on the significance of this collaboration, Fahad Al Dariham, Library Manager at HBKU, emphasized the shared vision between HBKU and QNL to enhance Qatar’s national research capabilities. “Our collaboration with Qatar National Library is driven by a shared commitment to promoting open access to multidisciplinary research. The launch of the HBKU Repository on Manara is a significant milestone, as it helps us build capacity within Qatar and strengthens our commitment to inclusive, high-quality research and education,” he said.
The launch of this repository is a clear indication of HBKU’s dedication to nurturing Qatar’s research and education ecosystem. By providing free and open access to a wide array of academic works, HBKU is empowering not only students and researchers but also the public, enhancing the availability of cutting-edge knowledge and expertise to all.
Fostering Global Knowledge Sharing
Marcin Werla, Director of Digital Collections at Qatar National Library, expressed his enthusiasm about the growing collection of research on Manara. “The increasing number of research outputs on Manara reflects our success in sharing knowledge with new generations of researchers in Qatar and beyond,” Werla said. He added that QNL is constantly engaging with new partners to expand Manara’s collection, in line with the Library’s mission to preserve and disseminate knowledge on a global scale.
This partnership with HBKU represents a significant milestone in QNL’s mission to make knowledge more accessible. The addition of over 3,000 open-access works from HBKU not only enriches Manara’s digital repository but also ensures that the global research community benefits from Qatar’s academic advancements. By fostering collaborations like this, QNL aims to position Qatar as a global leader in open-access research.
Empowering Students and Enhancing Research Competencies
As a member of Qatar Foundation, HBKU has a strong commitment to empowering students and fostering lifelong learning. The HBKU Repository will play a vital role in helping students and alumni develop essential skills and competencies through access to diverse, multidisciplinary educational and social learning opportunities.
By creating an open-access hub for research, HBKU is not only promoting academic excellence but also encouraging intellectual growth and innovation among Qatar’s younger generation. The repository provides an invaluable resource for students to explore real-world applications of their studies, engage with ongoing research, and contribute to the broader academic community.
A Milestone for Research in Qatar
The partnership between HBKU and QNL marks a new chapter in Qatar’s efforts to position itself as a global hub for academic excellence and research innovation. With the launch of the HBKU Repository hub on Manara, Qatar is reinforcing its commitment to open access, knowledge sharing, and international collaboration.
This initiative not only benefits Qatar-based researchers but also serves the global academic community, providing access to groundbreaking research across a wide array of disciplines. By supporting global visibility and ensuring discoverability of Qatar’s research, this collaboration sets the stage for future advancements and partnerships that will further enhance the Qatari research landscape.
As Qatar continues to grow as a center for knowledge and innovation, initiatives like the HBKU Repository will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of education, research, and international collaboration. By fostering open access and providing a platform for multidisciplinary research, HBKU and QNL are making a lasting contribution to the global research community.