The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is pleased to welcome the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) as a new member institution, marking an important step toward strengthening regional collaboration and expanding institutional engagement in Open Research across the Arab world.

Established in 2022, the University of Doha for Science and Technology is Qatar’s first national university specialising in academic, technical, applied, and professional education. The university offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, diplomas, and certificates across disciplines including engineering, business, computing, information technology, health sciences, and general education. Through its emphasis on applied learning, innovation, and industry collaboration, UDST continues to contribute to the development of skilled graduates and impactful research aligned with national and regional priorities.

The membership reflects a shared commitment to advancing more accessible, collaborative, and community-driven approaches to research and scholarly communication, while supporting stronger connections between universities, libraries, researchers, and knowledge organisations working across the region.

As Open Research continues to evolve globally, regional cooperation remains essential to ensuring that institutions across the Arab world are able to actively contribute to international research conversations while addressing local priorities, challenges, and knowledge needs. Through this membership, FORM and UDST look forward to supporting wider dialogue around research accessibility, Open Access, knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and the development of more inclusive research ecosystems.

The collaboration will also contribute to ongoing efforts focused on community engagement, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise between institutions working to improve research visibility, accessibility, and impact throughout the region. FORM’s growing network brings together organisations from across different sectors and countries to encourage shared learning, meaningful partnerships, and long-term cooperation around Open Science and research accessibility.

Speaking about the membership, Dr Rachid Benlamri, Vice President, Academics, shared:

“UDST’s membership in the Forum for Open Research in MENA reflects a strategic commitment to advancing open science and strengthening research excellence at both regional and international levels. This engagement enhances our institutional capacity to contribute to collaborative research ecosystems, while elevating the quality, visibility, and impact of our academic outputs. It also reinforces our role in driving innovation, fostering knowledge exchange, and aligning our research agenda with national priorities and sustainable development goals.”

FORM looks forward to working closely with the University of Doha for Science and Technology through future initiatives, regional discussions, training activities, and collaborative opportunities that support a more connected and equitable research landscape across the MENA region.

If you would like to learn more about FORM membership and opportunities for collaboration, you can find further information here.