QU Summer Research Internship Program 2026

1. Track 1: Outcomes-directed Research Track
   This track will engage undergraduate and graduate students from both QU and other universities in structured, outcomes-driven research projects. The track is designed to strengthen participants’ comprehension of scientific research while guiding them toward the production of tangible research outputs. The track invites STEM-integrated, multidisciplinary proposals led by QU faculty, either independently or in collaboration with research scholars from QU or other institutions, with projects aligned to clearly defined TRL/SRL targets. To ensure research readiness, participating students will complete structured Research Methodology Course sessions prior to commencing their projects, followed by a flexible research timeline that supports the successful culmination of high-quality research outcomes.
2. Track 2: Research skills Advancement Track
   This track offers specialized training for students in specific domains of research through structured activities. This track, open to undergraduate and graduate students from both QU and other university, will focus on enhancing essential competencies such as advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis methodologies, documentation, and technical communication. The track will therefore invite QU faculty, either independently or in collaboration with research scholars from QU or other institutions, to submit proposals that will engage in Research skill training (lab equipment training, advanced laboratory techniques, Research Ethics training, CITI training, etc). By participating in this track, students will not only contribute to meaningful skill development but also develop a strong foundation of transferable skills, positioning them for future success in academic research and industry.
3. Track 3: Researchers Launchpad Track (NEW)
   This track is founded on a structured near-peer mentoring approach, wherein senior student researchers guide pre-university learners within faculty-supervised research environments. The model is designed to enhance research engagement, methodological competence, and mentoring capacity through sustained, practice-based interaction. Implemented as a structured pilot, the track emphasizes the development of research leadership, communication, and supervisory skills among student mentors while providing pre-university participants with authentic exposure to research processes. Beyond its immediate educational value, the track serves as a strategic talent pipeline by enabling early identification, engagement, and progression of high-achieving pre-university students into undergraduate and research pathways, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of the research and innovation ecosystem.
4. Track 4: Industry Training Track
   This track provides immersive, industry-based training opportunities for students through research-oriented and work-skill focused placements within leading corporate entities. Designed to bridge academic learning with real-world application, the track enables students to apply disciplinary knowledge in professional settings, develop industry-relevant competencies, and gain firsthand exposure to workplace practices, innovation processes, and sector-specific challenges. Through structured supervision and hands-on engagement, the Industry Training Track strengthens students’ professional readiness, enhances employability, and supports the development of a skilled workforce aligned with QU research priorities and national development goals.

SRIP 2026 delivers significant strategic value to Qatar University by strengthening its research ecosystem, advancing talent development, and enhancing institutional visibility. Specifically, the program:

• Expands QU’s research capacity and output through outcomes-oriented research aligned with priority research areas.
• Strengthens national and international research partnerships via structured collaboration with external entities.
• Builds a sustainable research talent pipeline by engaging university and pre-university students in authentic research experiences.
• Enhances mentorship and supervision capacity among faculty and student researchers.
• Increases institutional research visibility and impact through publications, intellectual property, and translational outputs.
• Aligns undergraduate research training with national RDI priorities, reinforcing QU’s role as a driver of Qatar’s knowledge-based economy

Eligibility Criteria for Research Mentors:

• Research Mentor can be a full time Faculty member, or a Researcher (including part-time RAs and Post-docs) associated with a full time Faculty member.
• Research Mentors may apply to any of the tracks depending upon their choice.
• Research Mentors should ensure that the internship proposal meets the following criteria:
  • Applicants from STEM colleges are encouraged to integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) aspects in their proposals.
  • Applicants from non-STEM colleges are encouraged to integrate either Mathematics or Technology aspects within their research proposals.
  • The proposal must offer research in real-world experiences that culminate outcomes with distinct TRLs/SRLs.
  • The internship proposal should articulate the potential for disseminating research outcomes through scholarly presentation formats, including poster or oral presentations at relevant national and international academic conferences.
  • Mentors are encouraged to include students in the dissemination of research outcomes through peer‑reviewed international journals. Such scholarly outputs will be regarded as a significant indicator of research engagement and will be given due consideration in the evaluation of mentor performance and contributions.

This year, the internship program is being proposed to run from 24th May 2026 to 31st August 2026.

The program breakdown is detailed in the table below.

• Research Mentors can submit their proposal here.
• The deadline to submit the proposals is 15th March 2026

• Please submit your registration on this link (will be open on 2nd April 2026) here
• Deadline for student registration is 30 April 2026.

• Please find the final report template here.
• For poster submissions, please contact the respective research mentors.