Qatar National Library announces the deadline for the second Open Initiative Award submissions

Doha: With a deadline of October 7, 2021, the Qatar National Library has started to invite submissions for its second Open Initiative Award. The best initiatives which have contributed to the growth of open scholarships in Qatar past year will be awarded.

In the fields of open-access research, journal publishing and student mentorship, the Open Initiative Award witnessed some of the best projects submissions during its inaugural year in 2020. The “Best Institutional Award 2020” was won by Bait Al-Mashura Journal and the “Best Individual Award 2020” was won by Dr Julie Decock a scientist at Cancer Research Center, QBRI-HBKU.

“We are proud to launch the second Open Initiative Award and look forward to receiving the best submissions from our applicants in Qatar. The open-access movement is critical, as it unleashes the potential of research, giving free access to all data and thereby making it easier for individuals and institutions to dive deep into groundbreaking research work. As we move into the second year of the awards, we hope to inspire individuals, institutions and the research community to share knowledge and make all outcomes visible and accessible to all.” said H E Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State, Qatar and President of Qatar National Library.

On 3 November, in the concluding event of Open Access Week, the winners of the Open Initiative Award 2021 will be announced. The event is scheduled to take place between 25 and 31 October.

During Open Access Week, the Library will organize a workshop where the publisher Taylor and Francis will guide local researchers and authors on how to prepare a manuscript for submission and publication in open access journals. The Library will also conduct a panel discussion to explore the topic of a sustainable and successful open-access future in Qatar and the region. 

Local researchers and authors could participate in a workshop organized by the Library during the Open Access Week, where the publisher Taylor and Francis will discuss how to prepare a manuscript for submission and publication in open access journals. A panel discussion will also take place on the topic: sustainable and successful open-access future in Qatar and the region. This is also organized by the Library.

International Open Access Week is a global event where academic and research communities can share and learn about the potential of Open Access. Open Access Week is organized in regard to the International Open Access Week. Visit the Awards page on the Library’s website to submit for the Open Initiative Award.