Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has announced a strategic partnership with the Qatar National Library (QNL) to establish the HBKU Repository, hosted on QNL's Manara platform. This initiative will provide the Qatari community with access to over 3,000 open-access research works generated within HBKU’s advanced academic and research environment.
The HBKU Repository will encompass a variety of scholarly contributions from faculty, research staff, and students, including journal articles, conference materials, theses, dissertations, and unconventional research outputs such as preprints, software, reports, and datasets.
Manara serves as a public repository aimed at assisting Qatar-based researchers in archiving and disseminating their findings to both local and global audiences. The platform is designed to enhance the visibility and impact of Qatari research across multiple disciplines, including biomedical sciences, engineering, humanities, and more.
Users can explore research from various HBKU colleges, 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 College of Public Policy. Contributions from the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Computing Research Institute, and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute are also featured.
Fahad Al-Dariham, Library Manager at HBKU Library, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “Partnering with QNL reflects our shared goal of enhancing Qatar’s research landscape through open access. The HBKU Repository underscores our commitment to fostering a rich educational ecosystem, ensuring that valuable knowledge is accessible to all.”
Marcin Werla, Director of Digital Collections at QNL, highlighted that the increasing number of research outputs on Manara showcases the library's dedication to knowledge sharing among emerging researchers in Qatar and beyond. “Our collaboration with HBKU represents a major milestone in our efforts to enrich Manara’s collection with 3,000 new open-access works,” he noted.
As a member of Qatar Foundation, HBKU is committed to empowering students and engaging alumni by offering a range of multidisciplinary educational and social opportunities, further enhancing Qatar’s research and innovation landscape.
