Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), recently organized its first Science Majlis of 2021, titled Is Corrosion a Cancer for Qatar's Environment?', as part of the institute's goal to raise awareness among the community on research related to energy, water, and environmental grand challenges.

The event, which was held online, featured a talk by Senior Research Director of QEERI's Corrosion Center Dr. Hanan Farhat. Highlighting that corrosion costs the region millions of dollars each year, Dr. Farhat outlined how its challenges can be mitigated.

She discussed corrosion and the sustainability of urban and industrial infrastructure, the impact of the region's environmental conditions on the corrosion of metallic alloys, corrosion management, and protection. She also outlined the research that QEERI's Corrosion Center is doing in this field, including work on coating, corrosion inhibitors, pipeline integrity management, reinforced concrete corrosion, and corrosion under insulation.

Executive Director at QEERI Dr. Marc Vermeersch said: "At QEERI, we believe in collaboration at all levels, and the Majlis is our way to share what we do with the community and to hear their feedback. This two-way dialogue helps us understand their perspective on the challenges related to energy, environment, and water, and in turn, allows us to further customize our research to provide tangible solutions for Qatar and beyond."

Commenting after the Science Majlis, Dr. Farhat said: "Corrosion is one of those topics which often go under the radar, despite the fact that it is pervasive and affects everything around us. Qatar, with its unique environment with the high temperatures, dust, humidity, and salinity needs customized solutions related to corrosion, and we believe it is important to create awareness among the community living here on the subject."

Science Majlis provides a platform for experts from QEERI and members of the community to engage in informal discussions on energy, water, and environment topics relevant to the country.

The forum is designed to actively engage attendees of all ages, by offering them an insight into the research carried out at QEERI, making it more accessible and better understood. (QNA)