Manama: A research project that aims to develop a new, secure, computer model that could allow the use of sensitive data on untrusted platforms without any security risks has been awarded funds in Qatar.
Funding for “The Garbled Computer: Towards Computing Without Seeing” was provided by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a centre of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D).
“The Garbled Computer” should be able to use standard data cloud services without revealing any confidential information or the nature of the data.
Another research proposal, “Adapted Cognitive Behavioural Approach To Addressing Overweight Among Qatari Youth”, the continuation of a pilot study, was also awarded funds as part of the National Priorities Research Programme -Exceptional Proposals (NPRP-EP), that offers additional resources beyond those available under the NPRP.
The objective of this research project is to address the problem by promoting healthy dietary habits in overweight and obese children between the ages of nine and 12, while also developing their social and emotional ability to accept these changes. The study will also enlist family involvement to motivate family members and help maintain optimum weight in the long run.
The second award follows the successful evaluation of a one-year pilot study from where the research team can now go on to investigate increasing obesity levels among local youth for a further two years.
The two proposals are from Qatar University.
“The NPRP-EP funding programme gives the opportunity to top-notch researchers to submit research proposals with exceptional scientific merits and benefits to Qatar while aligning with the Qatar National Research Strategy,” Abdul Sattar Al Taie, QNRF’s Executive Director, said. “The majority of the NPRP conditions apply to this programme, with a few amendments such as requirements for lead investigators to have secured an increased number of publications and that they reside in Qatar for the duration of the project. There are also increases in the amount of effort and budget that are to be expended inside Qatar. We think these are reasonable conditions given the size of the investment that QNRF is prepared to make,” he said.
