Northwestern Qatar recognized more than 150 student works, nine of which won research, journalism, and media accolades at the 11th Media and Research Awards.
Every year, students submit academic and creative projects produced both in and outside the classroom across nine categories. Submissions are presented to the wider community and reviewed by a panel of industry professionals.
“For the past 11 years, the Media and Research Awards have recognized immense distinction, and this year is no exception,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “The student submissions exemplify Northwestern Qatar’s collective pursuit of academic and creative excellence in the media arts, sciences, and crafts.”
This 2024 edition received a record 150 submissions with two brand new categories: sound and interactive media and animation. These included creative writing, documentary, moving images, journalistic writing, narrative fiction, research, and more, addressing emerging social, cultural, and political issues.
Shortlisted projects were judged by industry experts from the Doha Film Institute, Euronews, Qatar Science and Technology Park, Qatar Music Academy, Georgetown University in Qatar, VCUarts Qatar, and several local and international media and communication organizations. The judges joined the students and the wider community for an open networking session to discuss their projects and ways to support their work both academically and professionally.
Faras Ghani, Al Jazeera news editor and member of the jury, remarked, "The student quality was remarkable. What stood out for me was their thorough research and innovative storytelling. Each captured nuance and depth, applying sound journalistic principles and creative flair. It’s inspiring to see the next generation of storytellers push the boundaries of traditional journalism and embrace new media platforms to engage audiences."
“The Awards brings faculty, staff, and students together to celebrate the pinnacle of student achievement. This has become our hallmark to foster a culture of excellence and innovation in media and scholarship,” said João P. Queiroga, 2024 Media and Research Awards Committee chair.
The 2024 Media and Research Awards is one of numerous platforms showcasing Northwestern Qatar students’ creativity and scholarship.
2024 Media and Research Awards winners:
Creative Writing
“Memory in Tibet” by Randolph Liu
Documentary
“House of Memories” by Al-Jazi Al-Mazroei and Khalid Al-Thani
Interactive Media & Animation
“Jumbo: Jewels of Realm” by Khalifa Al-Kuwari
Journalistic Writing
“Acid Attacks: A Story of Survival” by Muhammad Wasay Mir and Laiba Mubashar
Journalistic Visual Storytelling
Mel Aquino: A McDonald's Toy Collector by Anudit Basnet, Khalid Aldisi, and Tasnim Bouziane
Narrative Fiction
“Umm Al Duwais” by Maryam Al-Mohammed, Noora Marafih, Deema Al-Ali, and Aisha Al-Khanji
Research & Analysis
“Brokers in Migration from Ghana to Qatar” by Ishmael Bonsu Nyame
Sound
“Pour Connection” Art by Samip Khulal
Strategic Communication
“Remember, Refill, Reap-It!” by Sudesh Baniya, Samip Khulal, Anna Kurian,
Sadick Mumin, Abenezer Bekele, and Tasnim Bouziane
