Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), a research and development entity under Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has announced the launch of a new internship initiative, the ‘Summer Research Programme’ (SRP). Running over eight weeks from 10 May to 2 July, the programme is open to undergraduate students from local, regional, and international universities.

The Summer Research Programme will support Qatar Foundation’s overarching goal of unlocking human potential, and fulfilling the Qatar Nation Vision 2030 by transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy. QBRI’s work fulfils QF’s mission to develop sciences in different medical fields in order to promote a culture of excellence in Qatar and the region, and innovate and build capacity to highlight Qatar’s role as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation. 

Dr. Hilal Lashuel, QBRI Executive Director, said: "Sharing the excitement of discovery and biomedical research is fundamental for QBRI and preparing the next generation of scientists is at the core of our mission." “Our ultimate goal is to develop this initiative into an international summer programme that will attract outstanding students from all over the world to QBRI and introduce them to the exciting research programmes and scientific opportunities in the State of Qatar.”

Lina Hassna, QBRI – SRP Programme Manager,  added: The ‘Summer Research Programme’ will give the selected students the chance to work side-by-side with some of QBRI scientists in a dedicated environment. “Through this particular initiative, the participants will be able to broaden their knowledge, learn new skills and explore their scientific interests and career options. It is also a chance for participants to interact and network with other students who have an interest in research.  Additionally, by facilitating this process, QBRI is contributing to capacity building and promoting cross –institutional collaborations.”

Each participant will be matched with a research project based on the student’s background and area of interest, providing each of them with a unique opportunity for hands-on laboratory research experience under the supervision of QBRI experts. The research projects will address a variety of biomedical subjects including: Type II diabetes, cancer and stem cell development. The students will also participate in a series of weekly seminars, workshops and informal discussions on the latest advances in diabetes, cancer, genomics and neuroscience research with members of the scientific community at QBRI and other biomedical research institutions in Qatar. Following the conclusion of the Research Programme, the students will give an oral and poster presentation on their projects to their peers.

For more information, or to apply for the ‘Summer Research Programme’, please visit: www.qbri.org.qa/internship/srp

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), a Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D) entity, and Harvard Medical School (HMS) have signed an agreement to establish the Harvard Medical School Cancer Biology and Therapeutics training programme (HMS-CBT).  It is anticipated that the programme will launch in the fall of 2015 with the first residential workshop in Doha.

The agreement is part of an effort to support specialised training that promotes a deeper understanding of cancer biology, cancer screening, diagnosis and personalized treatments. The programme does not involve clinical care. As a key research and development entity, QBRI contributes to the mission of Qatar Foundation to build Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity by improving and transforming healthcare through scientific research in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. With the primary aim of addressing national priorities for growth and development, the work of QBRI also highlights Qatar’s role as an emerging global centre for healthcare innovation.

QBRI and HMS will contribute to the development and implementation of the course through joint admission and curriculum development committees. QBRI will provide will offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships to qualified participants from Qatar, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. There will be a joint effort to promote the course in Qatar, the GCC and MENA regions.

HMS-CBT is a one-year, non-clinical blended-learning certificate programme that is designed to provide participants with the key skills and knowledge in cancer biology needed to effectively treat cancer patients. The programme will develop expertise through an understanding of the molecular and cellular events that result in tumour formation, progression, and metastasis. It will also cover important topics related to screening, detection, and diagnosis, as well as electives in clinical cancer genetics, pathology, and drug development. The course will be anchored by three separate residential workshops that will take place at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the programme, in Doha, London, and Boston, respectively. The programme will also feature 15 interactive live webinars with world experts in cancer, and 45 pre-recorded lectures. 

At the conclusion of this specialised training programme, participants will have a basic understanding of the scientific underpinnings of cancer biology and will have acquired core knowledge in pharmacology, drug development pertaining to cancer. In addition, participants will have gained expertise in the general management of cancer therapeutics with a focus on both the principles of, and targeted therapies for, specific cancers. The programme will also enhance understanding of the emerging scope of personalised approaches to cancer and its treatment.

“The HMS-CBT programme will provide specialised education and training in cancer research and treatment, and will also help build capacity in the region’s research and health care community,” said Dr Hilal Lashuel, QBRI Executive Director. “It will provide a unique opportunity for both clinicians and scientists to gain training and up-to-date understanding of the latest advances in cancer biology and therapies, contributing to Qatar’s efforts to implement and pioneer personalised healthcare in the region,” Dr Lashuel added.   

Experts from HMS and its affiliated teaching hospitals and research institutions, as well as other premier international institutions and organisations, will participate both as faculty and as mentors. The programme will develop skills among clinicians and scientists specialising in cancer and serve as a catalyst for future collaborations and exchanges.

“This collaborative initiative will benefit both QBRI and HMS through the exchange of ideas and will develop a regional and global network of future leaders in cancer research and treatment,” said Ajay Singh, Associate Dean for Global Education at HMS.For more information, please visit HMS-CBT http://hms.harvard.edu/cbt

Faculty and staff from across Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), came together on September 13^th to celebrate the beginning of the 2015-16 academic year. At the gathering Dr. Ahmad Hasnah, President of HBKU, spoke of the importance of building an institution that provides access to high-quality education at postgraduate level in line with the needs of the nation and which plays and important role in developing the research capabilities of the country. It will deliver an array of research education master’s and doctoral programs through its interdisciplinary graduate colleges: the College of Science and Engineering, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, HBKU Law School, College of Public Health, College of Business, and Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies. 

Dr. Hasnah used the gathering as an opportunity to introduce the staff and faculty to Dr. Khaled Ben Letaief, a distinguished academic who became the university’s Provost earlier this month. Recognized by Thomson Reuters as a highly cited published author, Dr. Ben Letaief has won a number of awards in the field of teaching excellence and brings with him a wealth of higher education experience to the post, including his most recent role of Chair Professor and Dean of Engineering at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Among those gathered at the event were faculty and staff from the three research institutes that became integral parts of the university earlier this year. As a result of the integration HBKU is now home to the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), and currently offers academic programs through its College of Science and Engineering (CSE), Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII), Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS), School of Law, and its Center for Executive Education.

Commenting on how the colleges and research institutes are well suited to working closely together, Dr. Hasnah noted how the programs offered by HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering have already been reaping the rewards of developing collaborations with the research institutes. “The multidisciplinary way that we approach our programs is key, and by developing collaborations between colleges and research institutes our students will benefit from enhanced opportunities to learn from those involved in state-of-the-art research that targets important national and international issues such as renewable energy, cyber security, cancer, diabetes and personalized medicine,” he explained. HBKU is committed to its part in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 by building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience that extends beyond the classroom. Students will be given a unique platform to enrich their education by integrating their curriculum with society through interdisciplinary research.

Dr. Hasnah looked towards a bright future for the university, noting the talent of the diverse members of the assembled HBKU family. He commented: “As we continue to build upon a strong foundation of high-quality students, faculty, and staff, we look forward to developing the university into a globally relevant hub of scholarship and research. Our continued success depends on you all. “Everything we’re now doing at HBKU is with Qatar and the region at heart and I look forward to seeing some of future graduates becoming the influencers of our country’s move towards a knowledge-based society.”

In line with its ongoing growth, the university welcomed 258 students as part of the new intake for 2015 and boasts a high percentage of Qatari students across its programs, including 62% in the Public Policy in Islam master’s program, 72% in the JD law program, and 90% in the Executive Master in Energy and Resources program. This year, the university also matriculated 11 Qatari Ph.D. students, who will explore topics across the important fields of sustainability and biological sciences.

Those interested in learning more about the programs and research centers of Hamad bin Khalifa University are encouraged to visit http://www.hbku.edu.qa/.

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) three specialized national research institutes, is holding a workshop in Doha in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School Office of Global Education from October 24^th–28^th. The workshop is the first element of the Harvard Medical School Cancer Biology and Therapeutics program (HMS-CBT), a 12-month non-clinical blended-learning certificate program that provides participants with advanced training in key aspects of cancer research and treatment.

The program’s first intake includes 63 clinicians and scientists from around the world, with 10 Qataris among 19 participants representing Qatar. Alongside experts from Harvard Medical School (HMS) and QBRI, the faculty participating in the workshops include experts from Hamad Medical Corporation and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.

QBRI and HMS announced the signing of an agreement to establish the program in June 2015. Over the next year, students will take part in a wide range of workshops, lectures, and interactive webinars. The residential workshop in Doha is the first of three, and will be followed by similar workshops in London and at Harvard Medical School in Boston in 2016 that will expand on the program’s key themes. At the program’s outset, participants are assigned to teams to work together across national boundaries and time zones. Throughout the program, students have access to senior faculty from Harvard Medical School and will be equipped with a deep understanding of cancer biology, cancer screening, diagnosis and personalized treatments. Topics being discussed and investigated include neoplasia and the pathology of cancer, breast cancer in the Middle East, cervical cancer, childhood leukemia, melanoma, cancer immunotherapy, and various approaches to studying cancer.

On Saturday, October 24^th, participants were welcomed at the beginning of the first day of the program by Dr.Hilal Lashuel, QBRI’s Executive Director, and Dr. Ajay K. Singh, Associate Dean for Global and Continuing Education at HMS. They introduced the program’s directors Dr. Peter Howley and Dr. Ed Harlow from Harvard Medical School, and Dr. George D. Demetri, Director of the Ludwig Center at Harvard, all of whom are globally recognized as leaders in the field of cancer research. This was followed by a series of faculty and student discussions around the subject of cancer as “The Emperor of All Maladies”.

Dr. Lashuel commented: “It is a pleasure to meet the first cohort of exceptional students in the HMS-CBT program and host them in Doha. The HMS and QBRI partnership represents a strong collaborative commitment to provide specialized training in cancer research and therapeutics to future leaders in biomedical science.

“This partnership has led to a program that encourages a valuable exchange of ideas and the building of a global network of experts. It also gives participants unique opportunities to directly interact with and learn form distinguished scientists from Harvard Medical School, many of whom have made discoveries that have transformed cancer biology and therapeutics over the past decades.Collaborating in programs such as this one helps QBRI build Qatar’s capacity in healthcare and research, highlighting Qatar’s leadership role regionally and as an emerging global center for healthcare innovation.”

Dr. Ajay K. Singh, said: “Our three outstanding CBT program directors, Harvard Medical School faculty members Dr. Peter Howley, Dr. Ed Harlow and Dr. George Demetri marshaled the expertise of other leaders in the field of oncology to bring a novel educational approach to understanding cancer biology and the challenges and opportunities presented by therapeutic strategies.”

Dr. Peter Howley, who is Professor of Microbiology and Immunobiology at Harvard Medical School as well as being one of the CBT program directors added: “The CBT program was designed for students from around the world to learn about cutting-edge concepts in cancer biology and therapeutics. The program actively encourages an exchange of ideas between students and faculty, and we are excited to have students from diverse backgrounds who want to develop their knowledge of cancer research and treatment.”

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion by HMS and will have had the opportunity to develop an understanding of the scientific underpinnings of cancer biology and pharmacology, as well as gaining significant insights into drug development pertaining to cancer.

Program participant Sara Saleh Al Khawaga, who qualified in Qatar as a Doctor of Medicine from Weill Cornell and who is currently a student on the Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences program at Hamad bin Khalifa University, noted: “The blended-learning experience of the CBT program will provide me with deep knowledge and understanding of the cancer biology that shapes modern preventive and therapeutic approaches. This unique opportunity will allow me to establish collaborations and exchanges with other experts in our region and across the world. The program participants are diverse, and all of us, as clinicians and cancer researchers,have the chance to collaborate and work together, exchange ideas, and build a network in order to fight this malady.

“Having such a program in Qatar is an important and influential step in the development of cancer research here. This HMS and QBRI collaboration provides us, the participants, with specialized training in cancer research and therapeutics that will help us to become successful leaders in biomedical research. The program will enhance the development of cancer research in Qatar and provide potential for superior cancer care. As a Ph.D. student hoping to pursue a career in cancer research, having the opportunity to participate with experts from Qatar, HMS and worldwide will definitely be a significant step in my career.”

To learn more about the program, please visit https://hms.harvard.edu/departments/cancer-biology-therapeutics-program.

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) held a symposium on cancer research in the Middle East on Thursday October 29^th where cancer experts from Doha were joined by representatives from leading cancer research facilities across the Gulf and wider MENA region.

QBRI devised the symposium as a way to promote knowledge sharing and encourage collaboration when investigating, understanding, and treating cancers that are particularly prevalent in the Arab world. Studying cancer at a local and regional level is essential, since cancers and their behavior can vary significantly within a population according to geographical, social and environmental factors as well as genetic factors. With this in mind, the forum’s participants discussed several opportunities for future collaboration, and looked towards finding ways of widening the population sample base.

At the QBRI symposium, experts from research institutes and medical centers in Lebanon, Tunisia, Jordan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar took turns outlining their experience before taking part in a roundtable discussion titled “Regional collaboration and consortia: challenges and opportunities”. Several countries in the Middle East have begun to develop health-care transformation programs. Qatar, in particular, has published a National Health Strategy, in which cancer is one of the main concerns. In order to develop effective health-care strategies relating to cancer, countries across the Middle East will need to be at the forefront of integrated research initiatives. The next symposium will specifically focus on investigating breast cancer in the region and will take place in early 2016.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Executive Director of QBRI and chair of the symposium’s panel discussion, stressed the importance of developing ever-stronger connections between the scientists and clinicians who are involved in cancer research and treatment across the region. “It is vitally important that knowledge is shared regionally if we are to have a positive impact on the cancer research being carried out across our region. In Qatar, for instance, we have talented experts fully able to conduct in-depth cancer research but our sample pool of people living with any particular cancer is small. By sharing information between institutions and across national borders, we not only get to share ideas but also to share data and our experience with working with that data.

“It is vital that this symposium becomes an active forum where experts can come with difficult questions, with ideas, and with a willingness to share their research, and to go away with a strong sense of where useful collaborations can be developed that can answer their questions and to develop their ideas. This is what we’re looking for when the symposium meets again early next year to consider the challenges relating to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.”

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three specialized national research institutes, is hosting the IBRO-MENA-QBRI Annual Neuroscience Symposium on December 16^th– 17^th. Held in collaboration with the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), a union of neuroscience organizations that aim to promote and support neuroscience training and collaborative research around the world, the event speakers and panelists will this year concentrate on the topics of autism, neurodegeneration, and epilepsy.

Additionally, from December 19^th– 22^nd, QBRI will host the IBRO-MENA Neuroscience School, an event that complements the Neuroscience Symposium that will bring clinicians and researchers to Qatar for a four-day study course titled “Epilepsy: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Therapy”. At the “School” experts from QBRI, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation and participants in the symposium will share insight and analysis on the latest research on epilepsy with students from across the MENA region.

The Annual Neuroscience Symposium has been organized annually since 2011 as a way to bring leading researchers in the field of neuroscience together to discuss pertinent issues in their field and to raise the bar of brain research in the region. Last year was the first time the event took place in Qatar. IBRO and QBRI jointly established the IBRO Middle East North Africa (MENA) sub-regional headquarters in Qatar earlier this year, with QBRI designated as the permanent host organization for future events.

This year’s speakers include a number of neuroscientists from the United States such as Bassel Abou Khalil, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Epilepsy Center at Vanderbilt Heart Vascular Institute, Sarah Jane Webb, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Seattle Children’s Research Institute at the University of Washington, and Margaret Elizabeth Ross, Nathan Cummings Professor in Neurology and Chair of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Weill Cornell Medical College. Also presenting their research will be Faycel Hentati, Professor of Neurology and Head of Department at Mongi Ben Hamida National Institute of Neurology in Tunisia, and Saeed Abdulla Boholega, President of the Saudi Neurology Society and Professor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center.

Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Executive Director of QBRI and Chair of IBRO MENA, commented: “QBRI is committed to do its part in establishing Qatar as an emerging center for healthcare innovation in support of Qatar National Vision 2030. Events like the neuroscience symposium fuel community interest in the field and open doors for collaborative research.” He continued: “Hosting the neuroscience symposium in Qatar is an honor and provides an opportunity for those working in the field of neuroscience regionally to interact and engage with specialists from around the world in order to continue to build knowledge and expertise.”

Commenting on the Neuroscience School, Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, Professor of Life Sciences at Hamad bin Khalifa University, noted: “In addition to providing a platform for brain researchers and scientists to identify gaps in knowledge and discuss key breakthroughs in the field, it is also important to QBRI, HBKU, and IBRO MENA that we share information with younger scientists and encourage their curiosity and study of neuroscience. At this year’s School we will be hosting students are from Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, and it is our hope that the lessons, professional development, and networking sessions will help deepen their interest in the field.”

To coincide with the IBRO MENA symposium and school, QBRI have been holding a Brain Awareness Week. Several events have been held at schools, pre-school centers, and at Villaggio Mall. QBRI’s Dr. Reem Al Olaby, who organized Brain Awareness Week, said: “QBRI believes in the great potential that lies within schoolchildren in particular. We held a competition called “The Brain Talk Competition” that aimed at encouraging students aged between 10 and 12 years old to think about the brain and to come up with a 10-minute movie that talks about the different parts of the brain in a creative way. Al Hammad International School took first place in the competition.”

She continued: “One of the main aims of QBRI is to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public through different community outreach programs. We believe that raising awareness among different age groups about how to maintain a healthy brain will help lead to them to go on to become scientists in this field themselves.”

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, two of Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU’s) specialized national research institutes, are playing an active role in supporting Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s Qatar National Day 2015 celebrations at Darb Al Saai. Aiming to encourage Qatar’s youth to take an interest in the sciences, interactive exhibitions and workshops designed by the research institutes are attracting large crowds of young people.

QBRI’s “Isolate Your DNA and Take It Home” activity encourage children to learn about genetics and give them the opportunity to work and act like scientists in order to interest them in pursuing a career in science in the future. The children have the chance to dress as scientist, wear white lab coats and gloves, and use a simple mouth wash to collect cells from their cheeks and then add some material which enables them to see their DNA.

During the activity, QBRI staff explains how it is possible to identify DNA, how each person’s DNA is a unique mix of their parents’ DNA, and how this determines one’s appearance. Parents, teachers, and university students have also taken part in the exercise, and have learned how studying DNA can help biomedical researchers better understand diseases and discover medical treatments.

The activity has attracted hundreds of participants per day, peaking the interest of many attendees in the field of genetics. Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Executive Director of QBRI, noted: “The National Day activities provide unique opportunities for QBRI scientists and staff to engage the public and increase awareness on the importance of understanding our genome and of improving the quality of healthcare in the country. This is crucial, as proactive engagement and mass public participation in biomedical research and national projects, such as the Qatar Genome Project and Qatar Biobank, are essential to successfully translate new discoveries into applications, products and treatment that will improve the quality of life and healthcare in Qatar.”

He added: “We plan to build on these activities and continue to explore different mechanisms to engage and educate the public on the work that is done at QBRI in hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists in Qatar. They are the future of biomedical research and Qatar.” Dr. Julie Decock, Post-Doctoral Researcher at QBRI commented: “To see the wonder on the faces of the children and hear the words ‘I want to be a scientist’ is what makes participating in the Qatar National Day celebrations so gratifying.”

QEERI has also organized an interactive exhibition at the Qatar National Day celebrations in the form of an inflatable observatory, inspired by its Fascination Astronomy project.  Funded by Qatar National Research Fund and in collaboration with the Supreme Education Council, the public engagement program involves QEERI scientists visiting schools in Qatar, spreading awareness of the science and provoking interest in astronomy.

At the exhibition, students learn basic information about the sun, planets and astronomy, linked to the Arab region’s rich heritage in understanding the universe and naming the stars. The display also mentions that two planets, discovered by QEERI’s acting executive director, Dr. Khalid Al-Subai, are named after Qatar.

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three specialized national research institutes, recently organized a series of awareness raising campaigns that focused on the brain, breast cancer research, and diabetes.

QBRI’s community outreach programs help bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, inspiring greater academic interest in biomedical science and encouraging individuals to be conscious of the importance of awareness of their health. The Institute organized a breast cancer awareness campaign in October, a diabetes awareness campaign in November, as well as a number of youth-focused events around brain awareness in December.

Dr. HilalLashuel, Executive Director of QBRI, commented: “QBRI is committed to playing an active and leadership role to improve the quality of healthcare in Qatar. Our community outreach and awareness campaigns represent essential elements of our strategy to engage the public as partners in our efforts to improve healthcare through the development of new approach for prevention, early detection and targeted and personalized treatment for diseases that affect the Qatari population.”

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among Qatari women, breast cancer diagnosis is projected to increase 60% over the next six years, necessitating more awareness of the complex disease and the extensive research being conducted on its causes, prevention, and treatment.  In an effort to raise awareness about self-examinations and educate the public on research in the field, QBRI staff and researchers organized a series of public events and lectures in HBKU, Qatar University, and Villaggio shopping mall to educate the public about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, and to inform the public about latest medical breakthroughs and ongoing research activities at QBRI.

QBRI subsequently launched a campaign around World Diabetes Day in December. In collaboration with the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), QBRI scientists from its Diabetes and Obesity Research Center discussed causes and treatments for the disease at a public event. Dr. AbdelilahArredouani and Dr. Mohamed Dehbi from QBRI emphasized the importance of testing and early diagnosis, specifically for individuals with a familial history of the disease, in order to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes-associated micro and macro-vascular complications including cardiovascular disease, diabetes blindness, diabetes kidney failure and diabetes-related low limb amputations.

In response to public demand for information about the latest advances in stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of diabetes, QBRI’s Dr. EssamAbdelalim and Dr. Mohamed Emara also shared their insights about the most promising research discoveries and clinical trials being conducted on the ways in which stem cells may be used to treat diabetes patients. They also presented an overview of the stem cell research program at QBRI. 

Also in December, QBRI organized, in collaboration with the International Brain Organization (IBRO) and local institutions, a number of youth-focused activities for Brain Awareness Week, which is a global initiative to increase awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. The primary objectives of these activities were to share the excitement around the subject of brain research and to encourage young students to pursue future careers in science and brain research. Events ranged from a pre-school event, where children were able to use clay to sculpt the brain and asked to identify basic parts of it, to a Brain Talk competition encouraging 10-12 years old to create a 10-minute movie to discuss the parts of the brain. 

The first round of a Brain Bee, an annual international competition that has more than 150 branches in over 30 nations, was also organized by QBRI to test students in grades 9-12 on their understanding and knowledge of the brain. Aimed to increase the number of students interested in biology, the competition is considered to be the largest worldwide neuroscience competition and takes place at the local, national and international levels. This is the first year Qatar has taken part, with QBRI coordinating with schools around Qatar and organizing the various rounds.

Reflecting on his experience of the competition, Ahmad Emad, a student from MosaabbinOmair School in Qatar and a participant in QBRI’s Brain Bee, said: “I really enjoyed participating in the Brain Bee and found it to be both a challenging and a fun experience. I’ve never done something like this before and think the workshop and competition really helps those of us who are interested in medicine and biology prepare for our future.”

Dr Reem Al Olaby, who coordinated QBRI’s community-focused events, noted: “Community outreach and preparing the next generation of scientists in Qatar are crucial to what we do at QBRI. Ground-breaking research in biomedical science needs to be shared with the public as the end goal of many of our initiatives is to ultimately improve the health of the communities which we are a part of.” She continued: “In particular, by working with schools in Qatar, we hope to interest students in the sciences and teach how much of what researchers do extends beyond laboratories and into the lives of people and families around the globe.”

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three specialized national research institutes, is holding two unique training courses on Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis in an effort to help improve the healthcare system in Qatar and build the capacity of scientists and medical practitioners in the region. Upon completion, participants will be certified to be able to use two standardized Autism diagnostic tools in both clinical settings and research studies.

Taking place at the HBKU Student Center from January 19^th– January 27^th, the courses have been held in collaboration with autism consultants from Cambridge, UK, and cover key approaches to diagnosing autism through the use of interviews, coding, and observation. In collaboration with local stakeholders, QBRI selected twelve local researchers, autism specialists, and medical practitioners to take part in this course, including eight from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), seven from the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, and three representing QBRI. Dr.Walid Qoronfleh, Director of the Biotechnology Development at QBRI, noted: “Local participants who successfully complete the courses will be equipped to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. In fact, this training more than doubles the number of practitioners in the country trained to do so.”

As part of its effort to establish a regional autism research consortium, QBRI also invited three representatives from leading autism research centers in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Sudan to participate. Autism, characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive and restrictive behavior, has a rising global prevalence rate; but across the Arab world there is limited data about the condition – something that researchers at QBRI are keen to rectify.

Dr. Fouad Alshaban, senior scientist at QBRI and organizer of the courses, commented: “QBRI is one of the pioneer institutions working in this area in this region and, with the support of Qatar National Research Fund) QBRI is leading two major projects to assess the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in Qatar. Successful collaboration with researchers in the Cleveland Clinic and Oregon Health and Science University has led to the development and validation of the first-ever Arabic language questionnaire for autism screening. The Arabic questionnaire can now be used throughout the Arab region, where often information about the prevalence of autism remains unknown”

He continued: “We expect 5-8% of the children we screen as part of our research project to score positive on an initial test. They then need further assessment to make a final diagnosis. This training gives more people the certified skills to conduct such further assessment. Therefore, we need more trained and certified clinicians and researchers to support autism research and clinical services in Qatar.

QBRI is committed to strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, including Hamad Medical Corporation, the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, and other autism centers in the country to establishing Qatar as a regional leader in autism research and innovation.” Participant, Dr. MadeehaKamal, who is a senior consultant pediatrician at HMC and an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, explained: “The training I’ve received has been highly applicable my work as a pediatrician. The quality of training has been excellent and the in-depth knowledge that has been shared with participants by the course instructors will benefit Qatar greatly in the future.”

Dr. Carol Stott, a UK-based chartered clinical psychologist, whose company “BeginningwithA” delivered the training, said: “The participants we’ve been working with have demonstrated a real willingness to engage with us and increase their knowledge in the area of autism diagnosis. It has been a pleasure working with a group of professionals who clearly want to broaden their knowledge of autism diagnostics in order to positively impact on the communities they work within.”

Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Executive Director of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute added: “QBRI is committed to establishing a regional center of autism research excellence that will contribute to improving early diagnosis, intervention and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. We plan to achieve this through the development of interdisciplinary research programs focused on the discovery of novel genes that cause or contribute to the development of autism, elucidation of novel disease mechanisms and the integration of novel technologies and innovation in eye tracking, speech recognition and robotics to improve early diagnosis and develop innovative intervention and treatment strategies for ASD.

“These programs will involve close collaborations between research scientists from different disciplines, including biomedical sciences, engineering, computational sciences, social sciences and robotics, and will also leverage the investment made in national projects such as the Qatar Genome Project, to position Qatar as a regional and global leader in autism research and innovation. “In our efforts to achieve our goals, we have benefitted from the active engagement, enthusiasm and commitment of scientists, clinicians, and autism experts from HMC, the Shafallah Center and Qatar University. Such collaborations ensure the effectiveness of our programs and are key to advancing the national research agenda in autism and mental health.”

To learn more about the work of QBRI and read publications by QBRI scientists, please visit http://www.qbri.org.qa/.

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three specialized national research institutes, is spearheading an major international research initiative on traumatic brain injury that will involve extensive collaboration between leading specialist researchers from around the globe over the next three years.

As part of its commitment to improving and transforming healthcare through innovation in prevention, diagnoses and treatment of diseases affecting people in Qatar and the region, QBRI will work closely with the Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Group at the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht in the Netherlands on the research project, which has been made possible through a grant from the National Priorities Research Program of the Qatar National Research Fund.

In addition to the experts from QBRI and the UMC Utrecht, the multidisciplinary research initiative also brings together experts from Qatar University, Monash University in Australia, Istanbul Kemerburgaz University, and the Middle East Technical University in Turkey. Research will provide new knowledge on the processes that lead to loss and recovery of function after traumatic brain injury and will focus on characterizing the physiological, structural and biomolecular changes in brain tissue responsible for functional impairment. The QBRI team will focus on deciphering cellular and biochemical changes that occur in responses to traumatic brain injury and work closely with the UMC team to combine this information with brain imaging data to elucidate the molecular pathways that modulate brain cells damage and recovery, said Dr. Ali.

The Lead Principal Investigator on the project is Dr. Erwin Blezer, a scholar of immunology, neuroscience and physiology at the UMC Utrecht and the co-Lead Principal Investigator is Dr. Mohamed Ali from QBRI. Speaking on the significance of the ambitious research project, Dr. Blezer, explained: “The project will not only extend our knowledge on the development of damage in the brain after traumatic brain injury, but it will also lead to new insights into intrinsic recovery mechanisms.” 

More than 10 million people worldwide suffer from traumatic brain injury and the condition is now considered the leading cause of death and disability among people under the age of 45. In Qatar, the number of individuals affected by traumatic brain injury is nearly twice as high as in Europe; however with few therapeutic interventions available to protect the brain or facilitate recovery, inquiry into this issue is critical.

Attempting to provide insight into traumatic brain injury, the research project will use animal models of TBI and advanced imaging techniques to elucidate small-scale underlying changes at the organ, tissue and cellular levels. The work will be mainly conducted in the Netherlands and Qatar. “As the workings of TBI remain poorly understood, the studies conducted by QBRI and its partners may significantly advance knowledge in the field and reveal important targets for the development of effective therapeutic interventions” said Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Executive Director of QBRI.

Ms. Mylene Tewtel, Head of Grants and Contracts at QBRI, commented: “We are delighted to see our investigators actively engaged in such a multidisciplinary project in which the scientists from six internationally renowned institutes across four countries will bring their combined knowledge to pave the way for new treatments and management strategies while contributing to building scientific capacity in Qatar.”

The latest developments in biomedical research were showcased as the scientific community gathered at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) for the college’s 6th Annual Research Retreat.

More than 200 leading scientists from WCM-Q and other national elite institutions convened to discuss the many pioneering research projects being conducted at the college and in collaboration with local stakeholders including Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), which include investigations into type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and DNA analysis of the Qatari genome, among many others.

Perhaps the key theme to emerge from the Research Retreat this year was a commitment to continue WCM-Q’s drive to translate cutting-edge research into commercially valuable intellectual property (IP) that will boost Qatar’s transition to a knowledge-based economy founded on a sustainable national research and development (R&D) agenda. Dr. KhaledMachaca, Associate Dean for Research at WCM-Q, said: “The Research Retreat is critical for the college because it really highlights the cutting edge science that is ongoing here at all levels of our research enterprise, including faculty, post-doctoral associates, research specialists and students. This is really important for the future of scientific research in Qatar.

“We are now entering a new phase in research and development, which is very important for Qatar at the national level. In the initial phase we established a strong research program and attracted top scientists from all over the world, thanks to the generous support of Qatar Foundation and Qatar National Research Fund. “Now it’s about using that continued support to leverage the facilities and capabilities that have been established in order to develop IP that can be the engine of the emerging knowledge-based economy of Qatar, delivering sustainable economic growth in the long-term.”

The one-day event featured presentations of cutting-edge research by six leading scientists from WCM-Q, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and HMC. Dr. Abdul-BadiAbou-Samra, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and HMC, spoke about collaboration between WCM-Q and HMC researchers. The keynote address was given by guest speaker Dr. Raymond DuBois, Director of the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, who explained the role of inflammation in the progression of colorectal cancer and the opportunities presented by the establishment of a purpose-built research facility supported by government.

Additionally, presentations of important new discoveries were given by WCM-Q researchers Dr. Steven Hunt, Professor of Genetic Medicine; Dr. HaniNajafi, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology; Dr. KarstenSuhre, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics; Dr. RayazMalik, Professor of Medicine, with Dr. AshfaqShuaib, Head of Neuroscience at HMC; and Dr. Ronald Crystal, Chair of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.

The Research Retreat also featured a total of 84 poster presentations by research specialists, students and postdoctoral fellows explaining the findings of projects conducted at the university over the past year. The event closed with the announcement of the winners of the poster presentation in three categories. First place in the student category was awarded jointly to second-year medical students EmanMosleh, for her poster presentation of a project that investigated epithelial cells in relation to lung cancer, and AbdulazizAl-Thani, for his presentation about gene therapy for peanut-induced anaphylaxis.

In the research specialists category ImanAl-Azwani came first with a poster about genetic profiling of the critically endangered Spix’s macaw, which is native to Brazil. In the postdoctoral fellows category, VimalRamachandran was first with a poster about the effect on cholesterol of a specific type of microRNA. Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, said: “I have been very impressed with the quality of the research presented here today and hugely encouraged by the appetite for inter-organizational collaboration that is in evidence.

“R&D is truly the backbone of a globally competitive, knowledge-driven economy and events such as the Research Retreat serve as a powerful vehicle for encouraging partnerships among institutions and individuals, which is so crucial for the support of innovation.”

Singaporean magazine El Sevier praised Wednesday the progress Qatar is seeing in the scientific and education field, highlighting in particular the thriving of scientific research in the country.

The magazine said it conducted an analysis on the research statistics of 77 countries. One of the findings was that many more researchers are moving to Qatar (18%) than out of the country (7%), resulting in a net researcher inflow of 11%. The numbers make Qatar " is a top research destination," the article said. The rest of the articles examined the reasons behind that development. One of the reasons it found was the increased investment in scientific research, which now stands at $100 million a year. Qatar also spends 2.8% of its GDP on scientific research.

The magazine said it expected Qatar to progress even more in that field over the next 20 years as it attracts more and more top researchers. The magazine also conducted two interviews with three researchers based in Qatar, the first was with Omar El Agnaf. The researcher, originally from Libya, said that the vision of Qatar was very attractive to him. He is a Professor of Life Sciences in the College of Science and Engineering at Hamad bin Khalifa University and new Acting Executive Director of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI). His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Parkinson’s disease.

For her part, Senior Scientist at the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) of Hamad bin Khalifa University Dr. Xiaosong Ma Qatar is developing fast; thanks to government investment, good infrastructure means researchers from around the world can find state-of-the-art facilities and institutions to work at. She is working on distributed systems; she explores how industry can use powerful machines better, scheduling tasks to make everything run more efficiently.

The third interview was with Hareb Al Jabri, who is Manager of the Algal Technologies Program at Qatar University, where he supervises an international team of researchers from India, Holland, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, the Palestinian territories, Bangladesh, and Qatar. He believes this investment has improved Qatar’s reputation, attracting people from overseas. He said that five years ago, it was difficult to order chemicals and equipment but now it’s much faster and easier. 

Education and community development are central to Qatar Foundation’s (QF) ethos; they are the driving force behind building a passionate, engaged, and empowered society that strives to further the development of the nation. As part of this dedication, QF hosts a series of exciting and educational summer activities designed to inspire high-school students with a sense of discovery and self-belief in their future academic and career opportunities.

From creative art projects to practical research internships, hands-on medical experience to writing news articles; QF oversees a diverse range of educational summer activities across its various centres and partner universities, reflecting a wider year-round programme of community engagement and education.

Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, President of Community Development, QF, commented: “Many of our comprehensive summer programmes focus on young students considering university and on those wanting to explore their creative talents and future careers. These summer programmes prove immensely popular every year and are an integral part of the world-class learning environment provided by Qatar Foundation.” “The education journey these young people are embarking upon is fostered at QF as the vital next phase of their personal growth and development. At every stage, our students are immersed in a culture of learning that nurtures their creativity and innovation, prioritises the development of research skills, and prepares them not only for university, but also to become the future leaders of Qatar,” said Mr Al Qahtani.

Students taking part in this year’s summer internship programmes at Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three research institutes were given the opportunity to learn directly from industry specialists and work on innovative research projects. Chosen students were immersed in eight-week summer internships at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI); each organisation has been specifically designed to build national research capacity and attract young people to the sciences.

HBKU interns gained practical laboratory research experience under the supervision of distinguished QBRI scientists and were able to select projects to work on in the areas of diabetes, cancer, stem cell research, and neurological disorders. At QCRI, interns worked on research, and developed projects in the areas of Arabic language technologies, data analytics, social computing, cyber security, distributed systems, and computational science and engineering. Six students participated in this year’s QEERI summer internship programme and learned about the organisation’s work on the country’s energy and water security grand challenges. Dr Eman Fituri, QCRI’s Director of Educational Initiatives, said: “The programme provides students the opportunity to work closely with our world-class scientists and software developers. It was designed to support the best computer scientists and engineers of tomorrow.”

Students attending the Summer Engineering Academy at Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) were introduced to advanced topics in engineering and science while also learning important problem-solving skills. The academy is an elite 10-day STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - enrichment programme, organised and hosted by TAMUQ and Maersk Oil Qatar. A total of 24 academically outstanding Qatari students, named Qatar National Vision Scholars, worked with faculty members on hands-on research projects related to Qatar’s research challenges in autonomous vehicles, petroleum production, water desalination and wireless energy.

TAMUQ also ran the Future Engineers Program, in which more than 30 Qatari students worked on projects related to space, including the design of a near-space weather balloon that was launched from the Texas A&M Engineering Building on 27th June. Nasser Al-Thani, a student on the Future Engineers Program, said: “I feel privileged to get the chance to experience and feel the spirit of being a student at Texas A&M at Qatar, and as an engineer specifically. I’m excited to know more about the majors in engineering and what they provide, and about the workspace available.”

At Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), young media enthusiasts received an introduction to the world of journalism on the Summer Media Program. The two-week course offered 25 high school students valuable first-hand exposure to the inner workings of media and communication fields using popular digital platforms. The course, now in its seventh year, introduced students to the basics of journalism, including how to conduct interviews, capture high-quality images, craft educational infographics, create content, and speak publically.

Students attending Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar’s (VCUQatar) series of summer art-camps were given the opportunity to explore their creative side and get to grips with different art and design techniques. The QF partner universities held one and two week programmes for students aged 14+ and 16+ including ‘Fashion Illustration’ and ‘Fashion Design Portfolio’ courses, where aspiring designers were introduced to different fashion illustration styles and shown how to create a basic portfolio of fashion design work. The ‘Arts Intensive’ and ‘Design Intensive’ programmes for students aged 16+ allowed students to participate in creative artistic exercises and to gain confidence with a range of art materials and design skills.A select number of high-school students who hope to become young doctors got a taste of college life on the Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) Summer Enrichment Program. Students with a good foundation in biological sciences and an interest in pursuing a career in medicine got first-hand, on-campus experience and the opportunity to mimic current WCM-Q students' programmes of study as part of the two-week hands-on course.

Moreover, bright young scholars and university hopefuls got the opportunity to put their academic skills and abilities to the test at the Summer College Preview Program (SCPP) at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q). This year, nearly 60 students, almost half of whom were Qatari, participated in the fast-paced, three-week course, experiencing college level math and writing, as well an exciting hands-on project in a chosen area of interest: Business Administration, Computer Science, or Information Systems. On the programme, students learned how to set goals, take notes in a lecture setting, how to manage their time effectively and become a more competitive candidate in the college admissions process.  

Finally, 30 high-school students, aged 15 - 18, on the Georgetown Pre-College Summer Programme (GPS) got first-hand experience of all that’s involved in university life and the admissions process.  The Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (GU-Q) pre-college initiative features three-weeks of full-time classes taught in an English-speaking, coeducational setting where students gain valuable experience developing and practicing the academic and personal skills necessary for university-level success. The programme provides local students with the skills and resources necessary to succeed and join a university community. Students receive daily instruction in English, Math, and SAT prep, as well as an introduction to the Georgetown majors. 

The Biomedical Research Center (BRC) at Qatar University (QU) recently organized and hosted a training course, aimed at engaging scientists and researchers to share their knowledge and experience on basic and applied biomedical research.

Themed “Principles of Mammalian Cell Culture Training Course”, the event drew the participation of 12 faculty, students and researchers from QU and other institutions in Qatar such as Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI).

The program agenda included presentations delivered by BRC assistant professors of infectious diseases Dr Hadi Yassine and of metabolic diseases Dr Huseyin Cagatay Yalcin, research professor and project manager Dr Hany Elsayed Mady, and research assistants Ms Layla Al-Mansoori and Ms Maria Khalid Smatti; and by QU College of Medicine (CMED) professor Dr Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa. They addressed topics on “Introduction to the animal mammalian cell culture lab”, “Demonstration on aseptic techniques”, “Preparation of media and other reagents”, “Principles of cell culture techniques”, “Types of cell cultures and applications”, and “Demonstration on chicken embryo and chicken embryo fibroblast culture”.

Also on the program were theoretical classes and hands-on sessions covering a wide range of topics such as types, principles and applications of cell cultures, cell growth and growth curve analysis, primary cell culture and cells transformation techniques, and stem cell culture and applications. Commenting on the event, BRC director and QU College of Health Sciences (CHS) dean Dr Asmaa Al-Thani noted that it brought focus on the Center’s commitment to raising the local health system standard and to increasing community awareness on specific medical issues relevant to Qatar, she said, adding, “It also highlights QU’s mission to align research with the needs of the society and the national aspirations towards fulfilling the goals of the National Health Strategy.”

The Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), a unique partnership between leading education, research and clinical institutions in Qatar, has become an increasingly influential catalyst for a range of advances in the management of diabetes since its formation.

Diabetes is one of the most pressing health challenges in the world today and Qatar, along with other GCC countries, has some of the highest incidence rates globally. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 17 percent of the Adult Qatari population currently suffers from diabetes. The QMI combines research, education and high quality care with the aim of not only delivering the best possible treatment for diabetic patients but also preventing many people developing the disease in the first place.

The QMI was established under Qatar’s Academic Health System with the aim of providing a central focus for metabolic diseases in Qatar. The QMI partnership includes Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Weill Cornell Medical College (WCM-Q), Qatar University (QU), University of Calgary (UCQ), College of North Atlantic (CAN-Q), Sidra Medical and Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).

“In order to reverse the rising rates of diabetes in Qatar’s population it is vital that we have a comprehensive integrated approach to diabetes management,” said Professor Abdul Badi Abou Samra, QMI Director, Chairman of Internal Medicine at HMC and Co-Chair of the National Diabetes Strategy 2016 – 2022. “One of the key objectives of the QMI is to support the implementation of the Qatar National Diabetes Strategy, which includes raising patient and public awareness of diabetes, empowering patients to improve their health, supporting healthcare professionals to deliver new models of care, and ensuring that all this work is informed by the highest quality information and research evidence,” explained Prof. Abou Samra. 

The QMI was officially launched on 1 May, 2016 by Her Excellency, Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, though the institute had been in the early stages of operation prior to the announcement. A commitment to research is a core element of the QMI, as Prof. Abou Samra explained: “The institute brings together leading research intuitions in Qatar with one sole focus – to undertake high quality research so that we can better understand the causes of metabolic diseases enabling us to support the development of new and better treatments for patients with diabetes, obesity and other metabolic conditions.”

In a relatively short space of time since its formation, the QMI has contributed to a range of improvements in care for people with diabetes. The QMI has supported the growth of the National Diabetes Centers at Hamad General Hospital and Al Wakra Hospital. These centers use a multi-disciplinary approach in caring for patients and provide a range of diabetes services in one location, including foot care, counseling and education, blood investigation and insulin pump therapy.

The QMI has also helped develop patient pathways across HMC for diabetes and obesity management. The pathways ensure each patient’s journey of care is a seamless and beneficial as possible.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is organizing a number of community outreach initiatives to shed light on the importance of breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Two scientists at HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Dr. Manale Karam and Dr. Julie Decock, will be holding a community talk on “Breast Cancer: From Discovery to Biology and Treatment” on Thursday, October 20th at 1 PM at the HBKU Student Center in Education City.  The University will also set-up informational booths at the HBKU Student Center on October 20^th, the Gulf Mall on October 21^st and 22^nd, and Qatar University on October 24^th, where members of the community can learn more about the prevalence of breast cancer in Qatar and the region, as well as measures women can take to reduce risk of the disease. 

Dr. Decock, a researcher investigating breast cancer immunotherapy at QBRI, commented: “This awareness-raising campaign helps people better understand how diet and environment contribute to the development and progression of cancer, and helps make the public more aware of the benefits of screening and early detection. This is very important because in the earlier stages, breast cancer can be relatively easily treated, but this becomes very difficult towards the end.” Breast cancer is the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide and among Qatari women, it is the most common cancer with projections of a 60% increase in newly diagnosed cases over the next 6 years.

QBRI’s Cancer Center focuses on the disease and seeks to identify new targets for cancer treatment through genomics, proteomics, molecular and cellular biology, integrated with cancer immunobiology and pharmacology. Dr Karam, whose research at QBRI aims at developing new cancer therapies by using pharmacological and cellular strategies, added: “At the booths and our lectures, we explain the major discoveries in cancer, their history, cancer biology and therapeutics. We will also speak about the tools being used in the research and how the researchers of the past have contributed to the treatments of today.”

To learn more about the work of HBKU’s QBRI, please visit:  http://www.qbri.org.qa/

A group of scientists led by Dr. Abdelilah Arredouani from the Diabetes Research Center at the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), a research institute of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and Dr. Mario Falchi from the Department of Twin Research at Kings College in London, have conducted a study that could aid in the early prevention of the development of metabolic disorders.

The research was recently featured in the prestigious journal “Diabetes” and concluded that individuals with low levels of a specific salivary protein, alpha-amylase, which is produced by the salivary glands and is released in saliva, may cause the body’s energy production sources to switch from sugars to fatty acids.

Dr. Arredouani, one of the authors of the paper, along with colleagues from England, Italy and France arranged the study by carefully selecting two groups of healthy women for the research project:one group of women with a low level of the salivary protein and one with a high level. By using a technique called “metabolomics profiling”, and advanced statistical analysis methods the scientists used serum samples from the women to compare their metabolism and gain an instantaneous snapshot of the physiology of their whole body. Their research indicated a significant difference between the metabolic profiles of the two groups.

Dr.Arredouani said: “Interestingly, the difference between the two groups studied seems to be due mainly to differences in the use of fatty acids.. The results suggest that low levels of salivary alpha-amylase somehow reduces the uptake of glucose, the primary source of energy for the cells, and therefore the body shifts towards fatty acids usage to derive energy.” “If confirmed in bigger studies, the outcome may have clinical importance. Thus, low salivary amylase individuals who chronically ingest starch, in the form of rice for example, as is the case in the Middle East region, should eventually be considered to be at-risk of developing metabolic disorders, and therefore preventive nutritional and behavioral counseling should be provided to them.”

Dr. Mario Falchi, another corresponding author, agreed the outcome of this study could be significant: “Our study suggests that subjects with constitutively low salivary amylase levels may potentially have difficulty in using glucose derived from starch for energy production. Less salivary amylase means that the amount of simple sugars released in the mouth during a starchy meal may not be proportional to the actual amount of starch ingested, and this may mislead the signaling pathways that stimulate the release of insulin, the hormone that clears glucose form the blood.”

The research study offers insight into the biological mechanisms behind metabolic differences and may have an impact in helping identify predictive markers of insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity, making preventative care possible in Qatar and beyond. Dr. Omar El Agnaf, the acting executive director of QBRI, added: “This QBRI-supported study furthers our aim to take an integrative and multidisciplinary approach in providing crucial insights into a key healthcare concerns in Qatar. By participating in collaborative studies like this one, we hope to continue to advance knowledge and champion the cause of fostering innovation in research.”

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU’s) three national research institutes, and Stars of Science are inviting the public to a talk by Dr. Abderrahim Bourouis, an Algerian engineer who was recently announced as one of four finalists in Stars of Science, the flagship “edutainment reality” TV format initiated by Qatar Foundation and hailed as the Arab world’s leading innovation show that enables the region’s aspiring science and technology entrepreneurs. The talk will take place in the multipurpose room at the HBKU Research Complex in Education City on Tuesday, November 15^th at 9.00am.

Dr. Bourouis will speak to attendees about “Wonderkit” which he has been developing on Stars of Science. “Wonderkit” is a smart autism shirt that aims to detect, monitor and calm children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who may suffer from extreme anxiety and panic attacks. The ambitious, service-minded innovator previously created a smart shirt for Alzheimer’s patients, designed to prevent those afflicted with the disease from getting lost. His invention won the United Nations’ Arab Youth Creativity Award, further motivating Bourouis who holds a Ph.D. in telecommunications and Electrical Engineering to combine his technical know-how with a passion to help the differently abled.

The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 160 children has ASD and estimates that there are more than 2.5 million children with autism in the Middle East. After speaking to a family in his community with an autistic child, Bourouis resolved himself to design a technological aid that could aid those with the disorder and their care-takers. His solution, the Wonderkit smart shirt, provides a low-cost way to measure and report an ASD child’s physical movement to family members or care-takers through a tablet or smart phone, suggesting appropriate interventions or actions that may help calm the child.

Commenting on his journey on Stars of Science thus far, Dr. Bourouis said: “I am very proud to be showcasing Wonderkit as a finalist. My hope is to develop Wonderkit for the wearable technologies market and improve the daily lives of families affected by autism – with it now becoming a reality, autistic children and their families will have a great resource.” “During the development phase of the innovation, Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute at Hamad bin Khalifa University gave the Wonderkit continuous support in every aspect. I would like to thank them sincerely for making this project possible. I am also grateful to the end users that trusted me and gave me feedback on the innovation.”

QBRI played a key role in furthering the aspiring innovator’s work by granting him Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to test his product. The institute conducts specialized research targeting the improvement of healthcare in Qatar and the region and through its Neurological Disorders Center works on developing early diagnostic tools and novel therapies for ASD, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease among other neurological conditions. Bourouis added: “Through this talk at QBRI, I will outline the important functions of Wonderkit and demonstrate how it can improve the daily lives of families with autistic children. I invite all to attend to learn more about Wonderkit and its potential impact.”

As well as providing information about how Wonderkit works, Dr. Bourouis’s talk will shed light on the prevalence of autism in Qatar and the region. Individuals from across HBKU’s research institutes, the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), Renad Academy, the Qatar Foundation school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, the Child Development Center, and Step by Step special needs center in Qatar have been invited to the event, with those in attendance able to ask questions and engage ASD specialists in conversation.

Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director at QBRI, noted: “It is crucial to connect the community with the innovative research being conducted at QBRI and beyond in areas of healthcare relevant to Qatar and the region. We look forward to hosting Abderrahim Bourouis for this public talk and look forward to connecting with those in attendance to ensure research at the institute and at HBKU more widely continues to target real-world challenges and meets the needs of the community.”

Qatar University launched yesterday the 3^rd Middle East Molecular Biology Congress & Exhibition 2016 with an opening ceremony attended by QU officials, faculty, students and staff, and a number of experts and researchers in the field of molecular biology.

The event (November 14-18), the first of its kind in the region, is a collaboration between QU and Middle East Molecular Biology Sources (MEMBS), and is sponsored by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Qatar Genome Programme, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), Sidra Medical and Research Center, and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q). Its aim is to provide a platform for representatives of the academic and industrial communities to interact and promote the translation of research into therapy.

The forum brings together around 500 leading biologists and biomedical engineers, including professors and their trainees from the academic, clinical and pharmaceutical fields to showcase their latest research, highlight the use of innovative and emerging technologies, and encourage interactions and new interdisciplinary collaborations in the field of molecular biology.

Keynote speakers are Associate Dean for Research, Laura H Carnell Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research (MCDDR) at Temple University School of Pharmacy Prof Magid Abou-Gharbia, Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Harvard Stem Cell Institute Principal Investigator Dr Chad Cowan, WCMC Department of Genetic Medicine Chairman Dr Ronald Crystal, The Rockfeller University Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and St Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases Attending Physician Prof Jean-Laurent Casanova, University of California Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology Prof Alexandra Butler, Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Biomedical Optics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Prof Theo Lasser, University of Zurich Institute of Experimental Immunology Group Leader Prof Maries van den Broek, Professor of Medicine at University of Manchester Prof Rayaz Malik, and Professor of Biotechnology at American University of Ras Al Kaimah Prof Muhammed Mukhtar.

The event’s program comprises sessions in the form of presentations, discussion panels and workshops that address a wide range of topics related to “Genomics and Personalized Medicine”, “Stem Cells and Cellular Therapy”, “Metabolism and Endocrinology”, “Diabetes”, “Cancer Epigenetic”, “Neurosciences: Synaptic function in health and disease”, “Signaling and Systems Biology”, “Neurosciences: Neurodegenerative Diseases”, “Infectious Diseases”, “Neurosciences: Therapeutic”, “Cancer Immunology”, “Biotechnology”, “Structural  Biology and Molecular Imaging”, and more. It also features an exhibition including a number of booths offering equipment, services and publications related to molecular biology.

Commenting on the forum, QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “QU is proud to host the 3rd Middle East Molecular Biology Congress & Exhibition 2016, which brings together leading experts to showcase the latest technologies in molecular biology. During the past years, molecular biology has made a progress in key areas such as genome sciences, cell therapy, cancer treatment, and diabetes, which has a positive impact on human life and health. QU continues in its efforts to advance exact sciences under the umbrella of ethical values to serve the needs of the society.” 

QU VP for Medical Education and CMED Dean Dr Egon Toft said: “In hosting such an event, QU is demonstrating its ongoing efforts to raise awareness on molecular biology in the Middle East and to promote research in key medical areas such as genetic diseases and stem cells to provide efficient solutions to medical issues that impact the wider community and to ensure that research efforts align with the needs of the healthcare sector in Qatar and the region. We are delighted to collaborate with MEMBS in organizing this congress that serves as a platform for experts and researchers from academia and industry to share their experiences and pave way for future interdisciplinary collaborations in molecular biology.”

Qatar Biobank for Medical Research Vice-Chairperson, Qatar Genome Programme Committee Chairperson and QU College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dean Dr Asma Al-Thani said: “We, at Qatar Biobank for Medical Research and Qatar Genome Programme, are pleased to be sponsoring and participating in MEMBS annual congress and exhibition. Qatar Biobank for Medical Research and Qatar Genome Programme are committed to promoting the understanding of local and regional health and diseases by advancing new research that moves towards breakthroughs in health and medicine, and by organizing events that create an excellent platform for experts to exchange their ideas in the field of health and medicine.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) hosted clinicians and researchers from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at the HBKU Student Center in Education Citylast week for an annual Neuroscience School.

Heldin collaboration with the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), the event enabled participants to share insights and discuss developments within the field of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The event followed the IBRO-MENA-QBRI Neuroscience Conference, held this year as part of 3^rd Middle East Molecular Biology Sources (MEMBS) Annual Congress & Exhibition on November 16^th and 17^th.

The IBRO-MENA-QBRI Neuroscience School seeks toignite the curiosity of students in unpacking scientific concepts and encourage these budding scientists to pursuecareers in research and academia. This year, the event provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders through a series of lectures, workshops, and discussion sessions.The event shed light on the brain as an intricate physical organ and explored how its various components work together to help humans achieve cognition.

By continuing to host IBRO-MENA schools, QBRI seeks to help build human capacity in the field of neuroscience, educating and inspiring a generation of young scientists to take on careers within the sciences. The school equips students with tools, industry knowledge, and a collaborative, regional network to help pave the way for their success. Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, Acting Executive Director of QBRI, noted that: “The Neuroscience School helps raise awareness of the latest scientific research being conducted in Qatar, while generating interest within the upcoming generation, regionally and locally, about the sciences. This year we welcomed participants from Algeria to Sudan to Qatar,and covered topics such asautism and neurodegenerative diseases.”

Buthaina Saleh, a student participant in the Neuroscience School from Sultan Quboos University in Oman where she works in the biochemistry labs, said: “I wish to start my Ph.D. soon and I’m hoping that it will be in neuroscience, so I came here to get ideas about new techniques and updates in the field. Participating in the school has been a great experience for me.”

QBRI was also one of the sponsors of The 3^rd MEMBS Annual Congress & Exhibition from the 14^th– 17^th of November. The national research institute that specializes in innovation forthe prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the people of Qatar and the region sponsored a two day IBRO Neuroscience Conference specifically dedicated to focus on fourNeuroscience topics, stem cells specifically dedicated for diabetes and structure biology session focused on newly developed technologies for understanding the mechanisms of human diseases.

The Neuroscience Conference’s session on the first day focused on neurodevelopmental disease and synaptic function in health and disease. It featured a keynote address by Dr. Theo Lasser, Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Biomedical Optics at ÉcolePolytechniqueFédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. On the second day, Dr. Hans Hilger Ropers delivered a keynote address to the session on neurodegenerative disease. Dr. Roper is a Professor at The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Germany. The second day also featured a keynote lecture byDr. Magid Abu Gharbia, Associate Dean for Research at Temple University’s School of Pharmacy in America, for the session on therapeutics.

Dr. El-Agnafadded: “At QBRI, we are committed to helpingdevelop Qatar into a regional hub for healthcare innovation and research in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By partnering with the International Brain Research Organization and hosting these regional events in Doha, the institute brings students, scientists, and industry veterans from around the Middle East together for knowledge-exchange and networking, while helping boost the profile of Qatar and encouraging further regional collaboration and research.”

For more at information on QBRI please visit their website www.qbri.org.qa.