Dr. Walid Qoronfleh, Director of Biotechnology Development at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three research institutes, has given the keynote speech at the 4^th International Workshop on Food and Brain Health at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman.

The two-day event was jointly organized by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and the Ageing and Dementia Research Group (ADRG); under the patronage of Her Highness Dr. Mona bint Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at SQU.

Leading international researchers and experts from around the world gathered in Muscat to discuss the impact of nutrition on the brain, sharing their research findings on various topics relating to food and brain health, and how their impact can be examined in modern-day society. Representing HBKU, Dr. Qoronfleh presented his keynote address on the topic of where memory resides and what influences it. Dr. Qoronfleh linked food choice and diet to memory, arguing that a healthy and balanced diet contributes to diverse gut bacteria. His presentation is furthered by recent research being conducted, which establishes links between the bacteria and the brain, suggesting an existence of bacterial memory.

Dr. Qoronfleh said: “I was honored to be invited as keynote speaker for this event. The impact of food choice and diet is often examined in the research community through the lens of obesity and its effect on our bodies. While that certainly is important, it is equally as important to investigate the impact of food and gut bacteria on the health of our brain, and how it is translated into human behavior.” Dr. Qoronfleh has more than 20 years of experience in biotechnology, with a research interest in medical microbiology, biotechnology and diagnostics, and healthcare. He is also a member of the Arab Expatriate Scientists group in Qatar, and helped co-author the document for establishing QBRI.

To find out more information about QBRI and its research, please visit www.qbri.org.qa/. 

Qatar Foundation (QF) hosted a World Autism Awareness Day event today under the umbrella of Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).

The event, which took place at Al Shaqab in Education City, featured information booths, as well as a number of local entities placed in dedicated spaces around the arena, with representatives on site readily available to interact with visitors and answer questions. These included the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Renad Academy, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). Throughout the day, families also enjoyed horse riding, face painting, and a range of interactive games designed to raise awareness of the condition.

Machaille Al-Naimi, President of Community Development, QF, who attended the event, said: “We are delighted to host such an important event today, and to see so many members of the community in attendance.” “Through our World Autism Awareness Day activities, we aim to raise awareness. We want to demonstrate that while autism may be a permanent condition, treatment and therapy can lead to improvements. We believe that this event showcases our commitment to serving the whole community.” World Autism Awareness Day was first proposed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), to the United Nations in 2007, and was adopted without a vote by the UN General Assembly. The first World Autism Awareness Day was celebrated on April 2, 2008. 

A research team headed by Dr. Omar El-Agnaf (pictured), Acting Executive Director of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), which is one of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three national research institutes, has been selected by the Austrian biotechnology company, AFFiRiS AG, to evaluate selected parameters in clinical trials on an innovative anti-alpha-synuclein immunotherapy-based approach to treating Parkinson’s disease that has been developed by the company.

Research carried out by Dr. El-Agnaf’s team of scientists that uses novel techniques to identify biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease in human blood and cerebral spinal fluid samples attracted the attention of AFFiRiS AG, who are a leading name in the field of developing immunotherapies that target chronic diseases with unmet medical needs, and led them to call upon the Qatar-based team to use the tools and expertise developed at HBKU to validate the target engagement of alpha-synuclein for the company’s first-of-its-kind Parkinson’s disease immunotherapy approach . The product has been developed in Europe by a team of scientists and its pre-clinical and clinical development has been supported by Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Using the team’s novel analysis techniques, the researchers at HBKU will assess the product’s ability to engage with the target, alpha-synuclein. QBRI’s scientists will explore novel biomarkers discovered by them that facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease and use the technique they have developed at HBKU to assess the  magnitude of target engagement of this new immunotherapy-based compound.

Commenting on his team’s involvement with AFFiRiS AG, Dr. El-Agnaf said: “Parkinson’s disease remains a debilitating medical condition for which there is currently no cure. Treatments that help patients with Parkinson’s typically work with those individuals who were diagnosed with the disease when it is still in early stages. Despite good symptomatic treatment options, there is a substantial need for disease modifying agents and alternatives to the existing treatment options. With so many people affected by Parkinson’s disease around the world, QBRI is committed to collaborative research with dedicated partners from around the world, such as AFFiRiS AG and others working across Europe on contributing to better understanding of the mode of action, with a view to helping achieve the next landmark in Parkinson’s disease cure.

“Rather than only offer symptomatic improvements to people living with Parkinson’s disease, which is the case with the treatment strategies currently available, the collaboration with AFFiRiS AG may take us to the next level to get closer to a disease modifying approach.  We are delighted to have the opportunity to play our part in ensuring that the AFFiRiS compound induced effects on alpha-synuclein undergo extensive and rigorous testing to foster next steps of product development. Dr. El Agnaf’s group, which is based within QBRI’s labs within Education City in Doha, specializes in biomedical research that focuses on Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders and they are also involved in the development of drugs that target the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Over recent years, the team has built a solid research portfolio, placing the institute’s lab and its published research at the forefront of neuroscience research in the global medical sphere.

QBRI has established itself as a leading disease-focused research institute in the Middle East. Currently, QBRI operates three research centers that target different diseases: the Neurological Disorders Research Center, the Cancer Research Center, and the Diabetes Research Center. By being a part of the first clinical trial that focuses on the mode of action with the AFFiRiS compound for Parkinson’s disease, HBKU’s researchers are demonstrating how the university is committed to paving the way for new breakthroughs in medicine, addressing the key healthcare challenges faced today in Qatar and around the world.

To find out more about research at HBKU, please visit www.hbku.edu.qa

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) has hosted the First Autism Symposium at the Qatar National Convention Center in Education City. The two-day event, which concluded on 1 May, focused on raising awareness about autism through facilitating constructive dialogue aimed at finding new techniques and breakthroughs in the prevention and diagnosis of the condition.

Dr. Omar El Agnaf, Acting Executive Director of QBRI, said: “Our goal with this event has been to continue raising awareness of autism, which included its medical, social, and economic implications. The symposium has been a platform for medical experts, scholars and researchers to share knowledge and expertise, with the goal of transforming healthcare through innovation in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of autism.”

QBRI’s inaugural symposium saw leading medical experts from the research institute join forces with representatives from the Cleveland Clinic, Autism Speaks, the Oregon Health & Science University, and several other recognized global authorities in autism research, with researchers and scholars using the symposium as a valuable opportunity to hear from global thought leaders in the field and to share their insights and expertise with their peers.

Dr. Fouad Al Shaban, Senior Scientist at QBRI and the event organizer, noted: “It was great to see the level of interest this event generated from the medical community. Discussion and exposure to the latest research and trends helps bring this issue into the mainstream by reducing the social stigma often associated with autism. Acknowledging this as a healthcare issue is the first step in addressing autism head-on.” Conversation at the event revolved around innovative diagnostic tools being developed to identify autism, differences between types of disorders categorized under autism, and potential genetic and environmental causes that can lead to these disorders. The event also addressed diagnostic and treatment options for autism, along with related medical services,now available in Qatar at QBRI and other healthcare providers.

To find out more about the work done by QBRI and its research centers, visit qbri.org.qa.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) recently celebrated the conclusion of its Summer Research Program by hosting an appreciation day on Thursday, October 5, to honor the program’s interns.

With the presence of QBRI researchers and staff, 15 undergraduate students from across Qatar’s various universities presented their months-long research projects in the fields of diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders to an impressed audience. The Summer Research Program is a highly competitive and rigorous, research-based internship program that aims to enhance the capabilities of aspiring researchers.

Commenting on the program, Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director of QBRI, said: “Our summer internships are a gateway for students to experience what life on the cutting-edge of innovative biomedical research is like. We strive to ensure that merit-based talent from all over Qatar receives practical real-world research training and knowledge through our internships. Afterwards, we see that most students have channeled their passion into pursuing a research oriented career, and apply to graduate programs to continue working on their newfound passion.”

Najlaa Al-Thani, a student at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) and an intern at QBRI for this summer, worked on a Parkinson’s disease project. Talking about her experience, she said: “Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that nurtured my love of research in the biomedical field. My mentor has taught me a great deal in terms of techniques and practical knowledge. She has also become an inspiration to me by being a successful female researcher in a very novel field.” Located in HBKU’s Research Complex, QBRI’s state-of-the-art facilities attract renowned scientists from Qatar and all over the world to conduct pioneering and innovative research on cancer, diabetes, or neurological disorders. The institute focuses on these three topics as they are an integral part of ensuring that the established healthcare goals of the country are reached.

Vijaykumar Krishnadec, a student at Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar and a summer intern at QBRI, noted: “For a medical student who aspires to work in the research field, the program is extremely beneficial as it provides a thorough perspective on the research process. It helps me by building on my skills and inspiring me to develop novel techniques that would form a solid foundation for the future.” A student at Qatar University’s College of Pharmacy, Ola Hussein says the program has helped her build on her knowledge in the biomedical field. “Training at QBRI was a great experience and I would highly recommend any student interested in biomedical research to apply for next year’s program,” she said.

To learn more about how HBKU’s QBRI is contributing towards the sustainable development of Qatar through innovative projects and collaborative partnerships, visit hbku.edu.qa.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) is organizing a number of community outreach initiatives to shed light on the importance of breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

QBRI will set up an information booth at the Gulf Mall on October 27 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, 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. In addition, QBRI will participate in a walk for breast cancer awareness at Aspire Park on October 28 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and join in a breast cancer awareness campaign and fundraiser event, “A Night for Humanity,” which is sponsored by Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar.

These activities are part of a number of QBRI-organized events throughout the month of October to promote awareness of breast cancer. On October 25 and 26, QBRI held seminars and set up booths at Qatar University and Education City, respectively. Focusing on the history and progress of breast cancer, the seminars highlighted the main advancements in treatment leading to the recent breakthroughs of personalized medicine. 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 percent increase in newly diagnosed cases over the next 5 years. QBRI’s Cancer Research Center focuses on cancer immunobiology and immunotherapy. 

The institute’s awareness campaign will highlight the impact of diet and environment on the development and progression of cancer, outlining preventive measures, and emphasizing the importance of yearly screenings for early detection to facilitate treatment.

For more information on the breast cancer awareness events, or any other HBKU sponsored event, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.

In support of World Diabetes Day and National Diabetes Awareness month this November, and in collaboration with the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) is co-organizing a number of community outreach initiatives to shed light on the importance of diabetes prevention, detection, and treatment.

QBRI will set up an information booth at Qatar Foundation’s Oxygen Park on November 17 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a meetup at 2:00 pm, where members of the community can participate in various activities to learn more about the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar and the region, as well as measures that can be taken to reduce risk of the disease. In addition, QBRI will set up a booth at Landmark Mall on November 18, from 9 am to 10 pm, distributing informational flyers to visitors about the disease, its cause and progression.

As part of its collaboration with QDA and contribution towards diabetes awareness, the World Diabetes Day event will include a range of physical activities from partnering institutions. Supplementing the activities co-organized by QBRI, health and fitness centers “My Gym” and “Curves” will set-up their own booths and host their own activities, including a special section for children and free overall body fat analysis for adults. Type 2 diabetes is a debilitating disease in the Middle East, and particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where five of the six-nation union rank on the top 10 list of countries with the highest diabetes rate. The average prevalence rate in the Gulf region is around 20 percent, more than twice that of the global average, and an additional upsurge is expected if no major action is taken to combat the disease.

At the booths, a presentation by the researchers from the Diabetes Research Center at QBRI will be conducted, where the public will receive the opportunity to learn about innovative research on stem cells and the identification of novel biomarkers for early prediction of the disease, in addition to new findings on mechanism–based disease progression. For more information on diabetes awareness events, or any other HBKU-sponsored event, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has won the prestigious Arab Best Research Institution of the Year 2017 award, confirming the institute’s position as a pioneer in the provision of healthcare solutions in Qatar, the region, and the world. The award was presented at a celebratory ceremony on November 27 in Marrakech, Morocco.

The annual Arab Best Awards are among the most coveted in the region, and aim to recognize exceptional organizations and professionals in the Arab world. They aim to celebrate achievements in three core areas: business excellence; government, leadership and sports; and social and community contribution. For QBRI, the award was a direct result of the institute’s ongoing research efforts to provide new insights into the molecular basis of the grand challenges of breast cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders such as autism and neurodegenerative diseases.

“I am delighted that QBRI has been declared the Arab Best Research Institution of the Year for 2017. Receiving this award is proof of our enduring efforts to contribute to biomedical research in Qatar and the world. It is another example of the hard work and dedication of QBRI’s employees and researchers, and solidifies HBKU’s position as a research-intensive university. This recognition inspires us to achieve greater milestones, as we continue to pursue solutions for global health challenges,” said Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director of QBRI.

The Arab Best Awards’ General Secretariat and Experts Committee also selected Dr. El-Agnaf as one of the Best 100 Arab CEOs, in recognition of his contributions to research on Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, as well as his vision as QBRI’s top manager. Award categories are highly competitive and the winners are selected based on a merit system that includes 17 criteria such as leadership style; alignment to strategic business goals; administrative productivity, among others.

“We are proud of our teams and the research undertaken within our facilities, and especially under Prof. El-Agnaf’s inspiring leadership. With the dedication of all its researchers and administrators, QBRI has become a world-class research institute and its research will have significant outputs that will improve many lives in Qatar, the Middle East and globally,” said Prof. Richard O’Kennedy, Vice President for Research at HBKU. 

As part of its mandate to promote community outreach and capacity building, Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) is welcoming applications for its Summer Research Program (SRP) 2018.

As part of the program, the institute will be offering intensive training opportunities in the fields of diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders to exceptional undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in higher education institutions, both inside and outside Education City.

Beginning in May, the fourth year of SRP will run for a total duration of eight weeks and will focus on basic, applied and translational research. Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director at QBRI, said: “Through advanced scientific and research training opportunities, we seek to foster a culture of scientific discovery and aim to mentor participants who will lead the future of biomedical research in Qatar. The SRP is an opportunity for participants to gain hands-on laboratory experience and learn how to formulate ideas, design experiments, and test hypotheses – all essential components for achieving new medical breakthroughs.”

SRP aims to encourage critical thinking, enhance communication and teambuilding skills, and allow participants to experience the challenges and rewards of scientific research. The program’s three main research areas have been further divided into 18 projects that students may select from for their internship.

The subject of neurological disorders will cover focus areas on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases; aiming to identify new genes responsible for such disorders, and investigating new diagnostic tools and developing innovative therapeutics. The cancer program explores initiation and progression, concentrating on early diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the topic of diabetes targets diabetes prevention and early diagnosis and an understanding of molecular causes of the disease, specifically within the context of Qatar.

Students who have previously completed the program credit their experience as a significant phase of their academic and professional development. Safa Salim, a College of Science and Engineering student who currently started her PhD, was a former intern at the research institute. Sharing her experience, she said: “Being a part of the SRP for two consecutive years allowed me to gain vital exposure into the groundbreaking biomedical and translational research conducted in Qatar. The program enhanced my theoretical knowledge about diabetes and stem cell-related projects, and helped me gain a better understanding of the scientific community in Qatar, which was hugely beneficial when it came to identifying my PhD supervisor and project."

Boshra Mohammed J. H. Al Sulaiti, a participant of last year’s edition, said: “I was interested in working in a unique setting that is different from the university environment. I chose the SRP as it provides students with a versatile understanding of the complex world of scientific research whilst maintaining counsel and feedback. I can unreservedly say that this was a memorable experience and I am now confident that I have the necessary skills to embark on my career.” Entry requirements for SRP 2018 include enrollment in an undergraduate program in a biological or medical-related science, completion of at least two years of coursework by the start date, and maintaining a minimum grade point average of three.

Top candidates will be evaluated and interviewed by members of the selection committee before final decisions are made. Candidates may apply online by choosing two preferred subject areas. All applications will be received by the QBRI selection committee, and will be evaluated against specific criteria, including the student’s academic records and letters of recommendation. The program’s application deadline is March 29, 2018.

To find out more – or send in an application – follow this link: www.qbri.org.qa/internship/srp18

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), a premier research institute under Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has signed a collaborative research and training agreement with the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) in Boston, USA. The five-year initiative includes technical training and research in stem cell biology, which are essential for discovering viable treatments for diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes type 1 and 2 is a rising global healthcare challenge. Recent advances in stem cell research, led by HSCI scientists, are set to help both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients cope with their condition by producing new insulin-producing cells. Such advances can be extended to address many diseases that have a major impact on society.

In this new collaboration, QBRI scientists will work closely with HSCI researchers to exchange knowledge and best practice, and to accelerate the translation of discoveries into clinical applications. In addition to building scientific capacity in the region, the partnership will support ground-breaking research in stem cell biology. Clinical trials that arise from these endeavors will be conducted in collaboration with QBRI’s major stakeholders, including Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medicine.

“This partnership with HSCI is another step towards our primary goal of conducting research that has tangible, meaningful impact on the wider community. Innovation and entrepreneurial vision are at the core of QBRI’s activities. This partnership with leading stem cell researchers at Harvard is a crucial step in spurring progress towards our strategic vision, to solve some of the critical challenges facing Qatar and the region. Thanks to this agreement, newly recruited investigators at QBRI will be engaging in ground-breaking research within the largest collaborative network of stem-cell researchers in the world,” said Dr. Omar El Agnaf, acting executive director at QBRI.

HSCI – a network of 1000 scientists at Harvard University and its eight affiliated hospitals – is a champion of research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. It is a powerful partner for realizing QBRI’s strategic plan to develop the first cell-therapy program in the region.

Brock Reeve, executive director of HSCI, said: “Qatar has been proactive in building scientific capacity in the Middle East, and its current focus on stem cell biology shows its commitment to supporting progress in personalized medicine. Partnering with QBRI allows us to share knowledge and expertise efficiently through advanced training, and to conduct meaningful research with a focus on translation. We are really looking forward to working together, and to seeing what new opportunities for discovery arise as a result.”

QBRI aims to address major health challenges over the long term by supporting scientific research into the molecular basis of various diseases, and biomedical research that seeks to translate those insights into solutions for diabetes, neurological disorders, and cancer. The partnership with HSCI will facilitate progress in these areas.

Research is integral to HBKU’s mission to help build high-level skills capacity in Qatar. This new partnership allows the university to actively leverage synergies with local and international organizations to foster a world-class education ecosystem that promotes scientific discovery and benefits humankind.

Diabetes, its treatment and its proliferation across the globe was the subject of the latest installment of Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Grand Rounds series.

The lecture, entitled ‘Diabetes, The Ticking Time Bomb’, was delivered by Dr. Alexandra Butler (pictured), adjunct professor of medicine / endocrinology at the Diabetes Research Center, which is part of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI). Dr. Butler explained that more than eight per cent of the global adult population have diabetes – around 366m adults – but with three new cases diagnosed every ten seconds, that figure is projected to rise to 552m by 2030. As in Qatar – in which the prevalence of diabetes is well-documented and higher than the global average – the majority of cases involve type 2 diabetes, although cases of type 1 diabetes are also on the rise.

Speaking before an audience of students and fellow healthcare professionals, Dr. Butler explained how the two types present themselves differently. Type 1 diabetes tends to have a rapid onset and symptoms are often severe; whilst there are two peaks in incidence, in preschool and teenage years, type 1 diabetes can occur at any stage of life. By contrast, the onset of type 2 diabetes is typically slower, often occurring over several months, with symptoms that vary in severity. A family history of type 2 diabetes is more often present in new sufferers, and whilst the disease usually strikes people over the age of 20, there is a recent trend for type 2 diabetes to appear in the teenage and even pre-teen years.

However, although different in their clinical presentation, both type 1 and type 2 can cause the same microvascular complications, typically nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. There are also potential macrovascular complications that can lead to an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks. Laboratory tests can also help to distinguish which type of diabetes their patient is suffering from, and this is vital in order to institute appropriate treatment.

Dr. Butler said: “Why does distinguishing between the two types matter? Well, it’s down to the treatment. Type 1 diabetes must be treated with insulin whereas the treatment of type 2 diabetes always starts with lifestyle management. If that is inadequate, then usually the drug metformin is considered to be the drug of choice; after that, you have a range of drugs to choose from, one of which may be insulin, although this usually comes later in the treatment plan.”

Whatever the treatment, good diabetes control is vital to preventing complications from the disease. Dr. Butler also discussed future treatment options, notably stem cell therapy for the treatment of diabetes, something that is being actively pursued in the Diabetes Research Center Stem Cell Group at QBRI. The lecture was accredited locally by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accreditation Department (QCHP-AD) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).

Someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds. According to the World Health Organization, this means there are 9.9 million new cases of dementia worldwide each year. This neurodegenerative disorder usually affects people over the age of 65 and causes indescribable mental, physical, and financial stress on patients and their families, as well as the economies of their countries.

The need to accelerate research aimed at finding a cure for dementia has become as big a priority as battling diseases such as cancer or diabetes. In this regard, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University – a Qatar Foundation (QF) member – is leading the region in accelerating research in dementia. QBRI is working with Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in a study to identify dementia amongst Qatar’s population. This partnership will enhance the country’s national strategy against dementia and accelerate research into the disease.

Since its establishment in 2012, QBRI ­has evolved into an internationally recognized research facility. Its dedicated Neurological Disorders Research Center is unique to the region and  explores brain-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and epilepsy, through national and international collaborations. Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, Executive Director, QBRI, emphasized the need to increase public awareness and research dedicated to finding breakthroughs for dementia. “We adopt a holistic approach to research into dementia, because the link between neurological disorders in the elderly and other medical conditions is well documented,” he said. “For instance, patients with type 2 diabetes are three-to-four times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.”

“In addition, it has been reported that 50 per cent of patients with type 2 diabetes will develop dementia. This means we cannot tackle one disease without tackling the other. Our study in collaboration with HMC & WCM-Q, will help us to better understand the clinical background, family history, and environmental and lifestyle factors related to dementia and type 2 diabetes.” “As we have approached this study in a systematic manner, and are investing a considerable amount of resources and manpower, we’re confident that it will lead to important results.”

Professor Rayaz A Malik, Professor of Medicine at WCM-Q and consultant physician at HMC, highlighted the importance of collaboration between different institutes in Qatar. “We currently have an ongoing clinical and translational study with my team here in WCM-Q, HMC and QBRI. We have enrolled cohorts of patients with dementia, who have undergone detailed detailed clinical assessment and collection of blood samples. We will search for disease markers in patients with and without type 2 diabetes who are at risk of developing dementia,” says Malik. “Additionally, we have pioneered a novel ophthalmic imaging test, called cornea confocal microscopy, that can reveal nerve damage in patients with dementia.”

The steps that are being taken by QBRI will help decision-makers formulate clear strategies to fight dementia and set up specialized centers dedicated to providing support to dementia patients in the country. At present, neither Qatar nor the region have specialized clinical centers or support groups exclusively for patients affected by dementia, and their families. Dr. Hanadi Khamis Al Hamad, Chairperson of Geriatrics and Long Term Care Department, at HMC, remarked that health concerns that are common to all, can be addressed only if national entities work together.

“Ageing is a natural process that brings its own concerns such as dementia. Our aim is to improve the lifestyle of the elderly, by minimizing the probability of age-related afflictions such as dementia. The research we are currently conducting alongside WCM-Q and QBRI will help address this issue that is common to every country in the world,” says Dr. Al Hamad. “And, the results we obtain will eventually guide policy-makers to plan and implement strategies to fight dementia in Qatar and the region.”

While there is increasing evidence that a healthy lifestyle and diet are the key to delaying, and even preventing, neurological diseases such as dementia, Dr. El-Agnaf emphasizes that in order for researchers to successfully combat the disease, research institutes like QBRI must work with the public to increase awareness about the disease – and the research that aims to beat it. “QBRI is not confined to a lab, working isolated from the realities of the world,” he said. “Our research in dementia is not about citations or awards or research papers. “Our responsibility lies in helping the people of Qatar, who need to know that the work we do is entirely for their future, and for their benefit.”

The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF), recently brought together stakeholders from Qatar, the UK, and the US for a series of three one-day global health workshops at Harris Manchester College at the University of Oxford.

More than 80 invited delegates took part in sessions titled ‘Innovative Approaches to Dementia Care and Cure’, ‘Adolescent Mental Health and the Online World’, and ‘Philanthropy in Healthcare’. Participants included academics, researchers, healthcare practitioners, innovators, and representatives of charities and advocacy groups.

The first day of presentations and workshops focused on dementia, and featured a presentation by Dr. Omar El Agnaf, Executive Director of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University – a member of QF – and Dr. Rayaz Malik, Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) – a QF partner university. Dr. El Agnaf and Dr. Malik outlined the groundbreaking work being carried out in Qatar to identify biomarkers that can detect dementia early and explained how timely detection has been proven to improve both ongoing care and long term outcomes.

Also on day one, representatives of UK-based Alzheimer’s Disease International presented on the advocacy work being done globally to support people with dementia and to find a cure. The second day of the series started with a presentation of the findings and recommendations of the 2018 WISH report on anxiety and depression by report co-author Thomas Canning, followed by a session by Dr. Shekhar Saxena, Visiting Professor of Public Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, titled ‘The Mental Health of Young People and Technology: A Net Benefit’. Before participating in workshops, delegates heard from Dr. Ivo Vlaev from the Behavioural Insights Unit at Warwick Business School about the ‘nudge’ theory, where subtle and indirect suggestions are used to influence behavior, and how it can be used to positively impact young people facing mental health challenges.

The final day featured two presentations on the topic of the interactions between philanthropy and global health that focused on how best to ensure that financial donations reach the people most in need. Dr. Robert Walters, a trustee of the charity Orbis International, gave his overview of the sometimes complex relationship between donors and charities, after which Kurt Shuker and Major General Michael Von Bertele from Save the Children provided an insight into how their charity deals with philanthropic donations on a project-by-project basis.

All three days featured interactive sessions, during which delegates were encouraged to present novel ideas with the potential to advance innovative thinking around each day’s topic. In addition to WISH, QBRI, and WCM-Q, Qatar was also represented by delegates from Hamad Medical Corporation. Speaking after the event, Sultana Afdhal, Chief Executive Officer of WISH, said: “This is the second year we’ve held interactive discussions at the University of Oxford. This year’s presentations and workshop sessions have provided the Qatar-based research team at WISH with extremely valuable insights that can be used to shape and develop any future exploratory efforts we undertake in three important areas of pressing concern for healthcare practitioners and policy makers around the world.”

For further information about WISH, please visit www.wish.org.qa and @WISHQatar on social media.

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has released the results of its intensive six-year study on the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Qatar – the first of its kind to be conductedin Qatar and the Gulf region.

The study was carried out by QBRI’s Neurological Disorders Research Center (NDRC), which focuses on investigating the increasing prevalence ofneurological disorders in Qatar and the region, including conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Dr. Fouad Al-Shaban, a senior scientist at NDRC, QBRI, spearheaded the unprecedented research study, which aimed to estimate the prevalence of ASD among Qatari families and other families residing in Qatar, and establish an autism database and disease registry. The database was developed to provide descriptive data on the classification and phenotyping of the population of children diagnosed with ASD to assess the effect of certain risk factors on the prevalence rate.

Outcomes of the two-phase study revealed the prevalence of ASD in Qatar to be 1.14 percent or 1 in 87 children; 1 in 56 boys and one in 230 girls. From the results, and based on the 2016 census, the study estimates that approximately 4,791 individuals in Qatar between the ages of 1 and 20 years have ASD. The results of the study were recently published in the internationally-acclaimed journal on child & adolescent psychology and psychiatry, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, the official journal of the UK-based Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Dr. Al-Shaban, said: “The study is the first of its kind that set about to determine the prevalence of autism in Qatar and the region.  We are proud to make the findings available to the international medical community, and it is our hope that the outcomes will be used to inform future studies on autism.

Phase 1 of the study involved the screening of 9074 primary school students aged 5 to 12 years from 93 public and private schoolsby using the Social Communication Questionnaire screening tool after translation and validation to the Arabic language. Phase 2 extended the study to include hospitals and special needs centers offering services to individuals with ASD, such as Rumailah Hospital and Al Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, the two primary government centers engaged in the study. Both phases reflect similar prevalence rates of approximately 1.146%.

In addition, although the consanguinity rate is around 52% across the GCC and Middle East, our findings don’t show a significant correlation between consanguinity and the prevalence rate of ASD in Qatar; which is supported by the fact that ASD is a multi-genetic disorder with no direct causal link to consanguinity. Meanwhile, the study found that consanguinity is related to the severity of ASD.” Overall, the study found the prevalence of ASD in Qatar to be higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) average of 0.6 to 1 percent, although the study variables and methodology may vary.

Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, executive director, QBRI, said: “We are extremely proud of the efforts of all those who have supported QBRI from the outset of the study. The generous support received from Qatar National Research Fundset the ball in motion and made this unprecedented study possible. The success and findings of this study is testament to what can be achieved through a collective vision to spearhead research that will pave the way for advancements in healthcare.”

These findings have enabled researchers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, to create and complete Qatar’s first autism registry using the data of 1,300 individuals with ASD, which will be made available to researchers with a particular interest in neurological disorders. The results of the studyalso provide crucial data that will enable the country and its policymakers to work towards adequate healthcare planning and make provisions for specialized healthcare centers, and the necessary capacity building for individuals with autism.

The study was conducted in collaboration with national and international partners, including Hamad Medical Corporation, Al Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, Qatar University, Cleveland Clinic, U.S.A., and Oregon Health and Science University, U.S.A.

Her Excellency - Amal Bint Abdullatif Al Mannai, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Foundation for Social Work, said: “It was an honor for Al Shafallah to be able to participate in the groundbreaking study, providing researchers from QBRI with access to invaluable data to drive the study. The screening done has revealed fascinating insights that will make tremendous contributions to the future provisions of adequate healthcare for those with autism and other neurological disorders.”

Dr. Saleh Bin Ali Al-Marri, assistant minister of health for health affairs at the Ministry of Public Health, said: “We thank all those individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly on this study. The findings of the study will providevaluable data, which will help us develop a personalized and sustainable healthcare strategy to address the specific needs of those individuals with autism.” QBRI is home to three research centers – Cancer Research Center, Diabetes Research Center, and the Neurological Disorders Research Center. QBRI was founded with the objective of leading pioneering national research to transform healthcare through innovation in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the Qatari population and the region.

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), recently collaborated in a study initiated by researchers at the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, which sought to examine the impact of normal and high concentrations of glucose on blood vessels.

The findings of the initial study– led by Dr. Naila Rabbani from Warwick Medical School – have been published in Scientific Reports journal and could help to identify new ways to prevent organ damage from complications related to diabetes. The research was conducted in collaboration with Professor Paul Thornalley, director of the Diabetes Research Center at QBRI, whose involvement in the study began when he was Professor of Systems Biology at the University of Warwick. The research team is now working to further develop this research, including its application to cell types found in the kidney, eye and nerves of arms and legs that become damaged in diabetes.

Professor Thornalley said: “It’s an honor to have contributed to this pioneering research, which is making vital contributions to the study of diabetes and our evolving understanding of the illness. The research team has also gained advantages from bringing QBRI on board – our Diabetes Research Center is making great strides towards a deeper understanding of diabetes through our innovative research, which is also proving integral to the study.” According to researchers from the University of Warwick and now QBRI, a mechanism in the cells that line blood vessels and which helps to process the sugar glucose, becomes uncontrolled in diabetes patients and could be linked to the formation of blood clots and inflammation.

Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, executive director, QBRI, said: “With the growing prevalence of diabetes in Qatar and the region, QBRI is committed to seeking out novel approaches to tackle this key healthcare challenge. Furthermore, we believe that great strides can be made in our endeavors through strategic collaborations, and the ongoing diabetes research with a leading research university such as the University of Warwick will help us uncover important insights with global relevance.”

Researchers examined the impact of normal and high concentrations of glucose on human endothelial cells, which form the lining of our blood vessels. By increasing the concentration of glucose in the culture medium, researchers modeled the effects on the human endothelial cells of hyperglycemia - a condition in which an individual’s blood glucose is abnormally high and is commonly caused by diabetes. Dr Naila Rabbani, from Warwick Medical School, said: “Mechanisms of organ sensitivity to damage by high glucose concentrations in diabetes are still poorly understood and urgent improvement in treatment of diabetic complication is needed. Our study provides a step advance in understanding these mechanisms.

“Our research has identified a likely key step, increased hexokinase-2 (HK2), in the initiation of development of damage to the blood vessels in hyperglycemia linked to vascular complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease, damage to the retina in eyes and nerves in the arms and legs, and increased risk of heart disease - the major cause of premature death in diabetes. Importantly, we showed how a new type of treatment, Glo1 inducer, can correct this and deserves consideration in the search for improved treatments for diabetic complications.”

The initial study confirmed that glucose metabolism in endothelial cells is increased in high concentrations of glucose. They showed for the first time that this occurs because HK2 degrades more slowly in high glucose concentration and thereby metabolizes more glucose than normal. Increased glucose metabolism is the driver of metabolic dysfunction of endothelial cells in model hyperglycemia.

The Diabetes Research Center at QBRIpromotes innovative research on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The center’s primary goal is to gain fundamental knowledge and enhance the understanding of social, molecular, and genetic causes of the disease. These efforts will pave the way for the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of novel therapies and treatment modalities for this globally devastating disease.

Diabetes remains a major healthcare challenge, not only in the United Kingdom (UK) and Qatar, but globally. Projected increases in diabetes prevalence, coupled with rising healthcare costs, rapidly growing populations and urbanisation are highlighting the importance and urgency of tackling the disease. 

According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), there are currently 3.4 million people in England with type 2 diabetes, with around 200,000 new diagnoses every year. In Qatar, 20 percent of the country’s population is affected by type 2 diabetes, almost three times higher than the steadily rising global average of 7 percent. In addition, 20 percent of Qatar’s population experiences increased blood sugar levels after meals, suggesting a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future. Type 1 diabetes, which typically develops in children, is on the increase, but of more pressing concern is type 2 diabetes, accounting for 95 percent of diabetes cases in Qatar. 

Globally, diabetes prevention programmes are part of policymakers’ attempts to tackle the disease. People at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes are encouraged to lose weight if they are obese, and to participate in more physical activity to prevent the development of the disease. In the UK, NHS England, Public Health England, and Diabetes UK, have jointly launched the ‘NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme’ (NHS DPP) providing support for people in reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Qatar, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) in collaboration with Qatar Diabetes Association, recently held a targeted awareness campaign with health screenings and diabetes risk assessments, where members of the public had blood sugar levels and blood pressure tested, along with their height and weight. Through a questionnaire, participants had their current lifestyle habits evaluated and were given a risk projection.

Prevention is important, but what can be done when someone already has the disease?

The NHS aims to revolutionise the way in which diabetes is tackled: through a low calorie (800 calorie/day) diet, consisting of drinks and soups for three months. While prevention is not always achievable, studies to date suggest that this programme, coupled with further diet and lifestyle advice, allows about half of those treated to return to good health and puts the disease in remission. This approach is being tested in the UK as part of a long-term plan to improve diabetes prevention and cure. Currently, up to 5,000 patients in the UK are enrolled in the programme, where they will be prescribed very low-energy diets, which are low in energy/calories and used for short periods to assist with weight loss. These diets are designed to make the body shift from using glucose from carbohydrates to burning fat stores as a main energy source.

Patients with diabetes are advised to follow their doctors’ recommendations to control blood sugar, blood pressure and lipids – a group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats – to minimise further health decline. Following the success of NHS DPP, a similar programme called the ‘Diabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism (DIADEM-I)’ study is being tested on a limited number of people in Qatar. Clinicians at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) are testing a low-energy diet combined with physical activity for young adults who have been diagnosed with diabetes in the past three years. 

Attempts to restore good health in patients with diabetes need to be pursued with vigour, in view of projections by the ‘Forecasting the Burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Qatar to 2050: A Novel Modelling Approach’ study by WCM-Q last year, that at least one in four adult Qataris will have the disease by 2050. Doubts remain, however, about whether dietary change alone is sufficient, due to difficulties in keeping to the low-energy diet, and whether good health can be restored and maintained in the long-term. The low-energy diet regime is certainly a step in the right direction, but at QBRI’s Diabetes Research Center, there is a belief that more can be done. 

QBRI’s innovative work in tackling diabetes aligns well with the Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s quest to pursue new solutions to global issues, and we have recently begun conducting research into how low-energy diets improve the body’s response to insulin and handling of glucose to restore people with early-stage diabetes to good health. The aim of this project is to provide a further option to enhance – and hopefully improve – the effectiveness of current treatments, and to provide lifestyle guidance. We look forward to collaborating with clinical colleagues, both locally and internationally, on this project.

We are also working on stem cell therapy – applicable to both types of diabetes – and are developing simple blood tests that will identify those at risk of developing diabetes, who may be susceptible to further health decline, and who respond best to different therapies for a personalised approach to diabetes treatment, prevention and cure. We believe that the prevention of type 2 diabetes – along with effective, personalised treatment of patients – is very important. We also believe that restoring patients with type 2 diabetes back to good health is achievable within five years of diagnosis. With further development and implementation of our wide-ranging research programmes, we hope that incidences of diabetes will become less common for the people of Qatar and beyond. 

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), is partnering with global biotech company,Sengenics, to establish a platformfor advancing research related to cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

At a special event held earlier in October to mark the partnership, representatives from both organizations signed a five-year Platform Agreement that will pair QBRI’s equipment with Sengenics’ KREX protein array technology to facilitate autoantibodydisease biomarker discovery research. The agreement covers QBRI’s three research centers—Cancer, Diabetes, and Neurological Disorders. Through this agreement, QBRI will serve as the sole provider of the service in Qatar, with exclusive licensing rights for the MENA region, India, Pakistan, and Turkey.

QBRI’s well-characterized sample cohorts will be analyzed through the platform to facilitate personalized medicine, help gain a better understandingof disease pathology, and identify biomarkers to promote patient stratification toguide better treatment. Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, vice-president for research, development and innovation (RDI) at Qatar Foundation, said: “Through partnerships with leading international companiessuch as Sengenics, we aim to build initiatives that address the most pressing local and global challenges from novel perspectives.

“Such empowering collaborations, align strategically with our research, development, and innovation objectives, and help us create opportunities that have the potential to shape our present and future.”

Speaking about the agreement, Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, executive director of QBRI, said: “We are delighted to have formed this importantpartnership, as it underscores QBRI’s commitment to improving and transforming healthcare through innovation in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.Establishing the QBRI-Sengenics platform within our lab space serves the institute especially well because itbrings the technology closer to the researchers, thus increasing the prospect of novel and impactful discoveries.

“The decision to make us sole provider of this service in Qatar and the wider region also reflects QBRI’s status as a global hub for cutting-edge biomedical research that’s well-connected to national and international institutions from across the public and private sectors. We’re confident that our partnership with Sengenics will help to strengthen this reputation.”

Commenting on the agreement signing, Johan Poole-Johnson, chief commercial officer at Sengenics, said:"Our fundamental aim going forward is to translate the output of KREX research directly to patients, leading to either earlier diagnosis of life-threatening conditions or delivering the vision of precision medicine. The establishment of QBRI as the Centre of Excellence for Proteomics Research in the Middle East will enhance QBRI’s capabilities as a standalone center, driving regional innovation and entrepreneurship which will benefit Qatar and the region.”

The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has taken a major step forward in its mission to transform Qatar’s healthcare with the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Qatar Genome Programme (QGP). This newly-forged partnership facilitates genome sequencing of Qataris with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their apparently healthy family members.

At a special event held on October 17 to mark the signing of the agreement, members from QBRI and QGP outlined the full extent of both organizations’ cooperation. The agreement will see a whole genome sequencinginitiative for a large number of samples that are being collected as part of QBRI’s autism research program. The samples will be obtained from individuals with ASD and their families, and the sequencing will be done over a period of two years. It is expected that these samples will directly inform QBRI’s investigations of the genetic and genomic background of ASD.

In his address to dignitaries and participants, Dr. Omar El Agnaf, Executive Director of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, said: “The Qatar Genome Programme is recognized nationally as an enabler of research that aims to implement precision medicine through the generation of large scale genomic and other multi omics data from the Qatari population.As such, we are natural partners in the effort to better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder. “It is expected that identifying the causative mutations [of ASD] will feed into other related areas of research, enabling early diagnosis, putative biomarkers and a greater understanding of the mechanisms leading to such conditions.I am looking forward to further collaboration with the Qatar Genome Programme, extending to additional areas where we can join our efforts.”

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Dr. Asma Al-Thani, Chairperson of the National Genome Committee, said: “As scientists, we are forever motivated by the pursuit of knowledge, and genomics brings us a wealth of data that we can use in all different streams of healthcare research. We are happy that Qatar has a center such as QBRI that dedicates so much effort to joining with local and international endeavors for finding solutions for people with autism, and we are happy to support their research towards precision medicine.”

For more information on the work of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, please visit qbri.hbku.edu.qa.

National Sport Day was first held in Qatar in 2012 and it provides an excellent opportunity to unite the country’s residents to take part in fun sporting activities. But there is another essential aspect to National Sport Day. It is the timely chance to promote healthy living and raise awareness of why an active and sensible lifestyle is important in keeping diseases at bay.

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, was launched in the same year as the first National Sport Day. The similarity does not end there as QBRI also actively encourages a healthy lifestyle. It does so to improve and transform healthcare through innovation in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the Qatari population and the region. QBRI has three centers of excellence - the Cancer Research Center, Diabetes Research Center and Neurological Disorders Research Center - and all three encourage staying active and eating well to reduce the risk of disease. The Cancer Research Center focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular basis of cancer initiation and progression with a focus on breast cancer, which is the most common type of the disease among females globally.

Dr. Eyad Elkord, a Principal Investigator at the Cancer Research Center, said: “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of cancer onset and different studies showed that significant numbers of cancer deaths are due to lifestyle-related risk factors. Exercise controls tumor growth by mobilizing immune cells within the body and releasing some factors from muscles with anti-tumor properties. “Moreover, regular exercise and healthy eating habits maintain stability within the body, known as hemostasis, and could help to prevent cancer initiation. Aerobic and cardiovascular exercises, coupled with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, are highly recommended for healthy individuals as well as cancer patients undergoing treatment.”  

The Diabetes Research Center serves as a catalyst to promote innovative research on both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Its primary goal is to gain fundamental knowledge and enhance the understanding of social, molecular and genetic causes of the disease. Dr. Paul Thornalley, Director of the Diabetes Research Center, said: “Exercise is good for the health of diabetics, whether they have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It helps to improve your health and also decrease the risk of complications of diabetes. “Patients with Type 1 diabetes should check with their physician before taking on a new exercise routine to plan how to best manage their blood glucose and insulin injections accordingly.

“For Type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with being overweight and obese, exercise is a good way to control and improve body weight, the body’s responsiveness to insulin and blood glucose control. Particularly, in recently-diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, exercise may help along with a decreased calorie intake to reverse the development of diabetes. “In overweight and obese people, doing more exercise and eating in moderation to lose weight will help prevent developing Type 2 diabetes. It is recommended to do about two-and-a-half hours’ exercise per week.” The Neurological Disorders Research Center focuses on investigating neural conditions of increasing prevalence in Qatar and the region. These ailments are wide-ranging and include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Yongsoo Park, a scientist at the Neurological Disorders Research Center, said: “Neurological disorders result from problems of the central and peripheral nervous system but physical exercises and activities can make our nervous system active and healthy, and therefore reduce the risk of neurological disorders. “Physical exercise leads to and increases neurogenesis (creating new neurons), neuroplasticity (improving neural networks) and synaptic transmission (enhancing neurotransmitter release and improving brain function) so the neurological benefits of exercise is significant. For elderly people, yoga, walking, running and swimming are highly recommended, but a healthy diet, good sleep and staying socially engaged with friends and family is also beneficial.”

We should be doing everything we can to lead a healthy lifestyle. That means eating well, exercising, avoiding harmful things, getting enough sleep and avoiding stress.

The expertise of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in the field of autism is set to grow following the signing of a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

The LoU was signed by Dr. Omar El Agnaf, Executive Director of QBRI, and Dr. Khalid Alrasadi, Director of the Medical Research Center from SQU. Against the backdrop of the 1^st Gulf Autism Conference (GAC 2020) in Muscat, both organizations outlined their intentions to cooperate on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research. Collaborative projects in the field of autism are expected to focus on biomarkers, prevalence, genetics and related topics. Research will be undertaken using both entities’ facilities and disseminated through co-organized conferences, seminars and workshops. Joint publications will also provide another important channel for highlighting key research findings and outcomes.

Training and development is an important feature of the LoU, with QBRI and SQU’s Medical Research Center agreeing to share professional and technical expertise with scientists and researchers. Research activities and initiatives will also be supported by professional training covering required areas of expertise. In addition, the LoU makes provisions for selected SQU students to undertake internships at QBRI according to existing policies and guidelines.

Speaking after the signing, Dr. Omar El Agnaf, Executive Director, QBRI, said: “This Letter of Understanding underlines the importance of partnerships to our mission to improve, innovate and transform healthcare at home and across the wider region. By organizing GAC 2020, Oman has signaled its intention to build proactive partnerships in order to address challenges posed by autism and related disorders. Through its Medical Research Center, SQU is an essential feature of the country’s initiative and an obvious partner for QBRI. We’re looking forward to working with them to enhance our understanding of the causes and potential treatment of autism.”

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute regularly holds events to highlight its research activities and projects. For more information, please visit https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/qbri