Precision Health
Precision health holds a lot of promise to revolutionize the management of healthcare. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to health, it can help us cater to the needs of each patient based on their unique genetic fingerprint and lifestyle indicators.
At Qatar Foundation, we’re leading the development of precision health for the nation. These are some of the few milestones we’re hoping to reach in the coming months and years:
- Reaching 100,000 unique genetic maps from the local population
- Genetic mapping of specific disease cohorts: COVID-19, autism, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease
- Establishing diagnostic protocols to identify patients in disease areas
- Completing pharmacogenetic treatment protocols in selected disease areas
Pioneering for People
January saw a series of medical breakthroughs within the QF ecosystem, including the pioneering of a new treatment for a child with congenital hyperinsulinism – severe low blood sugar – by QF member Sidra Medicine.
The leading women’s and children’s hospital and medical research center also published a groundbreaking study on how short-term consumption of highly processed diets can impair the metabolism of the brain and sense of smell; while a Sidra Medicine study was recognized as a key advancement in the field of cancer microbiome.
And HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, working with the US’ University of Rhode Island, unveiled research presenting a potential avenue for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
No Need for Words
There was also a milestone for Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, the QF-based publishing house, as it published its first wordless book, I Wish I Knew, by author Souha Abou Chakra and award-winning illustrator Zohreh Godini. Using only creative illustration, it invites readers to consider the potentially harmful effects of prolonged internet use.
January saw a series of medical breakthroughs within the QF ecosystem, including the pioneering of a new treatment for a child with congenital hyperinsulinism – severe low blood sugar – by QF member Sidra Medicine.
The leading women’s and children’s hospital and medical research center also published a groundbreaking study on how short-term consumption of highly processed diets can impair the metabolism of the brain and sense of smell; while a Sidra Medicine study was recognized as a key advancement in the field of cancer microbiome.
And HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, working with the US’ University of Rhode Island, unveiled research presenting a potential avenue for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
I am very proud to see the clinical research and treatment innovation under way at our hospital, that aids in the delivery of precision health programs for our patients.
Precision health research at Sidra Medicine is focused on:
- Human genetics
- Immunology
- Maternal and child health
The Impact of Research
As a leading medical journal ranked Qatar as the second-most productive country in the world for research on diabetes-related nerve damage, a QF researcher was highlighted for his role in the country’s standing in this field.
Dr. Rayaz Malik, professor of medicine and assistant dean for clinical investigations at WCM-Q, was involved in most of the published studies that led to Qatar’s ranking, saying: “It is extremely gratifying to see hard independent evidence that Qatar’s investment in biomedical research, especially diabetes, is having a global impact.”
Also in healthcare, a study by HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute introduced an Arabic version of the Autism Risk Index, a promising tool for early screening and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Arabic-speaking world.
QF’s Sidra Medicine, with Msheireb Museums, launched its Science Café series, which connects the public with scientists and engineers to explain their healthcare research in a conversational way; while Dr. Ryad Ghanam, a mathematics professor at QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, outlined his work on modeling and monitoring COVID-19 in Qatar at two top international conferences.
As a leading medical journal ranked Qatar as the second-most productive country in the world for research on diabetes-related nerve damage, a QF researcher was highlighted for his role in the country’s standing in this field.
Dr. Rayaz Malik, professor of medicine and assistant dean for clinical investigations at WCM-Q, was involved in most of the published studies that led to Qatar’s ranking, saying: “It is extremely gratifying to see hard independent evidence that Qatar’s investment in biomedical research, especially diabetes, is having a global impact.”
Also in healthcare, a study by HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute introduced an Arabic version of the Autism Risk Index, a promising tool for early screening and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Arabic-speaking world.
QF’s Sidra Medicine, with Msheireb Museums, launched its Science Café series, which connects the public with scientists and engineers to explain their healthcare research in a conversational way; while Dr. Ryad Ghanam, a mathematics professor at QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, outlined his work on modeling and monitoring COVID-19 in Qatar at two top international conferences.
Initiatives like the Science Café are our way to engage with the community and make science accessible to everyone, as well as applicable to their day-to-day lives.
Insights for a Healthier World
QF researchers unveiled new studies into a tumor-based molecular signature that can predict clinical outcomes for patients with seven different cancer types, with the project being led by QBRI and QCRI together with QF’s Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation.
And Sidra Medicine published a groundbreaking study into how COVID-19 vaccines act, which identifies the molecular mechanisms that can predict the severity of the disease and can support the development of new vaccines, as well as patient treatments.
The women’s and children’s hospital and medical research center – which, together with four other hospitals in Qatar, was placed among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers in a survey by Brand Finance that featured input from 2,500 global healthcare experts – also launched a benevolent healthcare grant, ‘Precision Medicine for All’.
It will allow young patients of all backgrounds – particularly those with genetic, rare, or hard-to-diagnose conditions – to access the cutting-edge diagnostics at Sidra Medicine.
QF researchers unveiled new studies into a tumor-based molecular signature that can predict clinical outcomes for patients with seven different cancer types, with the project being led by QBRI and QCRI together with QF’s Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation.
And Sidra Medicine published a groundbreaking study into how COVID-19 vaccines act, which identifies the molecular mechanisms that can predict the severity of the disease and can support the development of new vaccines, as well as patient treatments.
The women’s and children’s hospital and medical research center – which, together with four other hospitals in Qatar, was placed among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers in a survey by Brand Finance that featured input from 2,500 global healthcare experts – also launched a benevolent healthcare grant, ‘Precision Medicine for All’.
It will allow young patients of all backgrounds – particularly those with genetic, rare, or hard-to-diagnose conditions – to access the cutting-edge diagnostics at Sidra Medicine.
Through this grant, we are generating a change that will positively impact the lives of hundreds of patients living with rare or complex diseases in Qatar.
Skilled in Science
High school students from Qatar steeled their nerves to showcase their research and presentation skills to a national audience in March, as QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education hosted the Qatar Youth Science Forum 2023.
Technologies presented by the science-minded students included biodegradable crayons to reduce waste to specialized communication and entertainment systems for quadriplegic patients. Five winning teams were chosen to represent Qatar at the prestigious London International Science Forum.
Together with Qatar University, HBKU also co-hosted the fourth World Association for Sport Management Conference – the first to be held in the Middle East and North Africa region – as, in the wake of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, it explored the latest trends in the sports industry.
A Hub of Healthcare
And leading figures in proteomics – which can support disease diagnosis and personalized medicine – gathered at Education City for a conference organized by QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, discussing new developments in this field and reflecting Qatar’s growing status as a precision health hub.
High school students from Qatar steeled their nerves to showcase their research and presentation skills to a national audience in March, as QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education hosted the Qatar Youth Science Forum 2023.
Technologies presented by the science-minded students included biodegradable crayons to reduce waste to specialized communication and entertainment systems for quadriplegic patients. Five winning teams were chosen to represent Qatar at the prestigious London International Science Forum.
Together with Qatar University, HBKU also co-hosted the fourth World Association for Sport Management Conference – the first to be held in the Middle East and North Africa region – as, in the wake of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, it explored the latest trends in the sports industry.
We hope that our research projects will inspire other young people in Qatar to pursue their passion for science and technology.
A Step Into The Future
They are part of healthcare’s new generation – and in March, medical students at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) celebrated gaining places on residency training programs at some of the world’s top healthcare institutions, at the university’s annual Match Day.
WCM-Q’s Qatar Medical Explorer Program also gave 30 high school students the chance to experience life as a medical student, while its Doctors of the Future Conference invited pre-university students to explore careers in medicine. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals from around the world gathered at WCM-Q to discuss advances in lifestyle medicine, through a symposium organized by the university’s Institute for Population Health explored how habits such as physical activity, nutrition and stress management can prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
Innovating for the World
And students from across Education City showcased their innovation skills and their technological solutions for tackling challenging global issues through QF partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (TAMUQ) Invent for the Planet competition, while the third edition of the Libraries Lead Forum – hosted by Education City-based Qatar National Library – focused on Artificial Intelligence and how libraries can ensure equitable access to information in the digital age.
They are part of healthcare’s new generation – and in March, medical students at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) celebrated gaining places on residency training programs at some of the world’s top healthcare institutions, at the university’s annual Match Day.
WCM-Q’s Qatar Medical Explorer Program also gave 30 high school students the chance to experience life as a medical student, while its Doctors of the Future Conference invited pre-university students to explore careers in medicine. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals from around the world gathered at WCM-Q to discuss advances in lifestyle medicine, through a symposium organized by the university’s Institute for Population Health explored how habits such as physical activity, nutrition and stress management can prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
- Over 300 pre-university students attended WCM-Q’s Doctors of the Future Conference
- More than 360 healthcare professionals from 21 countries participated in WCM-Q’s lifestyle medicine symposium
- The winner of TAMUQ’s Invent for the Planet competition went on to compete against 24 universities from around the world in the global finals
Cultivating Citizenship
Demonstrating its dedication to instilling moral principles and nurturing a sense of national identity, cultural heritage, and shared values among its learners, June saw QF launch a partnership to integrate values into school curricula, through citizenship education.
Nibras is a new initiative by QF’s Education Development Institute and Wijdan Cultural Center that, across three years, aims to cultivate engaged and responsible citizens through a series of knowledge-sharing workshops, seminars, and programs.
More Than a Game
And QF’s Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) teamed up with students from QF schools to create ‘Genome Heroes’ – a game-playing journey into the world of genomics and DNA. Featuring characters Dana and Khalid, the Arabic and English edutainment app allows young players to learn about genome science in a fun and interactive way.
“With over 400 million Arabic speakers across the world, and 25 countries where Arabic is the official language, it is a chance for all of them to understand the basics of genomics in their own language,” said QGP’s Genome Education Head, Dima Darwish.
Demonstrating its dedication to instilling moral principles and nurturing a sense of national identity, cultural heritage, and shared values among its learners, June saw QF launch a partnership to integrate values into school curricula, through citizenship education.
Nibras is a new initiative by QF’s Education Development Institute and Wijdan Cultural Center that, across three years, aims to cultivate engaged and responsible citizens through a series of knowledge-sharing workshops, seminars, and programs.
The launch of the Nibras program in schools serves as a resilient foundation for cultivating a collective social consciousness that will resonate through generations.
Awards and Advances
Accolades came the way of two medical researchers from QF in June as they claimed national and international honors.
Dr. Isra Marei of QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar claimed the prestigious Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award, recognizing her work in cardiovascular and brain health science; while the university’s Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Clinical Investigations, Dr. Rayaz Malik, was ranked as Qatar’s number one researcher in medicine – and among the top 10,000 in the world.
Elsewhere in the medical field, QF’s Sidra Medicine published the first regional case study on monogenic obesity – a rare and severe form of obesity affecting children – with the aim of identifying the condition’s triggers and way of combating it.
Meanwhile, QF-founded Qatar Career Development Center concluded the fifth edition of its My Career, My Future program, which gave 90 students from Qatari high schools immersive, hands-on experience of working in 13 organizations to support their future career paths.
Accolades came the way of two medical researchers from QF in June as they claimed national and international honors.
Dr. Isra Marei of QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar claimed the prestigious Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award, recognizing her work in cardiovascular and brain health science; while the university’s Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Clinical Investigations, Dr. Rayaz Malik, was ranked as Qatar’s number one researcher in medicine – and among the top 10,000 in the world.
Elsewhere in the medical field, QF’s Sidra Medicine published the first regional case study on monogenic obesity – a rare and severe form of obesity affecting children – with the aim of identifying the condition’s triggers and way of combating it.
Meanwhile, QF-founded Qatar Career Development Center concluded the fifth edition of its My Career, My Future program, which gave 90 students from Qatari high schools immersive, hands-on experience of working in 13 organizations to support their future career paths.
I am honored and humbled to be able to work in such a fascinating field of research that has a beneficial impact on human health.
Insights for Wellbeing
Fresh insights into the role of cholesterol in treating neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders were provided in July with the publication of research from QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI).
And researchers from HBKU’s College of Health and Life Sciences, QF’s Sidra Medicine, and Germany’s Brandenburg Medical School collaborated on a study – supported by QF’s Qatar Biobank – that analyzed genomic data from people in Qatar, to identify gene variations affecting the production of antibodies that cause allergic reactions to seemingly harmless substances.
Advancing Ambitions
The summer also saw current and former QF students collecting awards and accolades, with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) students collecting a top prize in a Qatar Development Bank competition with their idea for 3D-printed vegetables; and GU-Q student Elene Chkhiadze being awarded a Pulitzer Center Fellowship to train as a religious journalist.
VCUarts Qatar alumna Moza Al-Suwaidi won a gold award at the University & College Designers Association Design Awards for her work on an exhibition showcasing graduating students’ work; while two Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) alumni now working at elite US medical institutions were honored for their work in research and mentorship.
Fresh insights into the role of cholesterol in treating neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders were provided in July with the publication of research from QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI).
And researchers from HBKU’s College of Health and Life Sciences, QF’s Sidra Medicine, and Germany’s Brandenburg Medical School collaborated on a study – supported by QF’s Qatar Biobank – that analyzed genomic data from people in Qatar, to identify gene variations affecting the production of antibodies that cause allergic reactions to seemingly harmless substances.
We could potentially print food in bulk, greatly reducing the time and money it takes to grow fruit and vegetables – it’s limitless what we could do.
A Path to Solutions
A roadmap for action by policymakers on decreasing childhood obesity in Qatar was produced in November, as QF’s global healthcare initiative the World Innovation Summit for Health presented a new report into this major health challenge.
Developed with the Ministry of Public Health, the report recommended policies including restricting the marketing of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt food and drinks to children, taxing unhealthy food and drinks, and providing better access to affordable, healthy food.
Elsewhere, studies by HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute refuted suggestions of a link between marriage within families and autism, and compared cancer trends in Arab countries with the rest of the world to support precision treatments; while QF’s Sidra Medicine launched a new pediatric cancer research program and hosted Qatar’s first Young Scientists Symposium, as well as the latest edition of its Precision Medicine and Functional Genomics Conference.
And from human to animal wellbeing, QF’s Equine Veterinary Medical Center launched a series of educational seminars designed to provide new insights into equine health for horse owners, breeders, and industry professionals.
A roadmap for action by policymakers on decreasing childhood obesity in Qatar was produced in November, as QF’s global healthcare initiative the World Innovation Summit for Health presented a new report into this major health challenge.
Developed with the Ministry of Public Health, the report recommended policies including restricting the marketing of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt food and drinks to children, taxing unhealthy food and drinks, and providing better access to affordable, healthy food.
Elsewhere, studies by HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute refuted suggestions of a link between marriage within families and autism, and compared cancer trends in Arab countries with the rest of the world to support precision treatments; while QF’s Sidra Medicine launched a new pediatric cancer research program and hosted Qatar’s first Young Scientists Symposium, as well as the latest edition of its Precision Medicine and Functional Genomics Conference.
And from human to animal wellbeing, QF’s Equine Veterinary Medical Center launched a series of educational seminars designed to provide new insights into equine health for horse owners, breeders, and industry professionals.
By understanding the region’s unique cancer landscape, targeted interventions can be developed, including early vaccination programs and detection initiatives.
Research and Resolve
Taking a longstanding relationship to a new level, QF’s global healthcare initiative WISH and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new strategic partnership focusing on advancing research for a healthier world.
At the center of the partnership will be three WHO-led collaborative research projects on topics that demand the urgent attention of the global healthcare community: eliminating tuberculosis, palliative care, and the protection of health amid armed conflict. The findings will be discussed at the WISH 2024 Summit, the latest edition of WISH’s biennial gathering of global healthcare expertise.
“Our expanding collaboration with WISH builds on a track record of impact and will further demonstrate our joint resolve to tackle pressing global health issues,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
“We look forward to contributing to the evidence base and are very much committed to the partnership.”
WISH 2024 will take place at Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha from 13-14 November 2024, and those wishing to register their interest can do so at www.wish.org.qa
Taking a longstanding relationship to a new level, QF’s global healthcare initiative WISH and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new strategic partnership focusing on advancing research for a healthier world.
At the center of the partnership will be three WHO-led collaborative research projects on topics that demand the urgent attention of the global healthcare community: eliminating tuberculosis, palliative care, and the protection of health amid armed conflict. The findings will be discussed at the WISH 2024 Summit, the latest edition of WISH’s biennial gathering of global healthcare expertise.
“Our expanding collaboration with WISH builds on a track record of impact and will further demonstrate our joint resolve to tackle pressing global health issues,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
“We look forward to contributing to the evidence base and are very much committed to the partnership.”
WISH 2024 will take place at Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha from 13-14 November 2024, and those wishing to register their interest can do so at www.wish.org.qa
We remain committed to creating a platform where evidence-based research can inform global health practices.
Legacy, Interconnectivity, Creativity
Elsewhere within QF’s partner universities, Northwestern University in Qatar examined the social, cultural, and economic legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, 12 months after the final whistle blew on the greatest tournament of all time.
Past and present Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) students also marked a milestone as they faced off in a debate on TikTok and mental health on the 15th anniversary of the university’s Debate Club; while WCM-Q’s Innovations and Technologies for Precision Health student club hosted its inaugural event, welcoming experts to demonstrate how collaboration serves innovation.
The interconnectivity between energy, culture, and society in the pursuit of sustainability was among the themes at GU-Q’s Global Energy Cultures public forum, held in collaboration with Msheireb Museums, which saw energy experts and scholars swap perspectives with artists and filmmakers.
And Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar launched its School Visits Program, where creative experts from the university inspired school students to immerse themselves in art and design, as well as opening doors for young people to enter the world of vinyl artistry.
Elsewhere within QF’s partner universities, Northwestern University in Qatar examined the social, cultural, and economic legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, 12 months after the final whistle blew on the greatest tournament of all time.
Past and present Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) students also marked a milestone as they faced off in a debate on TikTok and mental health on the 15th anniversary of the university’s Debate Club; while WCM-Q’s Innovations and Technologies for Precision Health student club hosted its inaugural event, welcoming experts to demonstrate how collaboration serves innovation.
The interconnectivity between energy, culture, and society in the pursuit of sustainability was among the themes at GU-Q’s Global Energy Cultures public forum, held in collaboration with Msheireb Museums, which saw energy experts and scholars swap perspectives with artists and filmmakers.
And Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar launched its School Visits Program, where creative experts from the university inspired school students to immerse themselves in art and design, as well as opening doors for young people to enter the world of vinyl artistry.
Nothing could compare to the lessons I learned in my work during the World Cup, that hard work and dedication could take you so far.
