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
A Healthcare Revolution
Personalized treatment, tailored to the specific needs of every person – it’s called precision health, and it has the potential to completely transform the way illnesses and disease are not just tackled, but prevented.
Qatar is positioning itself as a global pioneer in the field of precision health, with Qatar Foundation (QF) at the vanguard of this national effort. And in April came a landmark moment in the nation’s journey toward revolutionizing healthcare: the launch of Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI).
An umbrella institute bringing together existing strengths in health sciences and genomics within QF’s Qatar Biobank and Qatar Genome Programme, QPHI has been established to build on a decade of groundbreaking work by these two centers, and help accelerate the adoption of personalized healthcare in Qatar.
QPHI will support Qatar in delivering precision health by taking research findings from laboratories into clinics, where patients can directly benefit. It will unite precision health efforts across QF and Qatar, providing research-based evidence and information that reveals the effect of lifestyle, environment, and genetics on the country’s population.
Personalized treatment, tailored to the specific needs of every person – it’s called precision health, and it has the potential to completely transform the way illnesses and disease are not just tackled, but prevented.
Qatar is positioning itself as a global pioneer in the field of precision health, with Qatar Foundation (QF) at the vanguard of this national effort. And in April came a landmark moment in the nation’s journey toward revolutionizing healthcare: the launch of Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI).
An umbrella institute bringing together existing strengths in health sciences and genomics within QF’s Qatar Biobank and Qatar Genome Programme, QPHI has been established to build on a decade of groundbreaking work by these two centers, and help accelerate the adoption of personalized healthcare in Qatar.
QPHI will support Qatar in delivering precision health by taking research findings from laboratories into clinics, where patients can directly benefit. It will unite precision health efforts across QF and Qatar, providing research-based evidence and information that reveals the effect of lifestyle, environment, and genetics on the country’s population.
Qatar’s efforts have led to faster and more accurate diagnoses of multiple diseases for people from the region. QPHI is building on those successes and taking our knowledge forward to implement clinical solutions that will lead to a healthier future not only for our citizens, but for people around the world.
In the field of precision health, QPHI will:
- Identify key clinical focus areas that reflect the needs of Qatar
- Scale up precision medicine for use in clinical practice
- Establish a policy program to provide guidance and clarity in precision health
The Foundations of Impact
As QPHI was officially launched, experts and leaders from across Qatar’s health sector explored how the foundations are being laid to allow personalized medicine to be brought into clinical use.
A panel discussion at Education City – attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – also looked at how Qatar’s efforts to adopt precision health practices are being supported, and ways of enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange within the healthcare field to bridge the gaps between research, practice, and clinical application.
And the QPHI launch also saw experts highlight how precision health is already having a positive impact on people’s lives in Qatar, reducing the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease. Genomic data from samples collected by QPHI’s Qatar Biobank has revealed mutations that cause heart disease in Qatari citizens, and the discovery of – and access to – this information is helping healthcare practitioners treat cardiovascular patients more effectively and in a targeted way.
“We’ve now surpassed 40,000 whole genomes being sequenced, and we’ve launched dozens of cutting-edge initiatives that allowed us to take our spot within the ‘Champions League’ of major global precision health projects,” said Dr. Wadha Al-Muftah, Senior Director of QPHI’s Qatar Genome Programme.
As QPHI was officially launched, experts and leaders from across Qatar’s health sector explored how the foundations are being laid to allow personalized medicine to be brought into clinical use.
A panel discussion at Education City – attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – also looked at how Qatar’s efforts to adopt precision health practices are being supported, and ways of enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange within the healthcare field to bridge the gaps between research, practice, and clinical application.
And the QPHI launch also saw experts highlight how precision health is already having a positive impact on people’s lives in Qatar, reducing the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease. Genomic data from samples collected by QPHI’s Qatar Biobank has revealed mutations that cause heart disease in Qatari citizens, and the discovery of – and access to – this information is helping healthcare practitioners treat cardiovascular patients more effectively and in a targeted way.
“We’ve now surpassed 40,000 whole genomes being sequenced, and we’ve launched dozens of cutting-edge initiatives that allowed us to take our spot within the ‘Champions League’ of major global precision health projects,” said Dr. Wadha Al-Muftah, Senior Director of QPHI’s Qatar Genome Programme.
Through cooperation with other scientific institutions, such as QPHI’s Qatar Biobank and Qatar Genome Programme, we are now treating the disease before it occurs through proactive measures.
Interacting for Understanding
From providing inclusive sports opportunities to using technology to foster inclusion and conducting groundbreaking research, a dedication to supporting those with autism is seen in so many ways across the QF ecosystem.
During April, in recognition of the month’s focus on autism awareness, QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to host an interactive educational session on autism for primary school students, introducing them to the complexities of autism. Further sessions are planned in future.
QBRI also held a seminar on disseminating knowledge about autism and published a research paper titled ‘From Surviving to Thriving’, which emphasized the importance of fostering awareness and acceptance of, and appreciation, for people with autism and other neurological conditions.
Meanwhile, QF member Sidra Medicine’s longstanding BARAKA-Qatar study, focusing on Middle Eastern genetics and their implications for autism, has not only enhanced autism understanding in the Arab world, but also helped to bring the genetics of the region to global attention.
From providing inclusive sports opportunities to using technology to foster inclusion and conducting groundbreaking research, a dedication to supporting those with autism is seen in so many ways across the QF ecosystem.
During April, in recognition of the month’s focus on autism awareness, QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to host an interactive educational session on autism for primary school students, introducing them to the complexities of autism. Further sessions are planned in future.
QBRI also held a seminar on disseminating knowledge about autism and published a research paper titled ‘From Surviving to Thriving’, which emphasized the importance of fostering awareness and acceptance of, and appreciation, for people with autism and other neurological conditions.
Meanwhile, QF member Sidra Medicine’s longstanding BARAKA-Qatar study, focusing on Middle Eastern genetics and their implications for autism, has not only enhanced autism understanding in the Arab world, but also helped to bring the genetics of the region to global attention.
As parents, we work closely with the academy’s teachers to integrate technology into the educational process for our children.
A Guide to Saving Lives
With approximately one in six children living in a conflict zone, the ability of clinicians to swiftly and effectively treat life-changing injuries is vital – and, in April, QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) announced a new means of supporting them.
Developed in Arabic and English by WISH and the UK-based Paediatric Blast Injury Partnership, the Pediatric Trauma Pain Management Manual provides clinicians with a guide to managing children’s pain both in the immediate aftermath of their injury, but also in the months and years afterwards. Initially, the manual is targeted at supporting clinicians in Gaza.
Entering a Diverse World
Meanwhile, Qatar Foundation International (QFI) contributed to the publication of Mosaic of Tongues: Multilingual Learning for the Arabic-Speaking World: a unique collection of essays delving into the diverse world of multilingualism within the Arab region and throughout its diaspora.
And in advancing and expanding thought leadership on Arabic language education, on a global scale, QFI followed its involvement at a leading international education conference in March by sponsoring and participating in the Fourth Biennial Arabic Language Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference at the University of Cambridge in the UK.
With approximately one in six children living in a conflict zone, the ability of clinicians to swiftly and effectively treat life-changing injuries is vital – and, in April, QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) announced a new means of supporting them.
Developed in Arabic and English by WISH and the UK-based Paediatric Blast Injury Partnership, the Pediatric Trauma Pain Management Manual provides clinicians with a guide to managing children’s pain both in the immediate aftermath of their injury, but also in the months and years afterwards. Initially, the manual is targeted at supporting clinicians in Gaza.
Working together with the Paediatric Blast Injury Partnership and WISH, we have the best chance of developing a Pediatric Pain Management Manual that will provide vital support to healthcare professionals working on the ground in conflict zones in Gaza and elsewhere.
Mosaic of Tongues, supported by QFI, explores themes including:
- Teaching Arabic to non-native speakers
- The role of identity in language acquisition
- Pathways to bilingualism in the Middle East
- The impact of digital technology on the Arabic language
A Healthcare First
Healthcare efforts at QF in May also saw Sidra Medicine announce the establishment of Qatar’s first-ever pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant program, partnering with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) – one of the world’s best in the field of pediatrics.
Supported by CHOP’s expertise and educational capacity, the program is focused on treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, with its announcement coming in the same month as international authorities on primary immune regulatory disorders – which affect the body’s ability to fight immune responses – gathered at Sidra Medicine for an inaugural conference on this topic.
HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) and Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University commenced an in-depth study of genetic factors involved in autism; while a WCM-Q research team published landmark findings how proteins can fight a wide range of diseases, and one of the university’s researchers received a prestigious international fellowship recognizing his contribution to Artificial Intelligence studies.
Meanwhile, WCM-Q’s LifeHub pavilion – which, throughout Expo 2023 Doha, showcased the potential of a future where innovation, research and development, and Artificial Intelligence, drive better health and greater sustainability – was named the most innovative corporate social responsibility initiative of 2024 at the Qatar CSR Summit.
Healthcare efforts at QF in May also saw Sidra Medicine announce the establishment of Qatar’s first-ever pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant program, partnering with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) – one of the world’s best in the field of pediatrics.
Supported by CHOP’s expertise and educational capacity, the program is focused on treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, with its announcement coming in the same month as international authorities on primary immune regulatory disorders – which affect the body’s ability to fight immune responses – gathered at Sidra Medicine for an inaugural conference on this topic.
HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) and Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University commenced an in-depth study of genetic factors involved in autism; while a WCM-Q research team published landmark findings how proteins can fight a wide range of diseases, and one of the university’s researchers received a prestigious international fellowship recognizing his contribution to Artificial Intelligence studies.
Meanwhile, WCM-Q’s LifeHub pavilion – which, throughout Expo 2023 Doha, showcased the potential of a future where innovation, research and development, and Artificial Intelligence, drive better health and greater sustainability – was named the most innovative corporate social responsibility initiative of 2024 at the Qatar CSR Summit.
This collaborative endeavor aims to contribute to the global scientific understanding of the genetic basis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, paving the way for improved care and support for individuals affected by ASD in Oman, Qatar, and beyond.
Sidra Medicine is the only hospital in Qatar to provide pediatric hematology and oncology care for children and young people with cancer and blood disorders.
Envisaging a New Age
And a fitness-focused entrepreneur who wants to change the game for health-centered innovation at QF in May to talk tech – in the latest edition of QF’s platform for dialogue, the Education City Speaker Series.
In his public talk, Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP – which develops next-generation wearable technology for optimizing health – explained how Artificial Intelligence will ultimately evolve to the point where it becomes a 24/7 coach, trainer, nutritionist, and doctor for wearers of such devices.
AI is already a key component of WHOOP’s technology, with its devices allowing users to ask questions about their health and fitness routine. But, as Ahmed explained, it is set to go much further.
“I think the power of health monitoring is that it will be able to predict illnesses, heart attacks, strokes, diseases, and all sorts of things,” he said. “And I do feel that, in the next three to five years, we are going to see this massive golden age for health awareness.
“I really believe we’re going to see an unbelievable growth in preventative medicine.”
And a fitness-focused entrepreneur who wants to change the game for health-centered innovation at QF in May to talk tech – in the latest edition of QF’s platform for dialogue, the Education City Speaker Series.
In his public talk, Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP – which develops next-generation wearable technology for optimizing health – explained how Artificial Intelligence will ultimately evolve to the point where it becomes a 24/7 coach, trainer, nutritionist, and doctor for wearers of such devices.
AI is already a key component of WHOOP’s technology, with its devices allowing users to ask questions about their health and fitness routine. But, as Ahmed explained, it is set to go much further.
“I think the power of health monitoring is that it will be able to predict illnesses, heart attacks, strokes, diseases, and all sorts of things,” he said. “And I do feel that, in the next three to five years, we are going to see this massive golden age for health awareness.
“I really believe we’re going to see an unbelievable growth in preventative medicine.”
An Ethical Dialogue
In June, a global gathering of knowledge and expertise in the field of bioethics came to Doha for the first time – with QF as its location.
The 17th World Congress of Bioethics was hosted by the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) within QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies, in collaboration QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). With attendees including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, it enabled dialogue on vital bioethical issues, particularly in religious and cultural contexts.
Facing Up to Challenges
The month also saw WISH announce the impending publication of a report on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, exploring some of the more common adoptions of the technology in health and the associated ethical challenges – with an emphasis on approaching this issue from an Islamic perspective.
“Both secular and religious moral traditions need to grapple with serious ethical challenges surrounding the use of AI in healthcare,” said Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics and Head of CILE. “Our report will provide policy recommendations for how we can address these concerns, which influence the ethical deliberations on the patient-physician relationship in the age of AI-enabled healthcare.”
In June, a global gathering of knowledge and expertise in the field of bioethics came to Doha for the first time – with QF as its location.
The 17th World Congress of Bioethics was hosted by the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) within QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies, in collaboration QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). With attendees including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, it enabled dialogue on vital bioethical issues, particularly in religious and cultural contexts.
The role of religion is a critical one in the biomedical area. Discussions shaping bioethical policies should not neglect people’s beliefs, as they are part of our lives.
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.
Collaboration, Discovery, Learning
From education and engagement to partnerships and discovery, the QF ecosystem remained a hive of activity entering summer.
HBKU teamed up with NASA to explore technology collaborations in quantum computing, while the university’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute released a new study uncovering the role of a particular set of molecules in understanding neurological disorders.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) made new breakthroughs surrounding the molecular processes that cause diabetes, and eight aspiring scientists graduated from the university’s Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, with QF’s Sidra Medicine making whole genome sequencing available – a method that allows more personalized, accurate, and swift diagnoses in pediatric healthcare.
And faculty and researchers from QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South presented their work at two top international communication conferences, while fellow partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) provided students visiting Qatar with an immersive engineering experience.
From education and engagement to partnerships and discovery, the QF ecosystem remained a hive of activity entering summer.
HBKU teamed up with NASA to explore technology collaborations in quantum computing, while the university’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute released a new study uncovering the role of a particular set of molecules in understanding neurological disorders.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) made new breakthroughs surrounding the molecular processes that cause diabetes, and eight aspiring scientists graduated from the university’s Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, with QF’s Sidra Medicine making whole genome sequencing available – a method that allows more personalized, accurate, and swift diagnoses in pediatric healthcare.
And faculty and researchers from QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South presented their work at two top international communication conferences, while fellow partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) provided students visiting Qatar with an immersive engineering experience.
My practical experience has ignited a deeper passion for my chosen field, driving my anticipation to delve into the field of research I have long dreamed of.
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.
Unlocking Innovation
Entrepreneurs and startups with groundbreaking ideas on how to tackle the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges were issued with an invitation to put forward their solutions by QF’s global healthcare initiative, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
Over the summer, WISH launched its 2024 Innovation Competition, giving those selected the opportunity to showcase their solutions and pitch them to global heath leaders at the WISH 2024 Summit later in the year.
The competition – with a specific focus on digital healthcare - comprises categories for ‘Young Innovators’, targeting health startups led by founders aged 30 and under, and ‘Innovation Showcases’ for startups that have had an established market presence for up to five years. As well as securing an international platform for their ideas, the successful innovators and entrepreneurs gain access to vital networking opportunities and support from industry experts.
“WISH believes that young entrepreneurs are vital to transformative health solutions, and this competition aims to provide them with a platform to showcase their early-stage startups,” said Maha El Akoum, Manager of Policy and Content, WISH.
Entrepreneurs and startups with groundbreaking ideas on how to tackle the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges were issued with an invitation to put forward their solutions by QF’s global healthcare initiative, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
Over the summer, WISH launched its 2024 Innovation Competition, giving those selected the opportunity to showcase their solutions and pitch them to global heath leaders at the WISH 2024 Summit later in the year.
The competition – with a specific focus on digital healthcare - comprises categories for ‘Young Innovators’, targeting health startups led by founders aged 30 and under, and ‘Innovation Showcases’ for startups that have had an established market presence for up to five years. As well as securing an international platform for their ideas, the successful innovators and entrepreneurs gain access to vital networking opportunities and support from industry experts.
“WISH believes that young entrepreneurs are vital to transformative health solutions, and this competition aims to provide them with a platform to showcase their early-stage startups,” said Maha El Akoum, Manager of Policy and Content, WISH.
The opportunities that came from being shortlisted were extraordinary…It was a profound journey from the moment we were selected.
Breaking New Ground
Meanwhile, a piece of healthcare history was made at Education City, as QF’s pioneering women’s and children’s hospital and medical research center, Sidra Medicine, became the first hospital in Qatar – and only the fifth worldwide – to administer a revolutionary gene therapy medication.
Elevidys is the only such medication available to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common inherited muscle disorder which can start to affect children between the ages of two and three years. It is now being administered in Qatar through Sidra Medicine’s gene therapy program, which provides life-saving treatment for rare genetic disorders.
And a study by QF’s Qatar Precision Health Institute and QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Health and Life Sciences revealed important insights into the genetic basis of diseases among the Qatari population.
The research, published in the European Journal of Human Genetics, found that 3.5 percent of Qataris carry medically actionable genetic variants, a finding that could transform personalized medical treatments in the region by supporting the development of targeted medical interventions.
Meanwhile, a piece of healthcare history was made at Education City, as QF’s pioneering women’s and children’s hospital and medical research center, Sidra Medicine, became the first hospital in Qatar – and only the fifth worldwide – to administer a revolutionary gene therapy medication.
Elevidys is the only such medication available to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common inherited muscle disorder which can start to affect children between the ages of two and three years. It is now being administered in Qatar through Sidra Medicine’s gene therapy program, which provides life-saving treatment for rare genetic disorders.
And a study by QF’s Qatar Precision Health Institute and QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Health and Life Sciences revealed important insights into the genetic basis of diseases among the Qatari population.
The research, published in the European Journal of Human Genetics, found that 3.5 percent of Qataris carry medically actionable genetic variants, a finding that could transform personalized medical treatments in the region by supporting the development of targeted medical interventions.
Adding a treatment protocol for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is another milestone for Sidra Medicine, showcasing our leadership as an expert in the field of personalized medicine for children with genetic diseases.
This study not only enhances our understanding of the genetic predispositions in the Qatari population, but also establishes a solid foundation for personalized healthcare strategies in Qatar.
Mapping the Path to Health
Healthcare advancements at Education City over the summer also included the creation of an intricate molecular map of the human body by researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) – which can support discovery of the underlying factors of diseases.
Meanwhile, WCM-Q teamed up with the University of São Paulo to host a global congress on precision health innovations and education, while three of its alumni were among the inaugural recipients of the Qatar Medical Specialization Certificate, which ensures the highest global standards of medical practice in Qatar.
Faculty and students from QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), added their voices to discussions about the teaching and learning of bioethics as Doha staged the 17th World Congress of Bioethics, the largest global gathering of experts in this field.
And in a worldwide field of almost 1,000 applicants, GU-Q student Ranneme Abu-Hajar was chosen as one of just 15 Rangel Scholars for 2024, an honor awarded by the US State Department and Harvard University that nurtures future leaders in public service and international diplomacy.
Healthcare advancements at Education City over the summer also included the creation of an intricate molecular map of the human body by researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) – which can support discovery of the underlying factors of diseases.
Meanwhile, WCM-Q teamed up with the University of São Paulo to host a global congress on precision health innovations and education, while three of its alumni were among the inaugural recipients of the Qatar Medical Specialization Certificate, which ensures the highest global standards of medical practice in Qatar.
Faculty and students from QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), added their voices to discussions about the teaching and learning of bioethics as Doha staged the 17th World Congress of Bioethics, the largest global gathering of experts in this field.
And in a worldwide field of almost 1,000 applicants, GU-Q student Ranneme Abu-Hajar was chosen as one of just 15 Rangel Scholars for 2024, an honor awarded by the US State Department and Harvard University that nurtures future leaders in public service and international diplomacy.
As part of our commitment to enhancing the entire health span, we must work together to build a future where healthcare is participatory, proactive, and precise.
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.
Leaving No One Behind
September saw leaders from across the world converge on New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly – and Qatar Foundation (QF) was there to send a message about the future of precision health.
In a session on the sidelines of the event, hosted by QF and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Qatar’s efforts, advances, and ambitions in the field of personalized healthcare were outlined to an international audience of scientists, academics, and policy and health leaders.
And it also contained a call for precision healthcare to be made available to all, with Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development, and Innovation Adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at QF telling the session: “If a population is underrepresented in research today, it will be underserved by the precision health solutions of tomorrow.
“Developing diagnostics and therapies based on data from only one population or ancestry risks reinforcing existing health inequalities and leaving large segments behind.”
September saw leaders from across the world converge on New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly – and Qatar Foundation (QF) was there to send a message about the future of precision health.
In a session on the sidelines of the event, hosted by QF and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Qatar’s efforts, advances, and ambitions in the field of personalized healthcare were outlined to an international audience of scientists, academics, and policy and health leaders.
And it also contained a call for precision healthcare to be made available to all, with Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development, and Innovation Adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at QF telling the session: “If a population is underrepresented in research today, it will be underserved by the precision health solutions of tomorrow.
“Developing diagnostics and therapies based on data from only one population or ancestry risks reinforcing existing health inequalities and leaving large segments behind.”
We recognize the immense potential for health, wellbeing, and economic benefits in shifting our focus from disease treatment to prevention. Achieving this transformation requires strong global partnerships to enhance healthcare outcomes and make preventative care a cornerstone of medical practice worldwide.
A Path for Leaders
Designed to equip women with the skills and networks that position them for success in the executive world, a new female-focused program was announced by a QF partner university in September.
The four-month Executive Women Leaders Program, aimed at advancing gender equity in leadership, will be offered by HEC Paris in Qatar, which also sealed a partnership with Apex Health that is targeted at enhancing healthcare leadership and promoting wellness in Qatar.
Meanwhile, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar bolstered its connections with the global community of healthcare educators as it participated, for the first time, in one of the leading international gatherings of experts in the field of health education, held in the Swiss city of Basel.
Launching Trials, Saving Lives
And QF’s Sidra Medicine unveiled its Clinical Trials Program, which will focus on trials that benefit children across the Arab region and particularly those with rare diseases, while also providing life-saving treatment for a baby diagnosed with a rare spinal muscular condition – treatment made possible through fundraising by Qatar Charity and Qatar’s community.
Designed to equip women with the skills and networks that position them for success in the executive world, a new female-focused program was announced by a QF partner university in September.
The four-month Executive Women Leaders Program, aimed at advancing gender equity in leadership, will be offered by HEC Paris in Qatar, which also sealed a partnership with Apex Health that is targeted at enhancing healthcare leadership and promoting wellness in Qatar.
Meanwhile, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar bolstered its connections with the global community of healthcare educators as it participated, for the first time, in one of the leading international gatherings of experts in the field of health education, held in the Swiss city of Basel.
This program is more than just an educational journey; it’s a transformative experience designed to empower women to lead with authenticity and impact.
Sidra Medicine’s Clinical Trials Program will initially focus on disorders and medical conditions such as:
- Endocrine disorders
- Type 1 diabetes
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Metabolic disorders
- Pediatric cancers
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.
