Qatar Foundation 2023: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

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

January

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. 

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.

Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch
CEO of Sidra Medicine

Precision health research at Sidra Medicine is focused on:

  • Human genetics
  • Immunology
  • Maternal and child health
February

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. 

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.

Dr. Khalid Fakhro
Chief Research Officer, Sidra Medicine
February

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. 

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.

Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch
CEO, Sidra Medicine
March

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. 

We hope that our research projects will inspire other young people in Qatar to pursue their passion for science and technology.

Talal Eisa Al Ghanem
Qatar Youth Science Forum 2023 winner
55
55 teams from high schools in Qatar participated in the Qatar Youth Science Forum 2023
March

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.

  • 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
April

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. 

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.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, speaking at the launch of QPHI

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
April

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. 

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.

Dr. Salha Bujassoum
Senior Medical Oncologist, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, speaking about how precision health applications help detect cancer early
40,000+
The 40,000+ Qatari and Arab genomes sequenced by Qatar Genome Programme have generated a wealth of data to support precision healthcare on a local and regional scale
April

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. 

As parents, we work closely with the academy’s teachers to integrate technology into the educational process for our children.

Hamda Al Hitmi
Whose daughter Maryam Al Khulaifi is a student at QF’s Renad Academy, which supports children with autism and their families
1,500
Around 350 families from Qatar, totaling 1,500 participants, have enrolled in Sidra Medicine’s BARAKA study
April

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.

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.

Dr. Abdullatif AlKhal
Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation
1,000
More than 1,000 copies of a Pediatric Blast Injury Field Manual developed with the support of WISH and QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University in 2019 have been distributed to Gaza medics since November 2023

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
May

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.

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.

Dr. Lawrence Stanton
QBRI

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.

May

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.” 

June

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 of 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.” 

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.

Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah
President of HBKU
Over 1,000 people – including bioethicists and researchers – participated in the 17th World Congress of Bioethics
June

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. 

The launch of the Nibras program in schools serves as a resilient foundation for cultivating a collective social consciousness that will resonate through generations.

Dr. Jassim Al-Sultan
Director of Wijdan Cultural Center
13
Nibras extends across QF’s 13 schools, benefiting more than 7,000 students and 1,500 staff members
June

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. 

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.

Dr. Isra Marei
Postdoctoral Associate in Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar
July

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.

800
Genomic data and serum samples from 800 people in Qatar were used for the Qatar Biobank-supported gene study

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.

Lujain Al Mansoori
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar student who co-created the idea for 3D-printed vegetables
November

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. 

By understanding the region’s unique cancer landscape, targeted interventions can be developed, including early vaccination programs and detection initiatives.

Dr. Mariam Al Muftah
Scientist, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute
10,000
Almost 10,000 families are enrolled in Sidra Medicine’s clinical and genetic research programs
December

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 

We remain committed to creating a platform where evidence-based research can inform global health practices.

Sultana Afdhal
CEO of WISH
2,000
More than 2,000 health policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and practitioners will attend WISH 2024.
December

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. 

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.

Noor Al-Mawlawi
Northwestern University in Qatar student and World Cup volunteer