November
Making healthcare open to all was the focus of a global QF summit in November, as international partnerships in education were strengthened, the impact of Artificial Intelligence explored – and connections between Arab scientists around the world reinforced.
Precision Health
The Human Face of HealthcareInnovations in healthcare that build resilience and leave no one behind – in a turbulent world where so many people are facing extreme hardship, they are vital.
And in November, health leaders, experts, and practitioners from across the globe converged in Doha to identify how to ensure healthcare provision is accessible and humane for everyone, at WISH 2024 – the seventh edition of the biennial summit of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
Held under the theme ‘Humanizing Health: Conflict, Equity, and Resilience’, the summit discussed evidence-based ideas and practices in healthcare innovation, with the aim of addressing the world’s most urgent health challenges.
“War is a healthcare catastrophe,” Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of WISH, told delegates at the summit’s opening ceremony, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. “There can never be any justification for targeting healthcare personnel or infrastructure – it is purely and simply wrong.
“We must stand together to condemn such actions and honor those who courageously continue to provide care in the most appalling conditions.”
Innovations in healthcare that build resilience and leave no one behind – in a turbulent world where so many people are facing extreme hardship, they are vital.
And in November, health leaders, experts, and practitioners from across the globe converged in Doha to identify how to ensure healthcare provision is accessible and humane for everyone, at WISH 2024 – the seventh edition of the biennial summit of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
Held under the theme ‘Humanizing Health: Conflict, Equity, and Resilience’, the summit discussed evidence-based ideas and practices in healthcare innovation, with the aim of addressing the world’s most urgent health challenges.
“War is a healthcare catastrophe,” Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of WISH, told delegates at the summit’s opening ceremony, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. “There can never be any justification for targeting healthcare personnel or infrastructure – it is purely and simply wrong.
“We must stand together to condemn such actions and honor those who courageously continue to provide care in the most appalling conditions.”
The toll of war and displacement has tested humanity’s resilience and underscored the urgent need for peace, health, and protection.
Precision Health
Tackling Challenges for a Healthier WorldAhead of the summit, WISH and the World Health Organization (WHO) entered a strategic partnership to develop a series of evidence-based reports and policy papers, as well as working with the United Nations’ health agency to develop a post-summit implementation strategy.
Reports published by WISH and WHO on topics including protecting healthcare amid armed conflict, eliminating tuberculosis among refugees and migrants, transforming palliative care, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, were delved into through discussion forums, while sessions explored healthcare issues ranging from women’s cancer and antimicrobial resistance to childhood obesity and the impact of the war in Sudan.
Health innovators from Indonesia and the US took the spotlight as the winners of the WISH 2024 Innovation Competition, having established companies focused on AI-enhanced testing for cervical cancer, and automated, AI-powered ultrasound solutions for breast cancer screening.
And as the summit closed, it was announced that Qatar is to adopt the CARDIO4Cities approach – a data-driven cardiovascular population health initiative, created by the Novartis Foundation – and become the regional hub for its expansion across the Middle East and North Africa. CARDIO4Cities leverages the power of data to help nations make better-informed healthcare decisions.
Ahead of the summit, WISH and the World Health Organization (WHO) entered a strategic partnership to develop a series of evidence-based reports and policy papers, as well as working with the United Nations’ health agency to develop a post-summit implementation strategy.
Reports published by WISH and WHO on topics including protecting healthcare amid armed conflict, eliminating tuberculosis among refugees and migrants, transforming palliative care, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, were delved into through discussion forums, while sessions explored healthcare issues ranging from women’s cancer and antimicrobial resistance to childhood obesity and the impact of the war in Sudan.
Health innovators from Indonesia and the US took the spotlight as the winners of the WISH 2024 Innovation Competition, having established companies focused on AI-enhanced testing for cervical cancer, and automated, AI-powered ultrasound solutions for breast cancer screening.
And as the summit closed, it was announced that Qatar is to adopt the CARDIO4Cities approach – a data-driven cardiovascular population health initiative, created by the Novartis Foundation – and become the regional hub for its expansion across the Middle East and North Africa. CARDIO4Cities leverages the power of data to help nations make better-informed healthcare decisions.
Participating in CARDIO4Cities offers Qatar unique opportunities to improve public health and drive innovation – collaborating with a global network of cities allows us to share knowledge, learn from each other, and be inspired by new solutions developed in different urban settings.
- The WISH 2024 Innovation Competition shortlisted 12 finalists from over 150 applications
- Since its launch in 2013, the WISH Innovation Program has supported 160 innovators from 41 countries
Artificial Intelligence, Precision Health, Sustainability
Spearheading a Scientific RenaissanceAlmost two decades ago, QF formed the Arab Expatriate Scientists Network, with its aim being to help nurture a renaissance of the proud tradition of Arab science and research, by reconnecting scientists, intellectuals, and scholars with their roots in the Arab world – so they can contribute to its development and its future.
This network has now evolved into Arab Global Scholars (AGS): an innovation-focused community linking Arab scholars, research institutes, universities, and industry partners to advance science, research, and capacity-building projects from within Qatar. And in November, its members came together at the AGS Annual Gathering, held at QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
With its opening attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the three-day event saw internationally and locally based Arab experts join dialogues and workshops centered on crucial fields such as precision health and biotech, AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and environmental health.
And the gathering also unveiled AGS’ digital platform: an interactive space introducing AGS members to an array of opportunities for collaboration, from research projects and academic exchanges to professional development opportunities – making geography no obstacle to impact being generated by Arab expertise.
Almost two decades ago, QF formed the Arab Expatriate Scientists Network, with its aim being to help nurture a renaissance of the proud tradition of Arab science and research, by reconnecting scientists, intellectuals, and scholars with their roots in the Arab world – so they can contribute to its development and its future.
This network has now evolved into Arab Global Scholars (AGS): an innovation-focused community linking Arab scholars, research institutes, universities, and industry partners to advance science, research, and capacity-building projects from within Qatar. And in November, its members came together at the AGS Annual Gathering, held at QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
With its opening attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the three-day event saw internationally and locally based Arab experts join dialogues and workshops centered on crucial fields such as precision health and biotech, AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and environmental health.
And the gathering also unveiled AGS’ digital platform: an interactive space introducing AGS members to an array of opportunities for collaboration, from research projects and academic exchanges to professional development opportunities – making geography no obstacle to impact being generated by Arab expertise.
Today, AGS members may be based anywhere in the world, as through technology we explore new and different methods of collaboration, making it easier for everyone to contribute to ensuring this region is stronger and better able to overcome the challenges of the 21st Century.
Progressive Education
Partners in Knowledge, Partners in ImpactAn enduring partnership – built on shared belief in what knowledge makes possible, and with the common goal of developing Qatar and the region’s future business and public sector leaders – between QF and one of the world’s leading business schools was reinforced in November.
The globally renowned HEC Paris renewed its strategic partnership with QF for 10 more years, with the occasion marked at a ceremony at the 2015 Building (QF Headquarters) – and both parties’ sights turning to the next decade of empowering leaders, fostering innovation, and contributing to the growth of Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa region.
HEC Paris, Doha was established as a QF partner university in 2010, offering custom-designed programs for leading local and regional companies that address business challenges. Meanwhile, its Business Research Lab brings insight on local business topics to a global audience.
“The renewal of our longstanding and immensely successful strategic partnership with HEC Paris reflects our collective belief in the power of education and collaboration, and our collective ambition to constantly achieve even greater things – in Qatar, and across the region,” said Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor, QF.
An enduring partnership – built on shared belief in what knowledge makes possible, and with the common goal of developing Qatar and the region’s future business and public sector leaders – between QF and one of the world’s leading business schools was reinforced in November.
The globally renowned HEC Paris renewed its strategic partnership with QF for 10 more years, with the occasion marked at a ceremony at the 2015 Building (QF Headquarters) – and both parties’ sights turning to the next decade of empowering leaders, fostering innovation, and contributing to the growth of Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa region.
HEC Paris, Doha was established as a QF partner university in 2010, offering custom-designed programs for leading local and regional companies that address business challenges. Meanwhile, its Business Research Lab brings insight on local business topics to a global audience.
“The renewal of our longstanding and immensely successful strategic partnership with HEC Paris reflects our collective belief in the power of education and collaboration, and our collective ambition to constantly achieve even greater things – in Qatar, and across the region,” said Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor, QF.
With Qatar Foundation’s support, we have expanded our faculty, strengthened our presence, and tailored our educational offerings to meet the unique needs of the region – one of the most dynamic in the world – all while contributing to Qatar’s global standing in executive education.
HEC Paris, Doha has:
- More than 1,300 graduates of 59 nationalities, with 57 percent being Qatari
- Over 600 participants in its programs each year
- Developed over 25 full-length case studies from its Business Research Lab
Progressive Education
Two Decades of ExcellenceAnd November saw a milestone reached by another of QF’s international partner universities – as Carnegie Mellon in Qatar (CMU-Q) marked 20 years of education, innovation, and impact within a globally unique ecosystem of knowledge.
More than 300 CMU-Q alumni returned to QF’s Education City to celebrate the anniversary, with Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, saying: “The vision of Qatar Foundation is to unlock human potential, and we share this dedication to education and inspiration with our Carnegie Mellon partners.
“The graduates of CMU-Q receive diplomas in a select set of disciplines, and with this knowledge, they have traveled many paths and are transforming the world in truly unique ways. We value this partnership, and look forward to many more years of collaboration and educational excellence.”
Meanwhile, during the month, students from schools across Qatar were given an in-depth and immersive experience of what life studying, interacting, and growing within QF’s educational landscape is like, as the ‘Study in Education City’ admissions event showcased the myriad range of opportunities for learning and personal discovery that becoming a QF student opens up.
And November saw a milestone reached by another of QF’s international partner universities – as Carnegie Mellon in Qatar (CMU-Q) marked 20 years of education, innovation, and impact within a globally unique ecosystem of knowledge.
More than 300 CMU-Q alumni returned to QF’s Education City to celebrate the anniversary, with Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, saying: “The vision of Qatar Foundation is to unlock human potential, and we share this dedication to education and inspiration with our Carnegie Mellon partners.
“The graduates of CMU-Q receive diplomas in a select set of disciplines, and with this knowledge, they have traveled many paths and are transforming the world in truly unique ways. We value this partnership, and look forward to many more years of collaboration and educational excellence.”
Meanwhile, during the month, students from schools across Qatar were given an in-depth and immersive experience of what life studying, interacting, and growing within QF’s educational landscape is like, as the ‘Study in Education City’ admissions event showcased the myriad range of opportunities for learning and personal discovery that becoming a QF student opens up.
It is the highest honor for educators to see our students succeed and shape the world. That was the vision of Qatar Foundation and Carnegie Mellon in 2004 when this university opened. This vision is realized – and continues to be realized – with every graduating student who crosses the stage and begins their career journey.
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Beginning with just 41 students in 2004, CMU-Q now has more than 450 students from 61 countries
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Over 1,300 students have graduated from CMU-Q, which offers undergraduate programs in:
- Biological sciences
- Business administration
- Computer science
- Information systems
Progressive Education
Where Learning Meets CultureFor the first time, an annual global competition that promotes cultural exchange as well as academic excellence came to the Middle East – and QF was the host.
The World Mathematic Teams Championship 2024 unfolded over three days at Education City, celebrating the legacy of Muslim scholar Al-Khwarizmi – known as ‘the Father of Algebra’ – as it emphasized the importance of balance and fairness between nations while testing participants’ abilities in the field of math.
“This championship serves as an exceptional platform for enhancing students’ mathematical skills, while igniting their sense of challenge and enthusiasm on a global level,” said Abeer Al-Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education, QF. “It is not merely a mathematical competition, but a cultural exchange event that creates a harmonious blend of knowledge and culture.”
Also blending education and cultural heritage, QF signed a collaboration agreement with the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ansari Complex for the Holy Qur’an and Sciences to provide religious and Islamic studies content for QF’s Rasekh initiative, which links school curricula with local knowledge, language, culture, and values.
For the first time, an annual global competition that promotes cultural exchange as well as academic excellence came to the Middle East – and QF was the host.
The World Mathematic Teams Championship 2024 unfolded over three days at Education City, celebrating the legacy of Muslim scholar Al-Khwarizmi – known as ‘the Father of Algebra’ – as it emphasized the importance of balance and fairness between nations while testing participants’ abilities in the field of math.
“This championship serves as an exceptional platform for enhancing students’ mathematical skills, while igniting their sense of challenge and enthusiasm on a global level,” said Abeer Al-Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education, QF. “It is not merely a mathematical competition, but a cultural exchange event that creates a harmonious blend of knowledge and culture.”
Also blending education and cultural heritage, QF signed a collaboration agreement with the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ansari Complex for the Holy Qur’an and Sciences to provide religious and Islamic studies content for QF’s Rasekh initiative, which links school curricula with local knowledge, language, culture, and values.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside a Tech TransformationWith Artificial Intelligence becoming an increasingly central aspect of daily life, QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) marked its 15th anniversary by hosting AI Week 2024 – an inaugural deep-dive into advances in a technology reshaping our world.
The five-day event saw technology specialists, industry leaders, innovators, and academics lead and join expert-led masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops, and live demonstrations based around four themes: the future of AI, machine and deep learning, AI in applied technology – such as unmanned vehicles – and AI and sustainability.
During the week, students explored the role of robots in tackling environmental challenges in an AI Hackathon; the first-ever QSTP AI Immersive Experience presented groundbreaking AI-driven technologies in fields including transport, healthcare, and marine life; and QSTP’s Ride & Pitch competition saw startups and university students present their innovations to judges from within a moving tram.
Elsewhere, CMU-Q revealed how it is creating a strategy to integrate AI into its campus, within and beyond the classroom; while QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar launched a new minor in AI and Media, spanning both technical skills and ethical considerations.
With Artificial Intelligence becoming an increasingly central aspect of daily life, QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) marked its 15th anniversary by hosting AI Week 2024 – an inaugural deep-dive into advances in a technology reshaping our world.
The five-day event saw technology specialists, industry leaders, innovators, and academics lead and join expert-led masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops, and live demonstrations based around four themes: the future of AI, machine and deep learning, AI in applied technology – such as unmanned vehicles – and AI and sustainability.
During the week, students explored the role of robots in tackling environmental challenges in an AI Hackathon; the first-ever QSTP AI Immersive Experience presented groundbreaking AI-driven technologies in fields including transport, healthcare, and marine life; and QSTP’s Ride & Pitch competition saw startups and university students present their innovations to judges from within a moving tram.
Elsewhere, CMU-Q revealed how it is creating a strategy to integrate AI into its campus, within and beyond the classroom; while QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar launched a new minor in AI and Media, spanning both technical skills and ethical considerations.
Through the National AI Strategy, Qatar is integrating AI into critical services such as traffic management, energy optimization, and public safety, creating smarter, more livable, and sustainable cities for all.
Sustainability
A Global ShowcaseQF-generated sustainability innovations – from energy consumption to water security to circular economy solutions – were showcased to the world at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November, as faculty from HBKU joined Qatar’s delegation in Baku.
Meanwhile, at home, HBKU and QF partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar brought together global experts in chemistry, materials science, and engineering to discuss urgent environmental challenges and promote sustainable innovation.
Progressive Education, Social Progress
Dialogue and DirectionNorthwestern Qatar was also fostering dialogue through its Rawabet conference series, exploring pressing global issues with a particular focus on offering a Global South perspective; with fellow QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar opening up new developments and career paths in contemporary art through its first Art Week.
And children of Qatar-based United Nations agency staff gained real-world career insights through a special edition of QF-founded Qatar Career Development Center’s ‘Little Employee’ initiative – while, on the sporting scene, the very best of the Arabian horse breed was on display at the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show at Education City, sponsored by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam).
QF-generated sustainability innovations – from energy consumption to water security to circular economy solutions – were showcased to the world at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November, as faculty from HBKU joined Qatar’s delegation in Baku.
Meanwhile, at home, HBKU and QF partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar brought together global experts in chemistry, materials science, and engineering to discuss urgent environmental challenges and promote sustainable innovation.
COP29 was an opportunity for HBKU to demonstrate how it supports Qatar’s vibrant research and development ecosystem by leveraging synergies with renowned partners in the country and around the world, in service of national and international priorities.
Precision Health
Pioneering for PeopleIn the field of healthcare, November saw the clinical effectiveness of a QF-developed tool for assessing the risk diabetes poses to people in Qatar validated by one of the world’s leading public health journals.
And a pioneering study in reproductive medicine by QF’s Sidra Medicine received the Samir Abbas Best Research Award from the Middle East Fertility Society, with the women’s and children’s hospital and medical research hub also partnering with CellSave Arabia to launch Qatar’s first cord blood banking service – enabling families to preserve their newborns’ stem cells in the country for potential future medical needs.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) published their insights into the awareness of attitudes of students in Qatar to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection – which carries a significant cancer risk - and its vaccine.
The university also highlighted to Qatar’s community the importance of adopting healthy practices through the workshops, competitions, and interactive sessions of its seventh Lifestyle Medicine Week; and hosted thought leaders in medical education from Qatar, Switzerland, the US, and the UK for a conference examining how technologies like AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality can enhance the way medicine is taught.
In the field of healthcare, November saw the clinical effectiveness of a QF-developed tool for assessing the risk diabetes poses to people in Qatar validated by one of the world’s leading public health journals.
And a pioneering study in reproductive medicine by QF’s Sidra Medicine received the Samir Abbas Best Research Award from the Middle East Fertility Society, with the women’s and children’s hospital and medical research hub also partnering with CellSave Arabia to launch Qatar’s first cord blood banking service – enabling families to preserve their newborns’ stem cells in the country for potential future medical needs.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) published their insights into the awareness of attitudes of students in Qatar to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection – which carries a significant cancer risk - and its vaccine.
The university also highlighted to Qatar’s community the importance of adopting healthy practices through the workshops, competitions, and interactive sessions of its seventh Lifestyle Medicine Week; and hosted thought leaders in medical education from Qatar, Switzerland, the US, and the UK for a conference examining how technologies like AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality can enhance the way medicine is taught.
Thanks to our facilities and CellSave Arabia’s research, this is the first time that families across Qatar have the opportunity to have their children’s stem cells stored in the country. Together, we aim to make advanced stem cell processing and storage more accessible.
Social Progress
A Platform for ExpressionAs the month drew to a close, a unique celebration of the cultural heritage and arts of Arab-Islamic civilizations was opened up for everyone to experience and enjoy at Education City.
This was QF’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts: a five-day blend of creativity and cultural interaction, giving people across Qatar and beyond the opportunity to connect with the richness of Arab-Islamic heritage, in all its various forms of artistic expression.
And following its spectacular opening ceremony– the centerpiece of which was the acclaimed play Al Feel Ya Malik Al Zaman, written by legendary playwright Saadallah Wannous, brought to life by the creative direction and production of Maher Salibi, and with a cast including the renowned Jamal Sulieman – there was much more to come at Al Ghorrah as November gave way to December…
As the month drew to a close, a unique celebration of the cultural heritage and arts of Arab-Islamic civilizations was opened up for everyone to experience and enjoy at Education City.
This was QF’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts: a five-day blend of creativity and cultural interaction, giving people across Qatar and beyond the opportunity to connect with the richness of Arab-Islamic heritage, in all its various forms of artistic expression.
And following its spectacular opening ceremony– the centerpiece of which was the acclaimed play Al Feel Ya Malik Al Zaman, written by legendary playwright Saadallah Wannous, brought to life by the creative direction and production of Maher Salibi, and with a cast including the renowned Jamal Sulieman – there was much more to come at Al Ghorrah as November gave way to December…
