Qatar Genome Program (QGP) is a national population-based research project that aims to study the genetic makeup of the Qatari as well as other Arab populations and generate large scale genomic databases for researchers with the ultimate aim of introducing precision medicine and personalized healthcare to the national health care system.

This large-scale genome project combines whole genome sequencing with other omics data thus offering an unprecedented opportunity to researchers and health care providers to have a very comprehensive and deep understanding of the population at the molecular level. Such understanding will facilitate the translation of research outcomes into clinical precision medicine practices.

QGP’s operation was launched in 2015 with a comprehensive strategy based on the seven building blocks shown below. This strategy which is aligned with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 extends, beyond generating data, into areas related to policies and regulation, human capacity building and clinical integration.

 

about us

 

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) is a private, non-profit organisation that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential, for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.

QF was co-founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Foundation’s Chairperson. QF’s work encompasses education, research and community development. World-class universities are brought to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. At the same time, QF builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences. The Foundation also works to foster a progressive society while enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar’s heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

Vision & Mission

Vision

"Positioning Qatar as a pioneer in the implementation of advanced personalized healthcare".

Mission

"Through innovation and integration of genomic and other ‘omics’ technologies into medical and research practices, Qatar seeks to improve population healthcare and contribute to a knowledge-based economy".

Our Journey

The pilot phase of the Qatar Genome, which debuted in September 2015, was the first stage during which all national stakeholders started coordinating efforts and embarked on a well-planned national strategy to implement Precision Medicine in Qatar.

One of the main ongoing goals of phase one is to establish the Qatari Reference Genome Map by sequencing a representative number of whole genomes. Establishing this reference map will help identify specific gene variants distinctive of the local population, especially those related to various inherited genetic diseases. Such a map will also help policymakers to start incorporating genomic data into the health care system to better diagnose, treat and even prevent many diseases.

In this context, Qatar Genome is working closely with a Publication Steering Working Group and a QGP Consortium to coordinate research collaborations with local researchers working on analyzing the data coming from the thousands of genomes that are sequenced. Now, many are in the process to publish their results in high impact journals.