QGP News

QF members support the realization of precision medicine in Qatar

Doha, Qatar, February 20, 2019: Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) and Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), both members of Qatar Foundation, have launched the third cycle of the ‘Path Towards Precision Medicine’ (PPM), a fund designed to support research projects aimed at developing customized healthcare solutions in Qatar.

The third cycle builds on the success of the PPM’s previous two editions, which benefited from the biological samples and data collected by QF member Qatar Biobank and QGP from Qatar’s population. Successful applicants will work towards advancing genomic research in Qatar from basic research towards clinical implementation.

Dr. Asmaa Al Thani, Board Vice Chairperson of Qatar Biobank and Chairperson of QGP Committee, said: The ‘Path Towards Precision Medicine’ is making it easier for researchers in Qatar to conduct innovative genomic research, and the research made possible through this fund will no doubt effectively translate into tangible healthcare solutions and enhance future care for patients.

“We encourage researchers to make use of this opportunity, learn and contribute to Qatar’s quest for precision medicine implementation.”

Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, Executive Director of QNRF, said: “Our partnership with Qatar Genome Programme aims to foster and support precision medicine research that matures innovative healthcare practices and medical technologies in Qatar. Our ultimate goal is to integrate precision medicine practices into Qatar’s healthcare system, to improve the management and treatment of chronic diseases faced by the Qatari population.

“This collaboration will further enrich and nurture local human capacity to effectively address the healthcare challenges faced by the region."

QGP is hosting a dedicated webinar session about the PPM on Thursday, February 21, from 2pm– 3pm, led by Dr. Hamdi Mbarek, Scientific Communication Head, QGP.

“The research priority areas for the PPM for this cycle are of the utmost interest, and are based on Qatar`s national priorities, such as the analysis of common chronic diseases including cardiovascular, neurological disorders, and cancer, and genomic medicine digital e-solutions and applications. We hope to receive high-quality proposals, and build on our previous successes in this field,” said Dr. Mbarek. 

Researchers interested in PPM can visit the webinar page at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1185536714655027971   

To learn more about QGP, please visit www.qatargenome.org.qa