Doha: Experts, researchers and students recently participated in the first workshop on the use of laboratory animals for biomedical research at Qatar University (QU) Research Complex.
The two-day event was organised by QU Laboratory Animal Research Centre (LARC), the only such establishment in the country, and sponsored by QU and Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).
Topics included animal research ethics, biosafety in animal facilities, laboratory bio-risk assessment and management of animal facilities, laboratory animal bio-security management, husbandry and housing of laboratory animals, and genetically-altered (transgenic) animals.
An overview on standard operating procedures and monitoring was presented by Dr Khalid Al Ali, Chair, QU Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee.
Dr Hassan Al Derham, Vice-President for Research, QU, said: “This type of collaborative support will continue to spur the attainment of objectives of the human development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. With this workshop, we are demonstrating our commitment to build our national human capacity which will result in greater heights in scientific research and support services in Qatar”.
He said QU has been making giant strides in biomedical science education and research, and pointed to the seven-year renewal of the accreditation status of biomedical sciences by National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
“Ours is the first and only biomedical programme outside the US to achieve this international recognition,” he said.
Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, QNRF Executive Director, said, “We value our partnership with QU and are pleased to be able to sponsor the workshop which, as the first of its kind in the country, represents a major milestone in the pursuit of the welfare of laboratory animals in research.”
Dr Hamda Al Naemi, LARC Director, said: “Advances in the treatment of diseases are not possible without animal research, yet animal welfare has to be maintained in all circumstances. Investigators and students will better understand the standards for conducting animal research and their responsibility to ensuring the minimal use of animals in research when there is no alternative, as well as the humane care and use of these animals,” she added.
The Peninsula
