Doha: Qatar University is preparing to hold its annual QU Life Sciences Symposium (QULSS) on December 12-13.
In its 6th year, the symposium, which is organised by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, will draw participants from around the world to dialogue on the theme “Biotechnology”.
Biotechnology, by official definition of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, is “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use”.
In a briefing on November 20, department head, professor of molecular genetics and microbiology Dr Samir Jaoua outlined details of the two-day programme.
Also participating in the briefing were members of the organising committee QU Laboratory Animal Research Center Director Dr Hamda Al Naemi, professor of environmental microbiology Dr Nabil Zouari and associate professor Dr Talaat Ahmed. Biological studies Master’s student Al Zahraa Omar Attar was also present to discuss student participation in the symposium.
“The main objective of this important symposium is the dissemination of knowledge in the different domains of biotechnology,” Dr Jaoua explained, adding that the event was very timely in the wake of the recent food security conference and the upcoming COP18 forum. “Papers will be presented that will fall into any area of the issue of food security and climate change,” Dr Jaoua continued, referencing the presentation of the Qatar Advanced Biofuel Platform (QABP) by department faculty Prof Malcolm Potts, and the paper “Where will the food come from in a hotter, more crowded world” which will be presented by the keynote speaker Prof Nina Fedoroff from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Speakers and presenters at the symposium will include faculty and researchers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, The Netherlands, US and UK. Over 200 participants from Qatar, the region and beyond are expected to attend.
Dr Hamda noted that QU will be well represented by experts from the department who will share their research studies and findings at the symposium.
The programme agenda is divided into 4 sessions: Sessions One and Two on the first day will cover Biotechnology for Human Health, and Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology while the second day’s sessions will cover Agricultural and Marine Biotechnology, and Transfer of Technology and Programme Accreditation.
The programme will conclude with an hour-long General Discussion and Recommendations on Biotechnology Development and Transfer.
The Peninsula
