DOHA: Qatar’s initiatives on stem cell research and genomic medicine were highlighted at the first World Stem Cell Summit in the US recently.
A delegation from Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) including two scientists who presented research posters and the Executive Director Dr Abdelali Haoudi who spoke in a panel discussion on ‘Strategic Partnerships for Successful Research, Commercialisation and Economic Development — An International Perspective.’
QBRI, a member of Qatar Foundation Research and Development, made new contacts for collaboration and recruitment at its exhibition booth and was the only institute from the Gulf invited to give a panel presentation.
Dr Prasanna Kolatkar, senior scientist with QBRI, and Dr Essam Abdelalim, post-doctoral researcher, had their posters accepted for the event.
The posters highlighted molecular mechanisms behind the functions of different stem cells. “This is the first time QBRI has presented outcome of its research at a major stem cell conference,” said Dr Haoudi. “It demonstrates that QBRI is becoming a productive member of the international stem cell community, and producing research with global impact.
“QBRI is taking an integrated approach to biomedical research,” Dr Haoudi told an audience of about 150 in his panel discussion. “For example, we are combining stem cell research and genomic medicine to address diabetes, and bringing together stem cell research and biomedical engineering to address cancer.” The Peninsula
