University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) recently hosted the International Conference on in silico Trends and Approaches in Drug Discovery and Development.
The three-day conference was an important forum for knowledge exchange among researchers, academics, students, and industry professionals.
The event showcased contemporary ideas and tools for in silico drug discovery and development.
UDST president Dr Salem Al-Naemi opened the conference in the presence of representatives from Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, Sidra Medicine, and with the participation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and several other institutions.
Dr Al-Naemi said: “By bringing together diverse expertise in the field of in silico pharmacology, this conference helps push the boundaries of drug discovery and development research within the context of education. The conference, underscores our commitment to support, and be part of, pivotal scientific discussions and developments, and it also represents the university’s integral role in fostering an environment for scientific innovation and dialogue."
“Sponsoring the International Conference on in silico Trends & Approaches in Drug Discovery and Development at UDST is not just an honour, it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of in silico pharmacology and drug discovery and development research and education. This conference signifies a pivotal moment for Qatar, where we consolidate our position as leaders in these critical fields,” said Dr Hisham M Sabir, executive director of QNRF Programme Office under QRDI Council.
Dr Rayana Bou Haka, WHO representative, Qatar said: “The promising contributions to the global public of pharmacogenomics open new domains for working on scientific innovations while highlighting the importance of networking and knowledge sharing.”
The second day of the conference featured talks by invited keynote and plenary speakers, interleaved with poster presentations during the breaks.
The main speakers were: Dr Ian Haworth from the University of Southern California, US; Dr Mona Minkara from Northeastern University, US; Dr Mohammad Asif Khan, associate dean at UDST’s College of Computing and IT and also the president of the Asia Pacific Bioinformatics Network; Prof Christopher W Cunningham from Concordia University, USA, and Dr Bhumika Patel from Nirma University in India, Dr Pornchai Rojsitthisak from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and Dr Puthenveettil Jithesh from Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
The conference witnessed more than 300 individual registrations and featured more than 50 accepted abstracts from different parts of the world. The Best Postgraduate Student Presentation awards went to Noor Abdulla, University of Bahrain and Dana Nizar Mustafa Hamad Bin Khalifa University. The Best Researcher Presentation Award was presented to Shimaa Mohammed Sherif Khedr, Sidra Medicine.
UDST honoured one of its students, Raniah Farooq, from undergraduate students with the Undergraduate in silico Pharmacology Research Excellence Award.
Dr Salem Al-Naemi with some of the speakers.
