Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) has announced a strategic agreement with Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health to become a host site support centre for the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) distance-learning programme.
PPCR is one of the most globally-recognised training programmes in clinical research methodology and the partnership marks a significant milestone in QPHI’s ongoing efforts to expand and elevate the clinical research education ecosystem in Qatar.
By helping researchers improve their skills in clinical research in a highly interactive environment, PPCR will promote personal and professional growth and help participants become more effective in their work and the interactive environment of the programme will promote connections between participants and help foster future collaborative, multi-centre projects.
The PPCR distance-learning programme will run from March through November 2026, with its main curriculum consisting of 25 mandatory online lectures plus 24 online optional lectures.
All lectures will be streamed live from Boston and will be delivered by Harvard Executive & Continuing Education to all host sites virtually through video-conferencing. Weekly sessions will take place every Thursday from 4pm-7pm (Boston time), following the official PPCR schedule published on the programme website.
In addition to the core lectures, optional PPCR programme components may be offered to current PPCR participants or individuals who previously completed the PPCR programme. These optional components, including their dates, locations, and prices, will be posted on the programme website, and programme specifics are subject to change. All updates will be reflected online accordingly.
Participants who complete the full PPCR programme and demonstrate satisfactory participation, according to the criteria established by the PPCR programme director, will receive an official certificate of completion from Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health’s Executive & Continuing Education.
This certificate does not confer formal academic credit or any academic degree.
Dima Darwish, genomics education expert at QPHI said: “Establishing QPHI as a host site for the PPCR programme is a transformative step in bridging the gap and expanding high-quality clinical research education in Qatar. This partnership will empower clinicians, young researchers, and students with globally recognised expertise, ensuring they gain the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to precision health and evidence based practice. We are proud to support this new chapter of capacity-building and academic excellence.”
Prof Felipe Fregni, professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Epidemiology at the Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, added: “This collaboration with QPHI reflects our shared commitment to strengthening clinical research training worldwide. By bringing Harvard’s PPCR programme to Qatar, we are creating new opportunities for learners to engage with rigorous scientific methods, expand their research capabilities, and ultimately advance patient centred care. We are delighted to work alongside QPHI in building a strong and sustainable research ecosystem in Qatar and around the region.”
Dr Wadha al-Muftah, chief medical & operations officer, QPHI, said: “This clinical research programme covers the basics of clinical research, to statistical methods, data collection, monitoring and reporting, and study designs, all elements which are important for sound clinical trials administration, all without the need to travel abroad.”