Qatar University (QU) has established a dedicated centre of excellence for biomedical research - QU Biomedical Research Centre (QUBRC) - and appointed Dr Asmaa al-Thani as director.
The work of QUBRC will be aligned with the organisation’s research priorities on energy, environment and resource sustainability; social change and identity; population, health and wellness; and information, communication and technologies.
“The establishment of QUBRC is in keeping with Qatar University’s efforts towards the expansion of cutting-edge research in various areas of national priority with national, regional and international significance,” vice president for research Dr Hassan al-Derham said.
QUBRC will leverage QU’s interdisciplinary capacity, incorporating key players in the field of biomedical, health and medical research at the university - the Biomedical Sciences Programme and Biological Sciences Programme in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and the College of Pharmacy.
The Centre will also seek collaboration with national partners and stakeholders such as Supreme Council of Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre and Anti-Doping Lab Qatar.
Dr al-Thani will lead QUBRC’s focus on research, training, and services in applied and basic biomedical research in three major areas: metabolic diseases (chronic non-communicable diseases), namely cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer; epidemiology and infectious diseases; and drug discovery, development and analysis.
Dr al-Derham said QUBRC is evidence of Qatar University’s alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s national research priorities which include public health and biomedical sciences-related research.
“The Centre will be hosted in QU’s New Research Complex which is home to a number of specialised research centres,” he said.
QU has invested in research infrastructure with a large biomedical wing comprising a Biosafety Level 3 facility and an animal facility.
“Dr al-Thani’s knowledge and experience will be an asset to leading the Centre on strategies and initiatives that will serve the needs and expectations of the society and improve the human condition in Qatar and beyond.”
Along with her position as QUBRC director, Dr al-Thani will continue as head and associate professor of virology at CAS Biomedical Sciences Programme.
“QUBRC will serve to enhance and advance the work on biomedical research at QU started by the Programme which celebrated 30 years of excellence in 2013,” she said.
Dr al-Thani noted that in 2009, the undergraduate Biomedical Sciences Programme was the first outside of the US to successfully fulfil all the standards required by the US-based National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. In 2013, it was awarded an accreditation renewal by the Agency for seven years, the maximum allowable accreditation period.
“Following on this illustrious history of quality and excellence in biomedical research, the QUBRC is well placed to become a leading partner in this field on a national, regional and international level,” she added.