More than 400 researchers and senior leaders from across Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) attended the healthcare provider’s Annual Research Day 2016 recently in Doha.
Organised by HMC’s Medical Research Centre, the theme for the event was ‘Bridging the Gap between Research and Innovation in Patient Care’.
During his opening address, professor Ibrahim A Janahi, executive director of Research at HMC, stressed the importance of this theme. “Each year, Annual Research Day provides a valuable opportunity to look back on our achievements and celebrate the high quality research that goes on across HMC,” he recalled.
“The event gives us a chance to discuss strategy at a national level for research and innovation so that we can build HMC’s research strength, harness opportunities for collaboration and spread the culture of innovation throughout HMC,” he said.
“It is vital that our researchers understand the importance of ensuring their studies are undertaken with the direct aim of translating the findings into delivering improved care for patients,” Professor Janahi explained.
Later, delegates heard from professor William McKenna, chief executive officer of the Heart Hospital and head of HMC’s academic health system. “Academic health is central to our healthcare vision at HMC, which at its core combines innovative research, top-class education and excellent clinical care,” he said.
“It is wonderful to look back today on our research successes, but we must also look forward and use this opportunity to ensure we are all working towards our common goal – of enabling research to play a central role in delivering the highest standards of care for our patients,” he added.
The event’s agenda also included a panel discussion, with representatives from Sidra Medical and Research Center, Qatar Science and Technology Park, and Qatar Foundation. The theme for the discussion, ‘Building Qatar’s Research and Innovation Ecosystem’, highlighted the need for an integrated approach to building a strong research culture across Qatar – one that is geared towards national needs.
The event also featured many new awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of researchers at HMC.
The nominations for the prestigious ‘Distinction in Research’ awards were scientifically and strategically assessed by international reviewers. Applications in other categories were assessed by reviewers inside Qatar.
“The best candidates were picked based on the resulting score analysis and strategic review,” observed Sunitha Shyam, corporate research grants manager.
Some of the officials who took part in the event.
