Five aspiring Qatari scientists have graduated from the Biomedical Research Training Programme at Nationals of Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q).
Kholoud al-Najdi, Fatima al-Dasim, Amal Saif, Wadha al-Marri, and Shaikha al-Abdul-Jabbar spent six months working alongside WCM-Q’s world-class scientists at the college’s laboratories.
In addition to learning a comprehensive range of research competencies, including practical lab skills, how to conduct clinical research, and knowledge of research administration, the interns were able to gain hands-on experience of biomedical research by contributing to ongoing scientific studies carried out at WCM-Q.
The interns were presented with certificates of graduation at a special ceremony held at WCM-Q.
Dr Khaled Machaca, associate dean for research at WCM-Q, said: “All of us at WCM-Q have been truly impressed by the dedication, enthusiasm and raw talent of these young scientists during their time here with us.
“Through the programme, these young people have gained essential skills and experiences to become outstanding members of Qatar’s new generation of researchers and innovators, as well as leading contributors to the growing research and development (R&D) sector of the Qatari economy toward the 2030 vision of a knowledge-based economy.”
This is the seventh annual cycle of the Biomedical Research Training Programme for Nationals, launched in 2011, and to date has helped 33 graduates take the first step on the path to a successful career in research.
The internship cycle runs from January to July each year.
In addition, this year the programme expanded its interaction with the Sidra Nationals Development Programme by hosting two Sidra trainees as full-time participants in the programme and four additional trainees who participated in the didactic parts of the programme.
All interns who completed the programme this year are graduates of leading universities in Qatar.
This year’s cohort graduated from Qatar University, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and Texas A&M University at Qatar.
WCM-Q has now begun accepting applications for the 2018 cycle of the programme. The deadline for application is November 5.
Dr Machaca with a trainee who just received her certificate of graduation.
