QBRI invites applications for research programme

The Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has announced that its Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) is welcoming applications for its Summer Research Programme (SRP) 2018. As part of the programme, the institute will offer intensive training opportunities in the fields of diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders to exceptional undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in higher education institutions, both within and outside Education City, HBKU said in a statement.Beginning in May, the fourth year of SRP will run for a total duration of eight weeks and focus on basic, applied and translational research. Entry requirements for SRP 2018 include enrolment in an undergraduate programme in a biological or medical-related science, completion of at least two years of coursework by the start date, and maintaining a minimum grade point average of three. Top candidates will be evaluated and interviewed by members of a selection committee before final decisions are made. Candidates may apply online by choosing two preferred subject areas. All applications will be received by the QBRI selection committee, and evaluated against specific criteria, including the student’s academic records and letters of recommendation. The programme’s application deadline is March 29. To find out more - or send in an application - one can follow the link: www.qbri.org.qa/internship/srp18Dr Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director at QBRI, said: “The SRP is an opportunity for participants to gain hands-on laboratory experience and learn how to formulate ideas, design experiments and test hypotheses - all essential components for achieving new medical breakthroughs.”The SRP aims to encourage critical thinking, enhance communication and team-building skills, and allow participants to experience the challenges and rewards of scientific research, the statement notes. The programme’s three main research areas have been further divided into 18 projects that students may select from for their internship. The subject of neurological disorders will cover focus areas on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to identify new genes responsible for such disorders and investigating new diagnostic tools and developing innovative therapeutics. The cancer programme explores initiation and progression, concentrating on early diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the topic of diabetes targets diabetes prevention and early diagnosis and an understanding of molecular causes of the disease, specifically within the context of Qatar. Students who have previously completed the programme credit their experience as a significant phase of their academic and professional development. Safa Salim, a College of Science and Engineering student who has started her PhD, was a former intern at the research institute. Sharing her experience, she said: “The programme enhanced my theoretical knowledge about diabetes and stem cell-related projects, and helped me gain a better understanding of the scientific community in Qatar, which was hugely beneficial when it came to identifying my PhD supervisor and project.”Boshra Mohamed J H al-Sulaiti, a participant of last year’s edition, added: “I can unreservedly say that this was a memorable experience and I am now confident that I have the necessary skills to embark on my career.”