HBKU-CHLS programmes complement Qatar’s national health sector aspirations

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) is complementing the growth of the national healthcare sector as it witnesses unprecedented growth, it was announced in a statement yesterday.Health and life sciences – the concentration of science that focuses on preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through both individual and collective societal efforts – necessitates a systematic approach, grounded in thorough research and education.The college curriculum is designed to address the study of national, regional and global health threats through a rigorous academic and research-based approach.CHLS stands at the forefront of graduate education in the field of health and life sciences and advances the objectives outlined in the National Health Strategy.The college is home to an innovative selection of academic degree programmes, including master’s and PhD degrees in Genomics and Precision Medicine as well as master’s and PhD degrees in Biological and Biomedical Sciences.Dean Dr Edward Stuenkel said: “At CHLS this year, 41 new and 54 returning students will pursue innovative multi-disciplinary degrees, whose areas of focus – such as biomedical sciences, genomics and precision medicine – impact whole populations. This is because genomics, biomedical and biological sciences all commonly focus on establishing a mechanistic understanding of disease and subsequently developing personalised medical treatment to promote health.”CHLS faculty includes nine professors whose specialisations and achievements in the field of health and life sciences provide students with a unique educational opportunity for growth under the scholarship of internationally renowned academics.Additionally, CHLS’ faculty and students also collaborate with HBKU’s research institutes, particularly the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, to facilitate the development of self-driven student research through the provision of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and guidance of subject matter experts.The College enjoys strong bonds with a wide range of stakeholders in the field of health and life sciences.These include relevant stakeholders in academia, healthcare and government alike, including Hamad Medical Corp, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Ministry of Public Health, Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar University, Sidra Medicine, and Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar.