WCM-Q programme provides career boost for Qatari researcher

A Qatari scientist who trained at the Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Biomedical Research Training Programme for Nationals has achieved a “remarkable trio of successes” in her young research career.Raghad al-Ishaq spent six months at WCM-Q taking part in the programme, during which she published two research papers in leading journals.Shortly after completing the programme, Raghad learnt that her application for a Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA) from Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) had been successful.The GSRA, administered through QNRF’s Qatar Research Leadership Programme initiative, supports Qatari nationals to undertake graduate research-based studies, helping them to pursue doctoral degrees at approved institutions inside Qatar or elsewhere.Raghad will begin her master’s studies at the University of Bath in the UK this month.In terms of publications, Raghad was first author of a study titled ‘Health Implication of vitamin D on the cardiovascular and the renal system’, which has been published in Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, a leading journal.She was also first author of a paper titled ‘Flavonoids and their anti-diabetic properties: cellular mechanisms and effects to improve blood sugar levels’, which was published in the journal Biomolecules.The programme is designed to equip talented Qataris with the skills and knowledge required for successful careers in research, as well as promoting Qatar’s aim to diversify the economy and become a global hub for biomedical research.It lasts for six months between January and July each year and offers both applied and didactic training.Raghad was at WCM-Q for her second spell, having completed another WCM-Q programme, the Research Internship for National College Students, in 2017.Raghad undertook her applied training in the lab of Dr Ali Sultan, WCM-Q professor of Microbiology and Immunology, where she contributed to several ongoing research projects, including a study of the human microbiome.She also worked with Dr Dietrich Büsselberg, WCM-Q professor of Physiology and Biophysics, on both of her publications.“I decided to join the WCM-Q programme to gain hands-on experience in the field of biomedical research. The internship has given me a well-rounded and comprehensive research experience and really fuelled my interest in research. I now intend to follow this up with a master’s and eventually a PhD degree. On the whole, I found the experience challenging, motivating and inspiring,” Raghad said. Dr Khaled Machaca, senior associate dean, Research, Innovations and Commercialisation, said: “Raghad has shown exceptional dedication to her work during her time at WCM-Q and has deservedly achieved great success. We are very proud to have been able to play a part in helping Raghad to unlock her potential, which will allow her to make meaningful contributions to Qatar’s bold and ambitious strategy to diversify the economy and become a world-leader in biomedical R&D.”The Biomedical Research Training Programme for Nationals will begin accepting applications for the 2020 cycle in October. The deadline for applications is December 15.