Qatar University (QU) organised a webinar entitled “Covid-19: Challenges and Perspectives” via WebEx, Sunday with the participation of researchers and experts from various disciplines.
The opening session was delivered by Dr Talal al-Emadi, press director at QU, about the topics and QU efforts to face the novel coronavirus. The programme started with a general introduction about Emergency Research Grant 2020 by Dr Abdelaziz Bouras, pre-award manager in the Vice-President Office for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, to highlight the grant conditions and objectives.
The second session was about clinical research during which Dr Suhail Doi, department head of Population Medicine, College of Medicine QU, addressed testing strategy in Qatar. Dr Patrick Tang, division chief of Pathology Sciences at Sidra Medicine, also addressed the diagnostic testing challenges for Covid-19.
The basic molecular research was also included in the programme and presented by Dr Fatiha Benslimane, research associate at Biomedical Research Centre, QU, to highlight the challenges, initiatives and achievements of the centre.
In addition, the social sector was also considered in the programme through a session entitled ‘Social behavioural research: Awareness of Citizens and Residents of the Covid-19 Pandemic’ presented by Dr Abdoulaye Diop, manager of research at Social and Economic Survey Research Institute- QU.
Since the coronavirus is an infectious disease which requires precautionary and preventive measures, Dr Hanan Abdul Rahim, dean of College of Health Sciences-QU talked about infectious diseases and the epidemiology and public health: effective public health measures. Dr. Tamer Khattab, professor in electrical engineering, College of Engineering QU presented about E-Health.
Acknowledging about coronavirus effects from a different perspective, Dr Said Elbanna, professor of management, College of Business and Economics -QU talked about “Economic and Business” and Dr Aboubakr Ali, research associate professor, Centre for Advanced Materials, QU talked about “Technology and Materials Contribution.” They also highlighted the challenges and procedures to stop the coronavirus outbreak.
Prof. Mariam al-Maadeed, vice president, Research and Graduate Studies praised the efforts of the researchers and experts from QU and external participants. She also highlighted the role of such initiatives which help to find solutions and limits the spread of virus and also increases social awareness. She also encouraged the researchers to collaborate and exchange experiences in order to ensure the high quality and best use of time and effort.