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Aspetar, the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, saw a remarkable year in 2025, dedicating all its efforts to achieving medical excellence and ensuring a safe sports environment. The hospital continued to serve Qatar's athletes while attracting elite sports stars and patients from around the world. Beyond its achievements in the medical field, Aspetar also shone on the global medical tourism stage, reaffirming its status as a world-leading destination in sports medicine.Aspetar began 2025 by achieving a historic milestone, receiving the Diamond Accreditation from Accreditation Canada under the Qmentum International program for the second consecutive cycle, with a perfect score. It became the first healthcare institution in the world to accomplish this distinction twice in a row.**media[400717]**This prestigious recognition adds to Aspetar's global reputation as a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence and an IOC Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health, underscoring the hospital's credibility among leading international sports organizations.Aspetar also took the spotlight at the 8th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Conference held in July 2025. The hospital was not only a prominent participant but also a thought leader throughout the event. Aspetar's Orthopaedic Surgery Consultant Dr Khalid al-Khelaifi received a distinguished award honouring his pioneering contributions to sports and orthopaedic medicine and his service to Asian football, a recognition of Qatar's national expertise under Aspetar's umbrella.**media[400718]**Aspetar was also recognized by the AFC for its longstanding role as a strategic partner and primary reference in sports medicine, having significantly influenced discussions and shared best practices on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.Meanwhile, Acting Director General of Aspetar Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi was named by Forbes Middle East among the most influential leaders in management and healthcare highlighting his leadership in cementing Aspetar's global standing and balancing medical excellence, international partnerships, and service to Qatar's sports community.Throughout 2025, Aspetar provided medical coverage for over 100 sporting events, including football, athletics, tennis, motorsport, and more. The hospital served as the official medical provider for major tournaments such as the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, FIFA U-17 World Cup, Continental Club Cup, Qatar ExxonMobil Open, and Qatar TotalEnergies Open, among others.**media[400719]**A particularly memorable moment came when Aspetar's medical team helped save the life of the Czech Fencing Federation president after he suffered cardiac arrest during the Qatar Grand Prix for Fencing - a testament to Aspetar's field emergency readiness and professionalism. Medical supportDuring both the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA U-17 World Cup, Aspetar supervised full medical coverage for players, officials, and fans, operating 6 to 8 clinics in stadiums and deploying 12 sports physicians alongside Hamad Medical Corporation emergency teams. Aspetar also supported referees with physiotherapy services and provided full medical support to the Palestine and Iraq national teams.Additionally, Aspetar managed the import and clearance of medicines for 23 participating teams, ensuring seamless medical logistics. During the tournaments, the hospital treated 211 cases, including 70 athletes from 17 countries.**media[400720]**Aspetar's expertise stood behind several national and international successes across various disciplines, such as the World Athletics Championships, the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, and Qatar's historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup.Doha became the world capital of sports medicine in 2025 when Aspetar hosted the first Aspetar World Conference, attracting over 1,000 participants from 75 countries, including experts from FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, and major global sports and medical institutions.The conference covered topics from sports injuries and illness prevention to performance sciences and sports pharmacology, continuing Aspetar's scientific legacy of over 1,700 published research papers in leading medical journals. By the end of 2025 alone, Aspetar's research department published 1,660 scientific studies in more than 300 prestigious journals, with 120 new projects launched on muscle and tendon injuries, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and athlete performance innovations.**media[400721]**Aspetar also expanded its physiological and performance services to benefit both professional and amateur athletes, emphasizing its role as a leader in research, education, and applied sports science. Global partnershipsThe hospital continued its partnerships with top global organizations, including UEFA's Medical Conference, the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), and the Leaders in Sport Summit in London. Aspetar also co-organized the Paris Saint-Germain Medical Conference, attended by representatives from over 70 European clubs.Aspetar's scientific and medical excellence made it a preferred destination for elite athletes worldwide. Throughout 2025, the hospital welcomed professional players from the English Premier League, French Ligue 1, and other top European leagues. Among the visitors were Noa Lang (Inter Milan), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur), Aaron Hickey and Pelenda DaSilva (Brentford), Zagadou (VfB Stuttgart), Albert Sambi Lokonga (Arsenal), and Amine Gouiri, Hamed Traore, and Faris Moumbagna (Olympique de Marseille).Aspetar also received stars from Paris Saint-Germain, including Lucas Hernandez, Goncalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembele, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Desire Doue. Other notable visitors included the Iraqi forward Ali Al Hamadi (Luton Town), Will Smallbone (Millwall), and Bachir Belloumi (Hull City).From other sports, Aspetar received Formula 1 drivers Isack Hadjar and Fernando Alonso, tennis player Holger Rune, and Olympic champion Karsten Warholm.In parallel, Aspetar strengthened partnerships with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, and federations from Algeria, Iraq, and Palestine, further expanding its international collaboration network.**media[400722]**As Qatar's reputation as a global sports and health hub grows, Aspetar has emerged as a leading player in medical tourism, attracting patients and athletes from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia seeking advanced orthopaedic and sports medicine care.In 2025, Aspetar participated in major international medical tourism events in Belgium, London, and the Forbes Middle East Medical and Wellness Tourism Summit in Dubai, where it contributed to discussions on the evolving role of destination hospitals.Throughout the year, Aspetar welcomed over 700 elite athletes from 71 countries, with the majority coming from Europe and neighbouring regions, along with hundreds of global experts attending its scientific conferences.Beyond competitions and research, Aspetar continued its social responsibility initiatives, promoting health awareness, safe physical activity, and inclusive well-being programs for children, families, and people with disabilities. Through partnerships with organizations such as Dreama, Aspetar reaffirmed its belief that its mission extends beyond elite sports, aiming to enhance the overall health of Qatar's community. 

Sidra Medicine has announced the successful completion of its first pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), marking an important milestone in its mission to deliver advanced, life-saving care for children with complex and high-risk conditions. A first for Qatar, the procedure was performed on a nine-year-old boy diagnosed with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who received stem cells donated by his brother.This transplantation represents a key milestone in Sidra Medicine's pediatric HSCT programme, and follows the opening of its dedicated HSCT ward in June 2025. Chair of Pediatric Medicine at Sidra Medicine, Dr Ahmed al-Hammadi, said: "Completing our first pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplant is a significant achievement for Sidra Medicine and for pediatric care in Qatar. It reflects our commitment to providing world-class specialty care, strengthening national capabilities in advanced cellular therapies, and ensuring that children have access to highly specialised, life-saving treatment within the country". The patient's treatment journey at Sidra Medicine began in 2019, when he underwent standard chemotherapy over two years. Following relapses in May 2022 and December 2024, the medical team determined that an allogeneic stem cell transplant offered the best chance for long-term recovery. Children facing this type of relapse have very limited treatment options without HSCT, highlighting the importance of timely access to this specialised therapy. Acting Chief of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and HSCT and Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core at Sidra Medicine, Dr Chiara Cugno, said: "The continued growth of Sidra Medicine's pediatric HSCT programme reflects the advanced expertise of our hematology and oncology teams. Our services are available to both local and international patients, addressing a critical national need, with more than 50 children in Qatar currently on the transplant waiting list". 

For 124 years, the Nobel Prize has stood as one of the world’s most respected distinctions, recognising discoveries and ideas that advance humanity. The prize was founded by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist, engineer and industrialist whose inventions in explosives, including dynamite and safer detonation systems , built a vast international fortune. In his will, Nobel directed that this wealth should be used to honour individuals who had “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind”, turning personal success into a global legacy of progress. On 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, the world honours the 2025 Nobel Laureates. Nobel Day has become a defining moment in international recognition, celebrating achievements in science, literature, economic thought and peacebuilding. The 2025 awards speak directly to the challenges shaping the modern era: the defence of democracy, advances in medical research, breakthroughs in quantum physics, climate-relevant materials, deeper insights into innovation and a literary voice that captures the anxieties of contemporary life. From María Corina Machado’s struggle for democratic freedoms to discoveries in immunology, chemistry, physics and economics, and the visionary writing of László Krasznahorkai, the 2025 Nobel Prizes illustrate what becomes possible when knowledge, creativity and courage converge. The 2025 laureates, announced in October, are celebrated at a moment of political strain, rapid scientific progress and global transformation. Nobel assigned the Peace Prize to Norway’s Parliament because, at the time he wrote his will, Sweden and Norway shared a union but had separate governments. Norway’s reputation for diplomacy made it, in his view, the most credible guardian of a prize dedicated to peace. That tradition continues today: the Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, while all other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm in the presence of His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.The 2025 Nobel laureates and their motivations**media[391542]**Nobel Peace Prize:Democracy defended in VenezuelaMaría Corina Machado receives the Peace Prize for her determined efforts to restore democratic freedoms in Venezuela. Despite intimidation, political exclusion and exile, she has become a leading figure in peaceful resistance to authoritarian rule. Her recognition underscores global concerns about the fragility of democratic institutions.Nobel Prize in Literature:The visionary voice of László KrasznahorkaiHungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai is honoured for his compelling and visionary body of work. His long, flowing prose and themes of collapse, transformation and spiritual unrest have shaped contemporary literature across Europe, Asia and the Americas.Nobel Prize in Medicine:Understanding the immune system’s self-controlMary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi receive the Medicine Prize for pioneering discoveries on regulatory T cells, the immune system’s mechanism for preventing attacks on the body’s own tissues. Their work has reshaped modern immunology and opened new avenues for treating autoimmune disease, cancer and transplant rejection.Nobel Prize in Physics:Quantum mechanics at human xcaleJohn Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis are recognised for demonstrating quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation in macroscopic electrical circuits. Their findings proved that quantum effects extend far beyond the microscopic realm and laid the foundation for superconducting qubits, accelerating efforts to develop practical quantum computers.Nobel Prize in Chemistry:Materials for a climate-challenged centurySusumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi are awarded the Chemistry Prize for developing metal–organic frameworks, or MOFs, a class of materials with immense internal surface area and critical environmental applications. MOFs have become central to carbon capture, hydrogen storage and water harvesting, making this research vital in a climate-constrained world.Prize in Economic Sciences:Innovation as the engine of prosperityJoel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt receive the Prize in Economic Sciences for theories explaining how technological innovation drives long-term economic growth. Their work clarifies why societies prosper when they embrace new ideas, offering insights that resonate strongly in an age defined by artificial intelligence, automation and global economic change. From democracy and literature to immunology, quantum physics, climate-focused chemistry and the economics of innovation, the 2025 Nobel Prizes reflect the most pressing questions of our time. They also reaffirm Alfred Nobel’s vision: that human progress depends on curiosity, creativity and the courage to challenge accepted limits. Awarded for more than a century, the Nobel Prizes continue to define what the world values most. In 2025, they once again highlight the individuals whose ideas and achievements are helping shape the future.

Qatar is a thought leader in precision health and has the potential for several discoveries with the advantage of the genetic heterogeneity of its population, noted an international expert in precision medicine and genomics.“The unique genetic profile of the Qatari population provides an opportunity to discover gene variations in causing human diseases. Qatar has the talent and the means to mine these data in addition to the appropriate patient population,” Dr Edison T Liu, professor and special fellow of The Jackson Laboratory, USA told Gulf Times.Dr Liu was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ‘Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics Summit 2025’ orgnised by Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. Dr Liu is an international expert in cancer biology and human genetics and was the founding executive director of the Genome Institute of Singapore.“Qatar is already a leader in the field and the country can convert the upstream discoveries to directly affect patient care. It would be remarkable, when it happens. Qatar can expand this work into clinical implementation and the power of this fundamental science will directly improve patient outcomes,” he highlighted.Dr Liu said that he believes in small countries, not just to catch up, but to lead the field because of their uniqueness. “Population genetics is key, and genetic heterogeneity is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Since the genetic profile of Qatar differs from those from the West, new genes can be uncovered responsible for diabetes and therefore ideal for discoveries. The size of the population is less relevant than the quality of the data,” he explained.Dr Liu noted that the major challenge globally in this regard is to obtain appropriate funding to maintain the powerful genomic technologies.“I think Qatar is on its way of leading the research. I hope that the decision makers will step on the accelerator because there is a lot of competition now in the region,” he noted.“It is going to be Qatar and some other countries in the region that have such rich data. Qatar with its small size but with rich data can take it to the next level leading to clinical discoveries,” added Dr Liu. 

Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation ( QF) entity, began its three day Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG) Summit 2025 Tuesday with an opening ceremony in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, highlighting the advancements in genomics and precision medicine.The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health; senior officials and government leaders; diplomats as well as high-level representatives from international healthcare and academic institutions.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, chief executive officer, Sidra Medicine, noted that at Sidra Medicine, it is not about research alone.**media[389213]**Dr Tinubu-Karch explained: “It is about transforming lives through empathy, personalisation and innovation. Over the past few years, we have seen our vision taking shape and impacting thousands of lives in powerful ways.”“Our work is deeply aligned with Qatar's national priorities. Through precision medicine research and biotechnology, we are supporting economic diversification, the development of human capital, and a resilient health ecosystem, advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the ambitions of Qatar Foundation,” continued the CEO.The official noted that Sidra Medicine is part of a framework that is building a healthier future, not only for one patient, but for the nation and for future generations. “The real outcome is personalised, empathetic care. Together, let us shape a future where innovation, compassion, and national purpose converge, where healthcare is not only advanced, but deeply human,” she added.**media[389214]**Marking the start of the three-day summit, the opening ceremony featured keynote speeches by Julia Vitarello, founder and CEO of Mila's Miracle Foundation, and Prof Ed Liu from The Jackson Laboratory. It concluded with a summit flagship opening panel “From Personalised to Population-Scale: Building a Thriving Precision Medicine Sector in Qatar”.In his opening remarks, Prof Khalid Fakhro, chief research officer, Sidra Medicine said that Sidra Medicine stands as an integrated academic medical centre that combines research, education and clinical care bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.**media[389215]**“It contributes to strengthening Qatar’s leading role in precision medicine and advanced therapies globally. Today, we take pride in seeing our scientists from various national institutions leading the way regionally and internationally, paving the path toward the medicine of the future—medicine built on personalised treatments that align with each individual’s genetic makeup and disease mechanisms,” stated Prof Fakhro.“Qatar has long recognised—through a far-sighted vision—that true progress can only be achieved through a solid base of science and knowledge. The fruits of this vision are evident in many places, most notably Education City, where schools, universities and research institutes have turned strategic vision into tangible reality, becoming beacons of science and innovation across diverse fields, while also serving as engines of the knowledge economy and pillars of sustainability,” he highlighted.The PMFG Summit 2025, focuses on three major transformative pillars: AI in Genomics, Clinical Trials and Real-World Implementation; and Precision Medicine Implementation/Population Genomics & Future Frontiers, mirroring a comprehensive direction to integrate research, technology, and clinical care into population-scale practice. 

The Sixth International Primary Health Care Conference hosted by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) commences today at Ritz-Carlton Hotel, under the patronage and attendance of HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health.The conference will gather a wide range of leaders, experts, and representatives of health and research organisations from around the world. This event aims to solidify Qatar’s standing as a recognised leader in global dialogue on the future of health and to strengthen international co-operation in medicine and primary care.Hosting this conference in Doha reflects Qatar’s steadfast commitment to building strong, integrated, and resilient health systems capable of meeting the needs of its population while keeping pace with global advances in medicine, technology, and scientific research. The conference brings together a diverse global community of healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and educators — united by a shared mission: to safeguard health and improve quality of life.As the world undergoes rapid transformations that bring increasingly complex challenges — from pandemics and their social and health impacts, to climate change and its implications for human well-being, to shifting economies and the evolving needs of societies — primary health care remains the heart of health equity and the foundation of community well-being. It is where care begins, trust is built, and lives are touched every single day.The conference aims to explore the latest scientific developments and international best practices in primary health care, showcasing innovative experiences from various countries that contribute to developing mechanisms for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion. It also seeks to strengthen global partnerships and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and scientific research among medical and academic institutions.More than a thousand specialists — including physicians, researchers, experts, and policymakers — will take part in the conference, alongside strong representation from regional and international health organisations, making it one of the largest specialised scientific gatherings in the region. The programme features an extensive range of scientific sessions, interactive lectures, and workshops focused on quality of health services, workforce empowerment, the future of artificial intelligence in medicine, innovation in chronic disease management, as well as research presentations and scientific posters by scholars and students from Qatar and beyond.PHCC continues to advance Qatar’s global position in the health sector by investing in human capital, supporting scientific research, developing health-care infrastructure, and expanding preventive and educational services. This conference offers a valuable platform for building new collaborations, exchanging future visions, and strengthening continuing professional education in support of national health strategies. 

Students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have launched the college’s very first student-led magazine.The Mawj Science Magazine was founded to provide a voice for the student body, foster a spirit of enquiry and scientific interest among students, and share news of groundbreaking innovation in biomedical science and education, a statement said.The inaugural edition of Mawj, which means 'wave' in Arabic, features dozens of articles written by WCM-Q students on a wide range of topics, including the mental health of medical professionals, paediatric epilepsy, how technological advances are redefining medical education, the link between gut-brain health and autism, student research projects investigating the effectiveness of traditional remedies, and accounts of student contributions to medical conferences, among other stories. The online magazine also features articles by WCM-Q faculty.Second-year medical student Ubaida al-Aani is the founder and editor-in-chief of Mawj. Student contributors Sama Ayoub, Noor Numan, Amani Benamor, Batoul Arabi, Sama al-Saffar, and Nisarga Natesha Kumuda penned articles for the launch edition.Faculty member Christine Gaskell, senior teaching specialist in pre-medical education and a PhD student, contributed an article on her research, which explores the biological nexus between obesity and cancer through lifestyle and microbiome pathways.Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, hoped that Mawj will be a great success and provide an extremely valuable platform for collaboration among the thriving community of student researchers, supporting their ambitions to pursue excellence in medicine by continuously advancing the boundaries of research in clinical care, biomedical research and medical education. Mawj Science Magazine can be read at https://mawjmagazine.org/ 

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the graduation of 24 high school students from its first Future Doctor Programme, an immersive educational initiative to introduce young learners to the world of modern medicine.The Future Doctor Programme is hosted at Sidra Medicine’s state-of-the-art Simulation Centre and offers students a structured, five-day experience that mirrors real clinical environments. Led by a team of Simulation instructors and cross-departmental clinical educators, the programme includes interactive workshops, multi-station simulation training using advanced manikins, and guided clinical exposure.Prof Ibrahim Janahi, chief medical officer and chair, Medical Education at Sidra Medicine, said: “Nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is a core pillar of our mission at Sidra Medicine. The Future Doctor Programme provides students with real, hands-on exposure to the world of medicine and research.We are incredibly proud of the 24 graduates who have demonstrated passion, curiosity, and commitment to learning, playing a role in redefining the future of healthcare in Qatar.” As part of the curriculum, students completed Basic Life Support and CPR accredited by the American Heart Association, alongside introductory skills in first aid, emergency response, and patient communication.The programme is delivered by Sidra Medicine’s clinical and technical experts, ensuring that participants learn in a safe, supportive, and highly specialized environment. Dr Murtada Hammad, director, Medical Education Operations at Sidra Medicine, added: “This programme reflects our belief that early engagement is key to inspiring young people to pursue careers in healthcare. Through simulation, clinical observation, and skill-building activities, students can connect theory with practice in a meaningful way.”

Experts and futurists in medical education and artificial intelligence (AI) from around the world gathered in Doha for a conference organised by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), which explored how technological breakthroughs are revolutionising healthcare and the way medicine is taught.The 2nd Medical Education Technology Conference brought together thought leaders in medical education, technology and the humanities from institutions in Qatar, the US, the UK and the Netherlands to explore the impact of new advances in AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) on healthcare and education.The conference, titled “The Power of Connection: Leveraging Technology for Humanistic Medical Education”, addressed the need to integrate study of the humanities with utilisation of advanced technologies to ensure medical education remains human-centered, ethical and compassionate.The conference, co-directed by professor of clinical medicine and vice-dean for academic and curricular affairs Dr Thurayya Arayssi and Dr Anna Halama, the assistant professor of research in physiology and biophysics, also discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by advances in technology.“New technologies, particularly AI and immersive learning, offer us incredibly powerful teaching tools that have the potential to make medical education radically more effective,” Dr Arayssi said. “However, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that these disruptive technologies are deployed in ways which enable medical education programmes to continue to cultivate empathy, compassion and creativity in future physicians.”The conference featured a series of presentations by expert speakers, Q&A panel discussions, and multiple opportunities for attendees to gain hands-on interactive experiences with technologies such as immersive content creation and VR simulations.Presentations discussed the impact of AI on the cognitive development of students and physicians, the emotional and psychological effects of immersive technologies used for medical simulation-based teaching, and the potential benefits of “gamification” teaching methods.The expert speakers at the conference were drawn from elite international medical and educational institutions, including Weill Cornell Medicine in New York; Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; the University of Cambridge, UK; Kenyon College, Ohio; UCI School of Medicine, California; Southern Illinois University School of Medicine; Amsterdam University Medical Centre; and Princeton University, New Jersey.The event drew participants from all over the world, with healthcare professionals, educators and students in attendance from Qatar, the wider Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region, the US, Europe, India and elsewhere.“This excellent event underlined that the judicious integration of AI and technological advances into medical education has the potential to enhance the acquisition of skills, knowledge and professionalism, which can all help improve patient care,” said WCM-Q dean Dr Javaid Sheikh. “At WCM-Q, we believe in embracing innovation to improve healthcare education, while also working hard to maintain the humanistic values of compassion, care, and empathy that form the core principles of responsible physicianship.”

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar’s 3rd Qatar Proteomics Conference brought together world-renowned academic scientists, researchers and scholars for a dynamic exchange of the latest findings, technologies and innovations in proteomics and bioinformatics.This year’s conference featured engaging sessions, focused on groundbreaking technologies and the critical health challenges of our time, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, infectious diseases, and more.Proteomics is the comprehensive study of proteins, focusing on their structure, function, and interactions within an organism. Key topics included mass spectrometry-based technologies, affinity-based platforms, and their applications to investigation of complex health conditions. Additional sessions explored the transformative role of proteomics in population health, showcased insights from the Human Proteome Organisation and highlighted regional developments shaping the field of proteomics in the Gulf region.Leading national, regional and international scientists appeared as expert speakers at the conference, sharing their latest findings and experiences in proteomics and highlighting new developments in the field. The conference was co-ordinated by WCM-Q’s Dr Frank Schmidt, director of the proteomics core and associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics; and Dr Karsten Suhre, professor of physiology and biophysics, assistant dean for intercampus research partnerships, and director of the bioinformatics core, along with members of their team, including instrumentation supervisor Dr Sunkyu Choi, and laboratory supervisor Muna al-Noubi. Dr Schmidt and Dr Suhre were both among the expert speakers at the conference, as was Dr Khaled Machaca, WCM-Q professor of systems & computational biomedicine and vice dean for research, innovation and commercialisation.Dr Schmidt said: “We were very pleased to welcome so many world-class proteomics researchers to Qatar to share their expertise, discuss the latest developments in the field, and explore future collaborative projects. The potential for combining proteomics with other -omics technologies to increase our understanding of complex diseases is vast, and this can pave the way for improved diagnostic techniques and more effective treatment strategies.”The conference also featured poster presentations and networking opportunities, creating a collaborative environment designed to bridge disciplines and accelerate discovery. The Qatar Proteomics Conference has become a landmark regional event at the forefront of global proteomics and cross-omics research, fostering collaboration, innovation and impactful scientific exchange.Dr Suhre said: “We are very happy that the conference has helped to build upon Qatar’s leading role in proteomics research, drawing attention to the country’s growing position as a regional and global hub for very high-quality science in this rapidly developing field. Bringing world-class experts in proteomics together here in Qatar to share their experiences is a very effective way to foster collaboration and drive advances in discovery.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), represented by the Radiation Control Department, announced the accreditation of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) as an international collaborative centre, the "Anchor Center," in radiation medicine.This achievement is the result of close and ongoing cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department, and HMC, as part of joint efforts to develop peaceful applications of nuclear technology in healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to further scientific and medical progress for the benefit of Qatari society and humanity as a whole.Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MoECC Yousef al-Hamar emphasised that the accreditation of HMC as an international collaborative centre with the IAEA is a major achievement that adds to Qatar's distinguished record in the areas of international cooperation and the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It also reflects the great confidence that the country's institutions enjoy among specialised international organisations.Al-Hamar pointed out that this fruitful cooperation highlights Qatar's commitment to empowering its national cadres and building human capacity in the fields of radiology and radiation control, through research, training, and professional development programmes, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 towards sustainable human and health development.He indicated that this achievement represents international recognition of the competence of Qatari national cadres and the advanced infrastructure the country possesses in the field of radiation and medical applications. It also reflects Qatar's unwavering commitment to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and its contribution to enhancing the health sector's capabilities in diagnosing and treating cancer according to the latest international standards.This accreditation is a significant national achievement that enhances Qatar's position in the fields of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment, as part of the "Rays of Hope" initiative launched by the IAEA to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients, particularly in developing countries. (QNA)###OPT TRIMThis achievement comes within the framework of the practical arrangements signed between the Ministry of Public Health and IAEA in November 2023, during the visit of the IAEA's deputy director general and head of the department of technical cooperation Hua Liu to Doha, which will contribute to strengthening the advanced healthcare system in the country.This event embodies Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to combat cancer and affirms its active role in providing specialised medical expertise and services at the regional and global levels.This also reflects the close cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department — as the national point of contact with the IAEA and relevant state institutions — in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals and developing national capabilities in the fields of radiation medicine and peaceful nuclear technology, thus consolidating Qatar's position in supporting international initiatives aimed at employing nuclear technologies to serve humanity. (QNA)

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Qatari Business Women’s Association (QBWA) to promote collaboration in areas that support women’s advancement, leadership, and health.Through this partnership, both organisations will share best practices, exchange expertise, and collaborate to create opportunities that empower women in business, healthcare, and the broader community.The MoU was signed by Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, and Aisha Hussein Alfardan, vice-chair of QBWA, in the presence of QBWA members and Sidra Medicine’s leadership.Tinubu-Karch said: “We firmly believe that as a healthcare entity that caters to women’s health, our commitment should extend beyond clinical care. This strategic partnership with QBWA reflects our holistic approach to women’s wellbeing and empowerment to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers across all sectors of society.”QBWA is an independent non-profit entity working under the umbrella of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA). QBWA’s mission is to provide a platform to empower business and professional women and to unlock the potential of future generations in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Alfardan said: “We are proud to partner with Sidra Medicine as a Healthcare Partner, whose dedication to women’s health and wellness aligns with our mission to empower women professionally and socially. Together, we aim to inspire new collaborations that strengthen Qatar’s ecosystem for women’s advancement.”Following the MoU ceremony, the QBWA delegation also attended a tour of several clinics and wards related to women’s services. For more details about Sidra Medicine’s women’s services, visit https://www.sidra.org/services/womens-services