Science in and with the Middle East
The year 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix and the 20th anniversary of the completion of the Human Genome Project. These historic moments mark progress towards the ability to, one day, deliver personalized, effective healthcare to everyone, everywhere. Although that vision may still seem far off, research teams around the world are making substantial progress in translational genomics projects that have the power to transform healthcare globally by enabling a shift from reactive to preventive care.
In Qatar, a new Precision Health Institute (QPHI) was recently launched with the vision to help shape Qatar’s healthcare by implementing precision medicine. QPHI’s mission is to spearhead national efforts to translate cutting-edge genomic and multi-omics research outcomes into impactful healthcare services that improve the population’s health. With QPHI and its foundations, the Qatar Biobank (QBB) and the Qatar Genome Program (QGP), Qatar has the opportunity to be at the forefront of precision health, answering key questions, such as: How do we translate the genomics information into actionable data in the clinics? How do such approaches impact the overall health and wellness of a population?
This session will also present other initiatives from the wider Middle-East, to highlight other important, ongoing efforts in precision medicine, highlight similarities and context-dependent challenges that need to be considered. The presentations from the US and EU will provide a more scientifically complete picture and the opportunity to discuss potential research synergies on an international scale.