The five-year research program is an ambitious joint initiative from WCMC-Q and Qatar Foundation to establish Qatar as a center of excellence in biomedical research. Reflecting healthcare issues of regional importance, the program covers two broad themes; genetic and molecular medicine, and women’s and children’s health.

The objectives of the five-year research plan are:

1. Develop first-rate basic, translational, and clinical research projects that establish Qatar as a Center of Excellence in biomedical research, with a focus on improving the health of the Qatari population.
2. Develop biomedical research infrastructure, to include research laboratories, core facilities, a vivarium, and compliance and regulatory functions.
3. Build sustainable capacity by creating a critical mass of research faculty in Qatar, and developing a regional scientific and technical workforce.
4. Draw upon the strengths of the existing and future Qatar healthcare sectors, including WCMC-Q partners Hamad Medical Corporation, ASPETAR Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, and Sidra Medical & Research Center.
5. Create a conduit for commercialization of discoveries in conjunction with Qatar Science and Technology Park.
6. Central to the development of the research program at WCMC-Q is a partnership approach bringing together institutions in Qatar that have overlapping missions in medical education, research and healthcare. Partner institutions include Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Foundation, the Ministry of Health, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Qatar Science and Technology Park and Qatar University.
7. In five years, approximately 120 people will be engaged in basic, translational, and clinical research at WCMC-Q. Thereby, this research program will have established a critical mass, giving Qatar a vibrant and sustainable scientific research community. The physical infrastructure will include research laboratories for 18 principal investigators and shared-use core facilities.