Strengthening Qatar's research culture

July, 2012

The new group of Qatari researchers has been honored at a graduation luncheon.

The five young researchers have all just completed the six-month Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, which is run by WCMC-Q's Research Division. The aim of the program is to ensure that participants are fully versed in all aspects of biomedical research– from bench or clinical science to ethical compliance to the writing of proposals.

The five were awarded certificates to mark the completion of their time as interns.

Dr. Khaled Machaca, Associate Dean for Research, said the five, along with other participants on the program, will form the backbone of Qatar's research culture in years to come.

Dr. Machaca said: "This is one of the most successful and fun programs that WCMC-Q runs on an annual basis. I want to thank all those who helped make it a success and all those who took part and I hope the experiences they have had and lessons they have learned will open new doors for them in the future.

"The goal of the Nationals Program is to help bolster Qatar's research community by training young nationals who have experience in all aspects of research and increase the number of Qatari employees at WCMC-Q. The five trainees have been exposed to laboratory work, research administration, management, ethical compliance, clinical research and technical writing and effective communications. Hopefully the knowledge they have will, in the long term, build the research culture in the country. I really see these interns as the leaders of the research community in Qatar in the future."

All five of the interns previously had a scientific degree before the internship and all have plans for the future, with some of them staying on at WCMC-Q.

Yassir Hussain will in fact be the new coordinator for the Nationals Training Program, taking over from previous incumbent Nawaf Al Taweel, himself a 2011 trainee, who has been accepted on to WCMC-Q's medical program.

Yassir, who graduated from Cornell University in biological sciences, said: "The program gives you a grounding in the whole research experience and it also gives you an idea about how to apply for jobs and write lab protocols and research papers. For me as a fresh graduate it was the first experience I had of getting a real job. In college the jobs were monitored but this gave me a taste of what a work environment is like. It's been a really good experience."

Those sentiments were echoed by fellow intern Maha Agha, who will also be staying on at WCMC-Q having secured a position as a research specialist in the Shykind Lab. She is currently working on the genetics behind the camel's olfactory system.

Maha, who studied biomedical science at Qatar University before going on to work at Hamad Medical Corporation's blood bank, said: "I had never had the chance to learn basic aspects about research before the program and this has given me the chance to learn those skills. I have been taught all the steps I need, from A to Z."

In addition, one intern, Mohamed Dahir, was able produce data during his training and presented his results as a poster presentation titled "Arsenic Trioxide Induces Cell Death by Changes of the Intra-cellular Calcium Concentration". He presented his findings at the BIT'S 5th World Cancer Congress in Beijing this year.

The hunt will soon begin for the next set of Qatari trainees who want experience in WCMC-Q's laboratories and research administration. Advertisements will be placed later this summer with the new recruits joining the college in January for their six-month placements.