Neuroscience experts convene in Doha for high-level conference

March, 2014

The world’s finest minds in the field of neuroscience are in Doha for the high-level Qatar Clinical Neuroscience Conference.

The workshop, hosted by WCMC-Q’s Student Recruitment and Outreach Office in partnership with members of the English department of the Pre-Medical Education Department, also offered advice directly to the teachers and counselors about writing effective reference letters for their students.

Organized by Qatar Foundation (QF), Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), and the New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy), the conference has attracted experts from around the globe to hear the latest theories, discussions and advancements.

The conference began yesterday (15 MARCH) at the Four Seasons Hotel and will finish tomorrow (17 MARCH). The 29 speakers include faculty from Harvard Medical School, Stanford University and American University Beirut as well as doctors and scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College in both New York and Qatar. Doctors who attend from Hamad Medical Corporation are also be able to claim continuing medical education credits.

Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCMC-Q and himself an internationally renowned expert on anxiety and ageing, said the conference was indicative of Qatar’s growing influence in the academic world.

Dr. Sheikh said: “Qatar is now well recognized as an international hub for higher education and research.

“This conference on clinical neuroscience brings together experts in multiple domains in the field. I expect the presentations to reflect cutting-edge science and for the discussions to be truly illuminating.”

Neuroscience is a huge field and includes illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia and anxiety disorder along with traumatic brain injuries. They form a large percentage of the global disease burden and are a significant economic cost to nations.

“Brain disorders know no national boundaries, and it’s critical that neither does scientific research around this area; it will take the best scientific minds to make progress in these challenging areas,” said Ellis Rubinstein, CEO & President of the Academy. “We are thrilled to be convening in Qatar, where we expect to hear the latest research developments that will push the field of neuroscience forward, impacting countless lives.”

Topics of discussion at Qatar Clinical Neuroscience Conference will cover clinical approaches to affective disorders; translation of animal model research; advances in neuropsychiatry; and pathophysiology and therapeutic insights regarding stroke and traumatic brain injuries.

In addition, poster sessions and the open format of the meeting will foster dialogue among delegates.