Qatar University’s Health Sector recently marked the 10th edition of its Annual Research Symposium, highlighting a decade of scientific contributions and collaborative advancements under the theme “From Evidence to Impact: Research, Innovation, and Policy for Better Health.” The event drew a diverse assembly of researchers, healthcare professionals, academic faculty, students, and representatives from key institutions across Qatar.
The symposium, held over two days, provided a platform for presenting innovative research, fostering dialogue, and reinforcing partnerships among prominent organizations including Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
Opening the event, Prof. Asmaa Al-Thani, vice president for health and medical sciences at Qatar University, stressed the critical role of responsibility and integrity in research. She underscored the necessity of ethical conduct in safeguarding participants’ rights, safety, and privacy, framing these principles as essential to sustaining scientific excellence and public confidence.
Prof. Jassim Al Suwaidi, chief of scientific, academic and faculty affairs at HMC, along with Prof. Aiman Erbad, vice president for research and innovation at Qatar University, also addressed attendees. The symposium’s keynote address, “Connecting the Blocks – Powering Future Research,” was delivered by Dr. Ali Nizar Latif, chief of strategic planning and performance at HMC, who emphasized the need to strengthen collaborative networks to accelerate innovation and scientific progress.
The program featured a range of activities including scientific presentations, poster sessions, interactive discussions, and research network meetings. Specialized workshops promoted knowledge exchange and encouraged identifying new collaborative opportunities to tackle emerging healthcare challenges.
A notable focus of the symposium was the integration of digital transformation and emerging technologies in health research. One session highlighted Qatar’s digital agenda and its potential to drive innovation within healthcare systems. Additionally, a panel discussion that included representatives from QRDI Council, MCIT, and Qatar University examined how digital tools can expand research capabilities and improve health outcomes.
Through this event, Qatar University’s Health Sector reaffirmed its commitment to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, solidifying its standing as a key contributor to the country’s scientific and healthcare development.