Webinar set to focus on QF-funded research into infectious diseases

QNRF Research Outcome Online Seminar

As scientists around the world grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, research funded by the Qatar Foundation (QF) to address infectious diseases will be on the spotlight this week.
 The latest edition of the Research Outcome Seminar series – an initiative of Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) that highlights the impact of the projects it supports – will show how researchers in Qatar and beyond are developing new ways to reduce the spread of communicable diseases, and directly address the health risks they create.
The webinar will be hosted by six scientists presenting the results of their research projects, including whether the COVID-19 pandemic can still be suppressed; the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Infection Survey: viruses linked to hepatitis C and gastroenteritis; human papillomavirus; influenza complications in patients with diabetes;; and whether face masks can protect people against viral respiratory infections. All projects have been funded by QNRF, a member of the Qatar Foundation (QF).
“QNRF is hosting this online seminar at a crucial time, as the global community is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, and authorities around the world are taking unprecedented action to deal with this evolving crisis,” said Dr. Abdul Sattar al Taie, Executive Director, QNRF.
“The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of better understanding infectious diseases, formulating strategies to mitigate their spread, and – ultimately – finding cures. To achieve these aims, a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional approach is required, including all relevant stakeholders.
“This seminar provides an opportunity to highlight the critical role that scientists and researchers play in our society, as the whole world is counting on them to produce a vaccine or develop a drug to abate and treat COVID-19. In this region, Qatar Foundation and Qatar National Research Fund have helped Qatar take a lead in the field of infectious disease studies by sponsoring cutting-edge research projects, providing state-of-the-art research laboratories, and building much-needed human capacity.
“We hope people will participate in this Research Outcome Seminar to learn how our researchers are addressing the many risks posed by infectious diseases, and seek answers to questions they may have.”
Researchers from the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and entities including QF member Sidra Medicine, QF partner University Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, and Qatar University will be presenting the projects they lead during the webinar, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1st.
Dr. Sheik Mohammed al Thani, Director of Public Health at Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, will also discuss the Coronavirus knowledge base, and Dr. Mohammed Jarrar, Senior Programme Manager for Biomedical Sciences and Health, QNRF, will provide an overview of its funding for infectious disease research.
The QNRF Research Outcome Seminars promote the importance and impact of research on the public and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information between members of the Qatari scientific community and key stakeholders. Click here to register for the webinar.