QPHI Hosts International Workshop on Genomics Program Infrastructure.

Doha: Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), a prominent center for genomics and biobanking under Qatar Foundation, held a two-day workshop titled 'Setting up Large-scale Programs to Empower Precision Health'. This event aimed to explore the technical aspects of genomics programs, providing a platform for experts to showcase best practices and share both practical and theoretical experiences related to infrastructure setup and collaborative efforts necessary for developing national genome and biobanking initiatives. According to Qatar News Agency, the workshop was co-organized with the International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization (IARC/WHO) and Thermo Fisher Scientific. It attracted delegates from 17 countries across the MENA region, Africa, Asia, and Europe, focusing on high-level strategic priorities and objectives for national biobanking and population genomics programs. Prof. Said Ismail, Acting President of QPHI, expressed the institute's commitment to sharing accumulated know ledge with peers, emphasizing the significant role of their extensive experience in achieving current milestones. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with top research partners in this endeavor. Dima Darwish, Genomics Education Expert at QPHI, highlighted Qatar's leadership role in genomics and precision health, noting the country's early adoption of these advanced fields. She stressed the importance of the workshop as a benchmarking tool, inviting scientists and policymakers worldwide to engage in this vital exchange of expertise. The event underlined QPHI's dedication to transferring expertise in genomics and biobanking, aiming to empower policymakers and scientists in developing their national programs through collaboration with partner organizations. The workshop also emphasized the significance of population-based cohort studies in achieving patient-centered outcomes, underscoring the crucial role of biobanks in supporting precision healthcare systems.