Qatar Biomedical Research Institute launches summer research programme

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), a research and development entity under Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has announced the launch of a new internship initiative, the ‘Summer Research Programme’ (SRP).

Running over eight weeks from 10 May to 2 July, the programme is open to undergraduate students from local, regional, and international universities.

The Summer Research Programme will support Qatar Foundation’s overarching goal of unlocking human potential, and fulfilling the Qatar Nation Vision 2030 by transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy. QBRI’s work fulfils QF’s mission to develop sciences in different medical fields in order to promote a culture of excellence in Qatar and the region, and innovate and build capacity to highlight Qatar’s role as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation. 

Dr. Hilal Lashuel, QBRI Executive Director, said: "Sharing the excitement of discovery and biomedical research is fundamental for QBRI and preparing the next generation of scientists is at the core of our mission."

“Our ultimate goal is to develop this initiative into an international summer programme that will attract outstanding students from all over the world to QBRI and introduce them to the exciting research programmes and scientific opportunities in the State of Qatar.”

Lina Hassna, QBRI – SRP Programme Manager,  added: The ‘Summer Research Programme’ will give the selected students the chance to work side-by-side with some of QBRI scientists in a dedicated environment.

“Through this particular initiative, the participants will be able to broaden their knowledge, learn new skills and explore their scientific interests and career options. It is also a chance for participants to interact and network with other students who have an interest in research. Additionally, by facilitating this process, QBRI is contributing to capacity building and promoting cross –institutional collaborations.” 

Each participant will be matched with a research project based on the student’s background and area of interest, providing each of them with a unique opportunity for hands-on laboratory research experience under the supervision of QBRI experts. The research projects will address a variety of biomedical subjects including: Type II diabetes, cancer and stem cell development.

The students will also participate in a series of weekly seminars, workshops and informal discussions on the latest advances in diabetes, cancer, genomics and neuroscience research with members of the scientific community at QBRI and other biomedical research institutions in Qatar. Following the conclusion of the Research Programme, the students will give an oral and poster presentation on their projects to their peers.