WCM-Q Offers Qatari Students the Chance to Work With World-Class Scientists

Qatari high school and college students with a passion for science are invited to apply for an internship at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q), a leading biomedical research institution.

WCM-Q launched its biomedical research program in 2009, focusing on diseases prevalent in the Arabian Gulf like diabetes and obesity. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, with its researchers publishing more than 800 scientific papers in some of the world’s leading research journals.

Qatari high school and college students are invited to apply for a summer internship in the college’s laboratories as part of WCM-Q’s outreach programs and its ambition under the Qatar Foundation umbrella to increase local, homegrown research capacity in Qatar.

Yassir Hussain, assistant director of research training and outreach, said the internships are a great opportunity for young people considering a career in the sciences: “The training programs offer students the chance to learn key research skills and to work alongside professional scientists to tackle major real-life issues of high significance. WCM-Q is part of Cornell University an Ivy League school, and for Qatari nationals these internships are a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and take the first step towards a career as scientists.”

WCM-Q’s Research Internship for National High School Students is offered as a two-week or four-week program that earns participants 50 to 100 volunteer hours.

The Research Internship for National College Students runs for either four or eight weeks and teaches both laboratory skills and research management skills. Both internships are part of the Biomedical Research Training Programs for Qataris.

Dr. Khaled Machaca, associate dean for research at WCM-Q, said the internships offered valuable work experience: “Qatar aims to diversify its economy away from a dependence on hydrocarbons towards a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. The country is fast-becoming a scientific and educational hub in the region and Weill Cornell is contributing significantly to these efforts in the biomedical sciences, by sharing our expertise and creating the next generation of physicians and researchers.”

To apply or for more information about the Research Internship for National High School Students or the Research Internship for National College Students please visit https://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/research/research-training-programs/overview.