In line with its mission to provide essential education and research training to specialized healthcare professionals, the College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently organized a symposium on the use of single-cell genomics in precision medicine. 

Taking place on October 17, Single-Cell Genomics in Precision Medicine highlighted various single-cell aspects by genomic tools and explored potential clinical research in this field. Particular attention was paid to the clinical application of single-cell sequencing technologies in neurological and inflammatory diseases. Participants from across Qatar’s health sector are expected to put several key learning outcomes into practice. These include the ability to illustrate how single-cell research improves understanding of disease pathogenesis and the future of relevant sequencing applications in clinical practice and other healthcare settings.

Accredited by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners, Single-Cell Genomics in Precision Medicine was an excellent opportunity for participants to gain high-level insights and engage with prominent experts in this field. International perspectives were provided by Dr. Mickaël Ménager and Dr. Antonio Rausell from the Paris-based Imagine Institute, and Dr. Antoine-Emmanuel Saliba, a group leader with the Helmholtz Institute for the RNA-based Infection Research at Germany’s University of Würzburg. HBKU was represented by Dr. Nady El Hajj, Assistant Professor of Genomics and Precision Medicine at CHLS, and Dr. Lawrence Walter Stanton, Director of the Neurological Disorders Research Center at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute.

Speaking after the symposium, Dr. Ayman Al Haj Zen , Chair of Continuing Professional Development Committee, Assistant Professor of biological and biomedical sciences at CHLS, said: “Partnerships are key to harnessing the full potential of single-cell genomics in precision medicine, and few organizations offer the same level of knowledge as the Helmholtz Institute and Imagine Institute. That’s why it was such a privilege to host experts from two of the leading lights in this discipline. Their presence at this symposium also demonstrates that Qatar is fully committed to forging its own path in single-cell genomics. For its part, the CHLS remains at the ready to provide healthcare professionals working in this field with high-quality research and expert-level advice.”

For more information on the work of the College of Health and Life Sciences, please visit https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/chls