Apply Now 
Dr. Walid Qoronfleh, Director of Biotechnology Development at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), one of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) three research institutes, has given the keynote speechat the 4th International Workshop on Food and Brain Health at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman.
The two-day eventwas jointly organized by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and the Ageing and Dementia Research Group (ADRG);under the patronage of Her Highness Dr. Mona bintFahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at SQU.
Leading international researchers and experts from around the world gathered in Muscat to discuss the impact of nutrition on the brain, sharing their research findings on various topics relating to food and brain health, and how their impact can be examined in modern-day society.
Representing HBKU, Dr. Qoronflehpresented his keynote address on the topic ofwhere memory resides and what influences it. Dr. Qoronflehlinked food choice and diet to memory, arguing that a healthy and balanced diet contributes to diverse gut bacteria. His presentation is furthered by recent research being conducted, which establishes links between the bacteria and the brain, suggesting an existence of bacterial memory.
Dr. Qoronfleh said: “I was honored to be invited as keynote speaker for this event. The impact of food choice and diet is often examined in the research community through the lens of obesity and its effect on our bodies. While that certainly is important, it is equally as important to investigate the impact of food and gut bacteria on the health of our brain, and how it is translated into human behavior.”
Dr. Qoronfleh has more than 20 years of experience in biotechnology, with a research interest in medical microbiology, biotechnology and diagnostics, and healthcare. He is also a member of the Arab Expatriate Scientists group in Qatar, and helped co-author the document for establishing QBRI.
To find out more information about QBRI and its research, please visit www.qbri.org.qa/.