Genome research consortium launched

Qatar Genome Programme pilot phase research consortium (QGPRC) was launched on Thursday and it’s the largest genomic research network assembled in Qatar.
The consortium includes more than 90 investigators representing Qatar Biobank, (QBB), Qatar Genome Programme (QGP), Sidra , Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Qatar University, along with their international collaborators.
The investigators will work on exploring the huge genotypic and phenotypic data sets produced by QBB and QGP in an effort to determine the main features of the Qatari genome map.
“We are here to mark this important milestone which aims to foster a genomic research network working towards the implementation of precision medicine in Qatar. Being a national programme, we have worked hard in the Qatar Genome programme research consortium to include and involve different resources and expertise from different entities and organisations for this purpose,” said Dr Asmaa Al Thani, Chair of QBB and Chairperson of QGP.
“As we all know, population-based studies are of high importance to help health professionals and researchers chart a roadmap for treatment through personalised medicine. We are launching this consortium network to use large data sets collected at Qatar Biobank, and the Qatar Genome programme and give scientists a unique insights into the Qatari genome,” she said at the launch of QGPRC held at the Qatar Foundation Headquarters.
QGP is one of the leading national genome programmes both regionally and globally. Approaching the end of its pilot phase, the programme is achieving important landmark based on its comprehensive plan, which extends beyond whole genome sequencing to include human capacity building, drafting policies and regulations, gauging and raising public awareness, in addition to leveraging genomic research in Qatar which was highlighted during the event.
“Qatar Genome Programme is not just about sequencing, it has seven building blocks which are national Biobank, building research partnerships, human capacity, putting regulations and policies that will regulate genomic research in Qatar, genomics infrastructure, national information systems, integration of clinical setting,” said Dr Said Ismail, Programme Manager, QGP.
“In human capacity we hope in the near future to launch MSC programmes in collaboration with Hamad bin Khalifa University (Masters in Genomics Medicine) and Qatar University (Masters in Genetic Counseling). Besides, we are also holding internships, workshops and conferences…….For regulations and policies, we are working closely with the Ministry of Public Health to draft a national policy that will represent an umbrella of national genomics in Qatar,” he added.
QGP has three phases and its two year pilot phase is expected to end by June this year and sequence around 6000 whole genomes.