ROME: Researchers from Italy and Qatar could soon be working together to explore pharmaceutical uses of desert plants. An education and research agreement was signed in Rome yesterday between Qatar Science & Technology Park and Biogem (QSTP), an Italian biotech consortium. In the first phase of collaboration, graduate students from the Qatar University will undertake a Masters programme in biotechnology conducted by Biogem. The programme focuses on “green biotech”: applying biosciences to the environment and developing products from natural sources. The programme will commence in next month and in the second phase joint research projects will be established between scientists in Italy and Qatar. Projects could include studying the pharmaceutical properties of plants indigenous to Qatar such as the Sidra tree (ziziphus spina-christi). http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=December2008&file=Local_News200812176531.xml

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar