Two of the world’s leading geneticists and Nobel Laureates, will discuss the advancements of stem cell therapy at the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference (ARC’13) to organised on November 24-25 by the Qatar Foundation Research and Development and its research institutes. During the ARC’13, to be held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, national stakeholders, local organisations and international partners will be informed about Qatar’s latest research initiatives through networking sessions that will help facilitate knowledge transfer. Attendees will be granted access to poster sessions as well as exhibition stands showcasing the progress of Qatar’s research efforts. Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) advisory board member Sir Martin John Evans and Kyoto University Centre for iPS Cell Research and Application director Prof Shinya Yamanaka, were each awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, in 2007 and 2012 respectively, for their breakthrough research in stem cells. Prof Yamanaka, who received the award for discovering how to re-programme mature cells to become pluripotent, will take part in a panel discussion entitled: ‘Facing the Challenges - International Experiences and Qatar’s Opportunities’, during the opening plenary of this year’s ARC’13. Both Prof Yamanaka and Sir Evans, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contributions towards the discovery of principles for the introduction of specific gene modifications in mice through the use of embryonic stem cells, will participate in a debate titled: ‘Stem Cells and Gene Therapies: Promises and Challenges’ on the second day of the conference. QBRI is a principal constituent of Qatar Foundation Research and Development and will lead the discussions as well as other health deliberations at the conference. QBRI executive director Dr Abdelali Haoudi expressed his delight at the calibre of researchers attending the event saying: “The number of international, regional and local leading experts taking part in the Annual Research Conference will once again shed light on Qatar’s thriving research landscape and showcase the activities of top scientists here in Qatar.” “Our institute was established to tackle diseases such as diabetes and cancer through five research laboratories and two research centres, including the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre. QBRI engages an innovative multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on the major diseases affecting the country such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer,” he emphasised. http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/371143/top-genetists-for-research-conference

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