Qatar University (QU)'s Laboratory Animal Research Center (LARC) conducted a comprehensive seminar focused on the ethical and humane use of laboratory animals in scientific research. The event, which was part of the university's specialized professional training initiatives under the Research and Graduate Studies Sector, took place at the Research Complex.
Dr. Hamda Al-Naemi, Founder and Director of LARC, opened the seminar by outlining the basic principles that guide ethical research practices on laboratory animals, and provided a brief overview of LARC as a distinguished scientific edifice that allows all researchers in Qatar in related fields to benefit from the center's capabilities.
Dr. Mohammed Amara, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the College of Medicine and Head of Research Ethics and Integrity at the Research and Graduate Studies at QU, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining high ethical standards and regulatory compliance within laboratory environments. He outlined the essential requirements for ensuring responsible research practices.
Dr. Vijay Kanth, an attending veterinarian at LARC, presented an overview of the various types of experimental animals used as models in diverse scientific studies, underscoring their significance in advancing medical and biological research. Meanwhile, Dr. Zafer Mallouche, Professor of Statistics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, discussed the essential role of using statistics to design experiments before starting to prepare scientific protocols.
The seminar concluded with Dr. Hamda Abu Jassoum, Research Assistant Professor at LARC, who provided guidance on the process of publishing animal research in peer-reviewed journals, offering valuable insights for researchers aiming to disseminate their findings effectively.
The event fostered an engaging dialogue and provided an excellent platform for researchers, students, and faculty members to engage about the necessity of prioritizing animal welfare while advancing scientific knowledge.