Qatar University’s (QU) Biomedical Research Center (BRC) concluded the First International Biomaterials Conference in Qatar, titled “Biomaterial, Biosensor and Microfluidics Technologies for Medical Applications.” The event took place at QU’s Research Complex from 6-7 May 2023.
Biomaterials is a very popular research area that covers a variety of topics such as tissue engineering, implants, nanomedicine, biosensors, and lab-on-a-chip / organ-on-a-chip applications. The conference was funded through Conference and Workshop Sponsorship (CWSP) program from Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) under Qatar Research Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council. In addition, to the generous support from QU. The event was organized in collaboration with QU’s scientific journal, Emergent Materials published by Springer, in which the conference was accredited for health professionals under CPD-QU Health with 13 credit hours.
The objective of this conference was to enhance biomaterial research and entrepreneurship in critically important areas by bringing world-class academicians, scientists, and clinicians to the nation to present their cutting-edge biomaterials research. The event successfully attracted more than 200 attendees including QU students, researchers, and faculty as well as other education and research institutions in the nation such as Hamad bin Khalifa University and Texas A&M in Qatar. Several health care professionals from Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medicine also attended the event. There were 34 podium presentations from local institutions as well as from prestigious international institutions from the US, Germany, UK, UAE, Turkey, Thailand, India, Egypt, North Macedonia, and Iran.
Prof. Mariam Al Maadeed, QU’s Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, stated in her welcoming speech, “Investing in this area in terms of knowledge and technology development is a cornerstone for Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and I believe this conference will contribute to advancing biomaterial field in the nation. Sessions were delivered by both local and international experts, which will facilitate the formation of research collaborations and enhance biomaterial research in the university. As a co-chief editor for QU’s Emergent Material Journal, published by Springer. I would like to announce that a special Biomaterials Issue is planned for conference lectures. We always welcome high quality Biomaterials papers to the journal.”
Prof. Asmaa Ali J F Al-Thani, Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences and Director of the Biomedical Research Center, stated, “Despite the substantial benefits such as high clinical translation potential, there is still a scarcity of medical applications with biomaterials. We have been increasing our investment in science and research at the university, which resulted in Qatar University being ranked 208th in QS World University Ranking and second in the Arab World. We are happy and proud to host this high-level scientific event in our institution as an example of the rich research culture in the university. We are committed to investing in science, research, and development in critical biomedical areas such as biomaterials.”
In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Omar M. Aboumarzouk, Vice-Chair of Surgery for Research, Head of the Surgical Research Section, Hamad Medical Corporation elegantly explained the importance of biomaterials in medical practice and demonstrated relevant research and medical practice at HMC.
During the event, Dr. Parakalan Krishnamachari, RDI Senior Scientific Expert, from Qatar National Research Fund explained the impact of QNRF funding programs in the nation emphasizing the importance of international research collaboration through programs such as CWSP.
Dr. Parakalan stated, “At QRDI, we are dedicated to supporting cutting-edge research and development that has the potential to make a real difference in people's lives. Biomaterials are an important area of focus as they have the potential to transform health care, agriculture, energy, and many other fields. The conference provided a valuable platform for researchers, academics, and industry professionals to share their latest findings and discuss emerging trends in biomaterials research.”
Dr. Huseyin Yalcin from the Biomedical Research Center (BRC) added, “We hope our efforts will contribute to the scientific growth of the nation. We would like to thank all our sponsors, Qatar National Research Fund, Qatar University, and Emergent Materials Journal for providing their generous support and Biomedical Research Center for professional organization. We are very pleased to successfully complete this event and will continue our efforts to advance science in the nation.”
Please find more information about the conference by clicking here.
Qatar University's scientific journal Emergent Materials can be accessed by clicking here.