In the wake of the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), which has spread globally at an unprecedented rate, overwhelmed healthcare systems and claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands, the outbreak has left a trail of unanswered questions, particularly for those working in the health and science fields. But most research into the virus focuses on the non-communicable variety.
Hadi M. Yassine says that the infectious diseases division at Qatar University’s Biomedical Research Center (BRC), however, takes a holistic approach. Dr Yassine, a virologist by training, is the center’s research projects manager and an associate professor of infectious diseases. The research in his division ranges from basic virology and viral immunology to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and genetic markers for resistance to disease. Various teams are looking at the source, spread and nature of diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, food-borne viruses and coronaviruses – including, most recently, the Sars-CoV-2 strain that sparked the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many of these areas have typically been under-researched in Qatar, says Dr. Yassine. “We try to do research not only according to our interests as principal investigators, but we also try to serve the community in Qatar.” The center often works with government bodies, including the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), as well as healthcare providers to fill research gaps.
“I’m really interested in understanding viral infections – in particular, I want to understand the evolution of Covid-19,” Dr. Yassine says.
