• 1/14/2015
    Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), formalizing an agreement that will see both entities harness their combined medical research capabilities. 

    The agreement will also further enhance an environment in which clinical discoveries will be translated into practical applications for the benefit of patients more quickly.

    The MoU was signed by HMC’s Managing Director, Hanan Al Kuwari, PhD and QBRI Executive Director, Dr. Hilal Lashuel. The new agreement will boost the resources of existing research teams studying health problems like diabetes, cancer, degenerative diseases and genetic disorders and pave the way for new research studies. 

    The MoU is expected to lead to further development of a skilled national healthcare workforce, providing numerous career and professional development opportunities for clinicians, researchers and faculty.

    Dr. Al Kuwari said the agreement emphasizes HMC’s and QBRI’s dedication to improving patient outcomes through research and innovation. “HMC and QBRI have shown a commitment to fostering a culture of translational research and evidenced-based care, which will ultimately lead to better overall patient outcomes across Qatar,” said Al Kuwari. 

    “Combining the talents of both entities on joint projects is logical and consolidates the academic health expertise within the country’s medical community,” she added.

    Dr. Lashuel said the initiative was demonstrative of the country’s strengthening scientific and medical research capabilities. 

    “This agreement is a catalyst for cutting-edge biomedical research, which is an essential element in today’s complex and evolving healthcare landscape. It reinforces Qatar’s position as a regional leader in biomedical research and scientific discovery,” said Dr. Lashuel.

    HMC’s Chief of Scientific, Faculty, and Academic Affairs and chief policy advisor on academic health, Professor Edward Hillhouse said the agreement allows for the cross-appointed QBRI faculty to work closely with HMC clinicians and researchers.
    “Under the linked agreement, it provides access to HMC’s state-of-the-art research facilities. Reciprocally, cross-appointed clinicians from HMC will engage in basic and translational research activities at QBRI, in support of clinical enterprise at HMC,” said Prof. Hillhouse.

    QBRI is the newest member of Qatar’s Academic Health System, a dynamic collaborative partnership of eight organizations that draws together Qatar’s leading healthcare, academic and research entities towards improving patient care and delivering innovative healthcare solutions.