The Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), started the IBRO-MENA-QBRI Annual Neuroscience Symposium yesterday. Held in collaboration with the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO), the event speakers and panellists concentrate on the topics of autism, neurodegeneration, and epilepsy.
From December 19 to 22, QBRI will also host the IBRO-MENA Neuroscience School, an event that complements the Neuroscience Symposium that will bring clinicians and researchers to Qatar for study course titled “Epilepsy: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Therapy”. At the “School” experts from QBRI, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar and  Hamad Medical Corporation will share insight and analysis on the latest research on epilepsy with students from across the Mena region.
The Annual Neuroscience Symposium has been organised annually since 2011 as a way to bring leading researchers in the field of neuroscience. Last year was the first time the event took place in Qatar. IBRO and QBRI jointly established the IBRO MENA sub-regional headquarters in Qatar earlier this year, with QBRI designated as the permanent host organisation for future events.
Dr Hilal Lashuel, executive director of QBRI and chair of IBRO MENA, commented  “Hosting the neuroscience symposium in Qatar is an honour and provides an opportunity for those working in the field of neuroscience regionally to interact and engage with specialists from around the world in order to continue to build knowledge and expertise.”
To coincide with the IBRO MENA symposium and school, QBRI has been holding a Brain Awareness Week. Several events have been held at schools, pre-school centres, and at Villaggio Mall.