Café Scientific at the Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar (ADLQ) in Aspire Zone recently hosted a forum on the topic ‘Nature versus nurture’.
The event gathered scientists, physicians, lawyers, football coaches, talent scouts, and members of the public and engaged participants in the genes versus environment debate to determine whether a person’s skills are inborn or shaped by experience.
Dr Mohamed al-Maadheed, chairman of ADLQ Board of Trustees, opened the discussion by giving examples of class systems based on a division of selected talents, identical twins, and his sons, who may share the same or similar genes but grew up with different skills and characters, depending on their environments both at home and in their peer group. 
Dr Mohamed Alsayrafi, ADLQ general manager, said the audience differentiated genetics and behaviour, which he said “maybe less related, as opposed to genetics and physical performance, where the genetic component may be stronger”. 
During the forum, some of the participants argued that genes determine strengths and potentials such as individuals with a great memory for detail. “In such cases, environment had little or no impact at all,” the participants said.
Other participants argued that “relating everything to genes and inborn capabilities was flawed, and more importantly could disturb the balance of life and does not allow for development of the society as a whole.”