The Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) recently concluded its second summer internship programme.
The three-week internship, hosting a combination of biomedical and law graduates from Qatar University (QU), was aimed at developing students’ research skills and industry knowledge.
The programme was designed to help interns improve their teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
In addition, it provided them with comprehensive insights into the genomic research scene in Qatar, with a focus on the importance of the ethico-legal issues related to the field.
Dr Asma al-Thani, chair of Qatar Genome Programme Committee, said the internship has been greatly beneficial to the interns who have gained an in-depth understanding of genomic research in Qatar.
Genomics and Genomic medicine are fast becoming a leading branch of medicine and therefore it is important that future researchers and practitioners are introduced to the latest industry developments, she pointed out.
“For new graduates and aspiring practitioners, knowing how to conduct vital genomic research and thoroughly understand the ethico-legal issues in particular, is highly important. We will continue to work with this group and other aspiring youth to build their careers in genomic research in Qatar,” Dr Asma added.
Dr Said Ismail, manager of QGP, said the students learnt a great deal about genomics and the relevant ethical aspects of the field as part of their studies at Qatar University, and the internship provided them with an ideal chance to put their learnings into practice by gaining a wider perspective of the industry.
“Our experts who have served as mentors to these students offered them valuable insights into various aspects of the field, including clinical application of genomics, genomic research, and ethical and legal matters around this field in Qatar.”
The participants, who have biomedical and law backgrounds, were selected from a pool of recent QU graduates through a competitive application process.