Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy

Doha, January 11 (QNA) - Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, will jointly organise the Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy, due to open in Doha next month. Renowned scientists and experts from leading international and regional research and medical institutions will join key ethicists and policymakers in Doha on Feb.27 to April 01 for the Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy. The conference will feature discussions on the latest in stem cell research, its applications for developing new therapeutic approaches for a variety of diseases, and policy options available within cultural, ethical, and religious parameters. The deadline for submitting abstracts to present at the conference is Sunday, January 15, with the conference itself scheduled for February 27 through March 1 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. QF’s President of Research and Development Faisal Mohammed Al-Suwaidi commented, "Stem cell science offers a large number of potential applications, including the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, as well as infectious and neurodegenerative diseases." "Qatar has one of the most permissible policies on stem cell research, in line with Islamic ethics, and this conference will provide a unique platform at the convergence of science, ethics and policy where scientists and experts from Qatar and around the world can exchange ideas on the latest developments in stem cell research," added Al-Suwaidi. The Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy is the culmination of a series of initiatives led by QF to develop stem cell research in Qatar and the region. Through its partnership with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, QF opened up a dialogue in the Middle East on the ethical and religious perspectives related to stem cell research for the first time in 2009. Later that year, senior Islamic scholars from across the Arab world met in a separate session that ultimately issued a fatwa permitting the use of embryonic stem cells for research and therapy, and emphasizing the importance of stem cell research in the region a breakthrough in the field. A public forum in May 2010 engaged the Qatar community in a discussion with scientists, ethicists, policymakers and Islamic scholars to clear misconceptions among the public about stem cell research. "As we explore new and developing areas in science research, we must simultaneously examine the ethics and develop the policies that guide that research, particularly in controversial areas like stem cell research," said Dr. Khalid Al-Subai, QF s Director of Research Coordination and Compliance. "Through conferences such as this one, Qatar Foundation connects policy and science in an international context, while promoting stronger avenues for cooperation and advancement in medical science and science-based policy," added Dr. Al-Subai. The Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy is part of the joint International Program on Stem Cell Science Policy developed by Qatar Foundation and James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. The aim of this program is to develop stem cell research in Qatar as well as to find ways to address the shared challenges of community support for stem cell research in Doha and Houston. To accomplish this goal, the program has supported several events since its inception, including meetings, workshops, and training programs in Doha and Houston. For his part, Kirstin Matthews, Fellow in Science and Technology and Director of the Baker Institute International Stem Cell Policy Program at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, commented, "The Baker Institute has been honored to partner with Qatar Foundation in developing the program for the stem cell conference as well as the workshop in 2009." "Research in Qatar has expanded since the 2009 event and will continue to under the leadership of Qatar Foundation. The 2012 stem cell conference is a step towards showing the world some of the science that is taking place in Qatar and building future scientific collaborations," added Matthews. (QNA)