QSTP partners with Italian bioscientists

An education and research agreement was formed in Rome today between Qatar Science & Technology Park and Biogem, an Italian biotech consortium.

In the first phase of collaboration graduate students from Qatar University will undertake a Masters program in biotechnology conducted by Biogem. The program focuses on "green biotech": applying biosciences to the environment and developing products from natural sources. The program will commence in January 2009.

In the second phase joint research projects will be established between scientists in Italy and Qatar. Projects could include studying the pharmaceutical properties of plants indigenous to Qatar such as the Sidra tree (ziziphus spina-christi). The projects will be principally funded by QSTP.

Present at the announcement in Rome were Dr. Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of Qatar Science & Technology Park, and Senator Prof. Ortensio Zecchino, Chairman of Biogem.

"We are looking to build completely new knowledge-based industries in Qatar, especially in bioscience, and we can really accelerate this by working with Biogem's scientists" said Maini. "Italy has some of the world's top biotech researchers and there is tremendous value in linking them with our bright young scientists to study Qatar's vegetation."

Dr. Sheikha Al Missned, President of Qatar University, stated:

"International collaborations are central to our strategy for building Qatar University's research programs. Partnering with Biogem and QSTP means we can rapidly develop our young scientists while also becoming a biotech resource for other organisations in Qatar."

Biogem is a non-profit Italian consortium in biology and molecular genetics. It is involved in research and education, while also providing services to biological industry.

"Today's agreement between Biogem and QSTP symbolises the transfer of Italian science to the world" said Zecchino of Biogem. "Qatar is a serious partner for research and education and we look forward to building Qatar's biotechnology sector together."

Dr. Hamda Al Naemi, Head of Qatar University's Biological & Environmental Sciences Department, stated "Under the new direction of the department bioscience and the environment have emerged as priority areas. We are excited to be working with Biogem because it puts some of the world's best biotechnology in the hands of our researchers, while also training Qatar's coming generation of bioscientists."