Sidra to host inaugural MENA ART meet
Doha
Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, will host its inaugural MENA ART (Advanced Research Technologies for Personalized Medicine) conference on May 18 and 19.
MENA ART will bring together leading scientists, clinicians, and industry experts from around the world to explore how flow cytometry and optical microscopy are shaping the future of precision medicine.
The theme of the conference, 'Innovation in Flow Cytometry and Optical Microscopy', will highlight how these technologies are transforming disease diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and the development of targeted therapies. It aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and showcase pioneering research that is changing the landscape of healthcare.
Dr Giusy Gentilcore, Manager of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility at Sidra Medicine and co-chair of MENA ART 2025, said: 'Flow cytometry and Optical Microscopy are at the heart of many breakthroughs in immunology and personalised medicine. At MENA ART 2025, we are bringing together global experts to showcase how this powerful technology advances our understanding of diseases and improves patient outcomes. The hands-on workshops are a highlight, providing participants with the practical skills needed to maximise the impact of their research.'
The conference will feature expert-led sessions on cutting-edge applications across cancer biology, immunology, small particles, digital pathology, and translational medicine. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in high-throughput imaging, spatial proteomics, and single-cell analysis.
Flow cytometry is a powerful tool that enables rapid, high-dimensional cell analysis, supporting breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutic innovation. Whereas optical microscopy provides detailed views into cellular structures and biological processes, allowing scientists to visualise disease mechanisms, track treatment responses, and drive discovery at the molecular level.
Dr Abbirami Sathappan, Lead of the Advanced Imaging Core at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The MENA ART 2025 conference represents a unique platform for researchers, clinicians, and technology leaders to exchange ideas and explore the latest innovations in imaging. By focusing on the real-world impact of optical microscopy in diagnostics and translational research, we aim to drive meaningful conversations that inspire collaboration and accelerate scientific progress in the region and beyond.'
In addition to the main conference, Sidra Medicine will host the region's first hands-on workshop of its kind from May 20–22, offering participants an immersive experience in flow cytometry and optical microscopy
technologies.
Led by expert instructors from around the world, the workshop will feature high-end demo equipment alongside cutting-edge platforms from our own laboratories. Participants will gain direct, practical training in data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation, building essential skills to advance precision medicine research.
The MENA ART conference highlights Sidra Medicine's role in advancing precision medicine through research, innovation and collaboration.
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Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, offers a specialised eating disorders clinic within its Adolescent Medicine programme to support children and young people, aged 8 to 17. The institution said the clinic plays a vital role in addressing a growing health concern by providing holistic, multidisciplinary care tailored to the complex physical and mental health needs of adolescents. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including pediatricians, psychologists, dietitians, and social workers. The team is trained in gold-standard therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders and Family-Based Therapy, the statement read. It further added that the clinic provides diagnosis and management for conditions such as Anorexia Nervosa (restrictive and binge-purge types), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and co-occurring mental health challenges. page 3
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