Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine has announced the full roster of partners, sponsors, and innovators participating in the Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG) Summit, scheduled for December 2-4, 2025, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The summit aims to showcase advancements in precision medicine and its potential to revolutionize healthcare. This year’s event builds on eleven years of scientific discovery and innovation in the field, bringing together global experts to Qatar.
The PMFG Summit will feature collaboration with key organizations, including the Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Mass General Brigham Hospital (MGB). These partnerships are expected to drive discussion and progress in applying genomic data to improve patient outcomes.
The Growing Importance of Precision Medicine
Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, represents a shift in healthcare from a one-size-fits-all approach to tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. This includes considering their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. The field has gained significant momentum in recent years due to advances in genomic sequencing and data analytics.
According to Sidra Medicine’s Chief Research Officer, Prof. Khalid Fakhro, the summit highlights cutting-edge research and advances in healthcare technologies and clinical implementation. He emphasized the event’s role in bringing global expertise to the region for collaborative exploration of innovative approaches.
Key Partnerships and Their Roles
The Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) will serve as a core partner, bringing its focus on integrating data, genomics, and technology to the summit. Dr. Emmanouil Dermitzakis, President of QPHI, stated that their collaboration with Sidra Medicine demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing precision health at both individual and population levels.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) will underscore the role of digital infrastructure in facilitating genomic research. Eman Al Kuwari, Director of the Digital Innovation Department at MCIT, indicated that the ministry views the summit as an opportunity to showcase how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing can accelerate progress in precision medicine.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Mass General Brigham Hospital (MGB) will contribute as Knowledge Partners, sharing their experience and expertise in clinical applications of genomics. They are expected to present case studies and best practices in areas such as pediatric oncology and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil, Scientific Outreach and Business Development Chair for the PMFG Summit 2025, explained the focus on infrastructure building, including securing sponsorships and launching a Startups Hub. This hub is designed to provide a platform for entrepreneurs and researchers to display their work and facilitate the translation of innovative ideas into tangible real-world applications.
The increasing availability of affordable genomic sequencing has been a key factor driving the growth of precision medicine. However, challenges remain in areas such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and the integration of genomic information into electronic health records. The summit is anticipated to address these critical issues.
Qatar, through initiatives like the PMFG Summit and the work of Sidra Medicine and QPHI, is positioning itself as a regional leader in biotechnology and precision health. The country’s investment in research and development alongside digital infrastructure is designed to attract international collaboration and foster local innovation.
Following the summit, organizers are expected to publish a summary of key findings and recommendations. Stakeholders will be watching for any concrete announcements regarding new research collaborations or policy changes designed to support the wider adoption of precision medicine within Qatar’s healthcare system. The long-term impact of the event will depend on the continued investment in genomic technologies and the successful translation of research findings into improved clinical practice.
