The Centre of Arab for Genetic Studies (CAGS), a division of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, participated in the 8th Kuwait International Genetics Conference (KIGC), which lasted from 11th to 13th October 2022 in Kuwait.
Sami Bizzari, Researcher at CAGS, stated: “This participation came as a continuation of the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, of the need to strengthen ways of cooperation with organizations concerned with laying the foundations for sustainable development inside and outside the United Arab Emirates.”
He also stressed on the importance of participating in such events that provide the latest details from key regional research projects that would benefit healthcare within the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Laila Bastaki, Director of the Kuwait Medical Genetics Centre (KMGC), and Member of CAGS’ Arab council and President of the Conference said “The past two years have brought upon us unprecedented times of uncertainty and difficulty. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested us as both doctors and community members. More than ever, the importance of maintaining a medical community is of utmost importance.”
“This is an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with other members of the genetics, medical and bioinformatics communities."
International, regional, and local speakers gathered to provide the latest insights into genomics research and therapies. Keynote lectures included precision health in cancer in the genomics era by Prof. Maurizio Genuardi; disease-modifying therapies and management for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Dr. Andoni Urtizberea; as well as a talk on the Qatar genome ‘from basic research to clinical implementation’, by Dr. Said Ismail.
General topics from the 8th KIGC covered new-born and premarital screening as well as reproductive and clinical genetics. More specific topics involved neurogenetics, with a focus on neuromuscular genetics and therapy, as well as genomics in the region. Complex clinical cases and an update of research data from the KMGC were showcased throughout the congress, which also hosted poster sessions and a large exhibition with various sponsors. The conference ended with junior talks showcasing recent research performed by the young talent at the KMGC.
