As part of continuous efforts to distinguish its graduates and enhance their research and scientific skills, the Qatar University (QU) Young Scientists Center (YSC) provided student Sarah Abu Al-Ela the opportunity to share her research experience at the Saudi International Pharmaceutical Sciences Conference (SIPHA) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Sarah Abu Al-Ela was nominated, after winning first place in the second cycle of the National Science Research Promotion Program (NSPP). The NSPP is one of the most important programs offered by the YSC in cooperation with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPRGS). It aims to provide an opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to explore the world of research and innovation and to strengthen their creative and leadership skills, in addition to supporting and empowering youth in STEM.

Through the SIPHA conference, Sarah Abu Al-Ela presented a research poster on a research project entitled “A novel treatment for sepsis-induced cardiac inflammation,” under the supervision of Dr. Zaid Hussein Hasan Alma’ayah from QU’s College of Pharmacy. The research focused on developing a new treatment for cardiac inflammation resulting from sepsis, a critical medical condition that is one of the world’s biggest health challenges due to the limitation of available treatment options. Her participation in the conference is evidence to the distinguished level of scientific research presented by researchers at QU.

The conference is also an opportunity to present her research results at the international level and to learn about the latest developments and medical solutions that help in the growth of the health care sector. Sarah expressed, “My participation in this event was an enriching experience where I had the opportunity to present our research project and discuss the scientific procedures and results we have reached, in addition to learning about scientific developments and valuable information shared by experts in the field of pharmacy. This would not have been possible without the continuous support of the NSPP team, which qualified me to participate in this conference.”

Prof. Noora Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the Center for the YSC, emphasized the center's continuous commitment to cultivating in students the essential qualities of creativity, research, lifelong learning, and awareness of national and international issues using various modern methodologies. Prof. Noora highlighted the critical role that continuous learning and diverse experiences, encompassing research, seminars, and conferences, play in nurturing the skills that empower students to realize their aspirations and elevate their ideas to a level of sophistication that exerts a tangible impact on society and the world.