JORDANIAN INNOVATOR DEDICATES STARS OF SCIENCE VICTORY TO THOSE WHO LOST LIVES TO CANCER
Doha, Qatar, 21 November 2016 – The winner of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Stars of Science (SOS) TV show has dedicated his victory in season eight of the programme to all the lives that have been lost to cancer and to those currently in treatment.
Medical researcher Sadeem Qdaisat was named the Arab world’s top innovator in the thrilling finale of Stars of Science on MBC4 on Saturday night. Sadeem said he is hugely grateful for the level of support he received from QF throughout the programme, and in particular from specialists at Sidra Medical and Research Center (Sidra) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Sadeem’s winning innovation, ‘GenomiQ’, which aims to eliminate human error and significantly cut down on the time needed to test genetic samples through an automated process, earned him a winning score of 36.8% in a combined jury and public vote, and a prize of $300,000 USD in seed funding.
“This means we’re ready to help cancer patients; to ease their pain and to provide them with better results,” said the 28-year-old PhD candidate from Jordan. “I’m dedicating this win to all the lives that have been lost to cancer, and I promise to continue to fight for everyone still in treatment and with diagnoses.”
Since 2009, Stars of Science has served as a platform for young people across the Arab region and beyond to solve regional problems, supported by the resources of QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QTSP) and many other prominent institutions within Qatar.
Sadeem, who first presented his automated genetic testing idea in SOS season six, said: “Qatar came up time-and-again as a go-to destination for innovation support when I began looking for mentoring and backing.” The young scientist said he has been hugely impressed by the “can do” attitude at QF, and said he feels particularly grateful to Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, QF, whom he met with other SOS finalists and alumni in the run up to the show’s finale.
“You can tell, from the very senior figures at QF right through the organisation, that their sole purpose is to help communities, and that they’re prepared to go that extra mile to ensure they achieve this. You just don’t see that anywhere else.”
The young entrepreneur said he had always wanted ‘GenomiQ’ to be an Arab invention, supported by companies and institutions in the Middle East. “My ambition now is to build five devices and get them into hospitals in the Middle East, Europe and the US. I’ve been approached by a lot of companies, and the affiliation with Qatar Foundation has opened many doors for me. Developing a prototype like this is about connecting with people who believe in the idea, and QF has helped enormously in this area.”
Following his win, Sadeem sent a message of encouragement to all young people watching: “You are the future of our region and our world. Have confidence in your abilities, don’t be afraid to take the road less travelled, believe in the power of education and seize any opportunity you have to make your dream a reality.”
Innovators interested in entering Stars of Science Season 9 still have time, with online applications closing on 1 December. Aspiring candidates from around the region are encouraged to apply via the official Stars of Science website: www.starsofscience.com
ENDS
Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) is a private, non-profit organisation that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential, for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. QF was co-founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Foundation’s Chairperson. QF’s work encompasses education, research and community development. World-class universities are brought to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy.
At the same time, QF builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences. The Foundation also works to foster a progressive society while enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar’s heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.
For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa
