Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has been honored with the prestigious BRIO-8 Award by the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council. The award, which stands for “Best Representative Image of an Outcome,” celebrates the intersection of science and art. It showcases compelling images that highlight the impact of QRDI-funded research.
The recognition was awarded to Sidra Medicine’s Advanced Imaging Core for its exceptional imaging contributions to pediatric cancer research. The winning image, titled The Guardians of Hope, features a Neuroblastoma patient sample from an ongoing QRDI-supported study. The research is part of Sidra Medicine’s commitment to advancing personalized cancer treatments for children in Qatar.
Dr. Abbirami Sathappan, Lead of the Advanced Imaging Core Facility, explained the significance of the image, stating, “This image encapsulates hope amid the harsh reality of Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. While the colors appear artistic, they also reveal a deeper truth—the resilience of the immune system. The tumor cells appear in green, while the body’s natural defenders, immune cells, are shown in red and yellow. These guardians of hope can be empowered through advanced therapies, including immunotherapy, to fight this relentless disease.”
Sidra Medicine’s Pediatric Precision Oncology Initiative integrates research with clinical care. They utilize whole genome sequencing to tailor treatments for young cancer patients. Dr. Wouter Hendrickx, Principal Investigator of the Laboratory of Pediatric Cancer Omics, emphasized the importance of the award-winning image. He said, “This symbolizes the powerful fusion of clinical and research expertise that drives our mission to transform pediatric oncology. As we approach International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15, this recognition underscores our commitment to advancing cancer research and improving outcomes for children.”
The QRDI-funded Neuroblastoma study team also includes Dr. Erdener Ozer, Division Chief of Anatomical Pathology. It also includes Farhia Abdullahi Ali, Lab Assistant at the Advanced Imaging Core Facility. The research findings are set to be published in two upcoming papers. One will be later this year and another in 2026.
