Services

Core Genomics Laboratory Learn More
Offers access to a wide range of library preparation and sequencing methods
Omics Core Facility Learn More
Provides cutting-edge omics services with high-quality data, cost-effective and fast turnaround time.
Genomic Data Science Group Learn More
Developed analysis pipelines to process and analyze Whole Genome (WGS) / Whole Exome (WES) as well as RNA-seq data
Zebrafish Core Facility Learn More
The facility provides access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and zebrafish model services

More About Us

Dr. Sara Tomei

Dr. Sara Tomei completed her degree in Biology and Human Evolution at the University of Rome "Tor Vergata" (Italy) before earning her PhD in Experimental and Molecular Oncology from the University of Pisa (Italy). Prior to joining Sidra Medicine, she served as a Visiting Scientist at the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, United States), where her interest was focused in understanding the genetic determinants of immune responsiveness in melanoma. She also worked as a Post-Doctoral Associate at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, where she applied genomic approaches to understand the susceptibility of the Qatari and Arab populations to multifactorial diseases including obesity and diabetes. At Sidra Medicine (2014-present) Dr. Tomei has established a Core Facility for DNA and RNA isolation and high-throughput genomic profiling. She manages an excellent team of research specialists to serve Sidra Medicine needs and collaborative initiatives. Since 2023, Dr. Sara is Acting Director of the Department of Integrated Genomic Services (IGS). In this role, she is overseeing the activities of the Genomics, Omics, Applied Bioinformatics and Analytical Chemistry Cores as well as implementing new platforms for a large-scale biorepository.

The Clinical Genomics Lab, Omics, Genomic Data Science, and Zebrafish Core Facilities deliver genomics, molecular biology, and informatics services to researchers across Qatar. The Facilities aim to provide high-quality service and data i) by ensuring adherence to validated standard procedures, ii) by ensuring sample integrity and traceability iii) in a timely fashion with iv) excellent communication throughout a project’s lifecycle.

The unique combination of laboratory and analysis services allows IGS to deliver complex scientific projects from the initial screening of large cohorts to follow-up validations using targeted assays to data analysis and experimental follow-up in model systems. The routine offering of medium- and high-throughput sequencing services are enhanced by 3rd generation genome and transcriptome analysis methods and single-cell services in close collaboration with our Deep Phenotyping Core. Beyond the routine services, all groups are experienced in method development and always excited to work with our users to deliver novel and innovative approaches to genomics in research and healthcare.

  • The core facilities do not accept responsibility for any samples that fail due to inadequate concentration or quality. QC on failed samples is payable even if a sample is rejected. Rejected samples can be processed at risk but will be payable in full, regardless of the outcome. Samples that pass QC are eligible for one repeat free of charge should the processing fail.

  • The core facilities front-charge for any planned work at the point of sample submission, unless an exemption is granted by the Research Administration Office and the Chief Research Officer. Samples will not be processed before funding has been made available. At the end of a submission after data delivery, the facilities will calculate an adjustment charge to capture any variation due to failed or repeated samples.

  • CGL/OC will not accept samples that contain any identifiable personal information. All information needs to be removed from containers and sample manifests before a sample will be accepted. The following data is considered as identifier:

    • Name

    • Address (all geographic subdivisions smaller than state)

    • All elements of dates (except years) related to an individual (including DOB, date of admission, discharge date, date of death, exact age if over 89)

    • Telephone, fax numbers and email addresses

    • Any numbers such as medical record numbers, driver license numbers, social security numbers, healthcare numbers

    • Biometric identifiers such as photographs, fingerprints or voice recordings


Team Members

Abbirami Sathappan

Research Specialist IV

Abdul Rahman Salhab

Technical Manager - Genomic Data Science Core

Ahmad Mohamed

Laboratory Assistant • Zebrafish Core Facility

Alia Al Massih

Research Specialist – Omics Core Facility

Ashraf Saifullah

Research Specialist III • Genomic Data Science Core

Doua Abdelrahman

Research Specialist II • Zebrafish Core Facility

Farhia Abdullahi Ali

Laboratory Assistant • Immunology

Fazulur Rehaman Vempalli

Research Specialist IV - Bioinformatics • Genomic Data Science Core

Giusy Gentilcore

Staff Scientist - Associate Level

Guishuang Wang

Research Specialist lll • Clinical Genomics Laboratory

Iman Khalid Azzan Al-Azwani

Research Specialist - Omics Core Facility

Jodelyn Asinas

Research Specialist ll • Clinical Genomics Laboratory

Kun Wang

Research Specialist IV - Lead - Sequencing • Clinical Genomics Laboratory

Li Liu

Research Specialist ll • Clinical Genomics Laboratory

Li Wang

Research Specialist III • Clinical Genomics Laboratory

Lisa Sara Mathew

Research Specialist lV - Library Preparation Lead • Clinical Genomics Laboratory

Mohammed Abuhaliqa

Research Specialist l • Genomic Data Science Core

Muna Al-Hashmi

Research Specialist – Omics Core Facility

Oleksandr Soloviov

Manager - Core Genomics Laboratory

Rebecca Mathew

Research Specialist – Omics Core Facility

Sahar Da’as

Manager - Zebrafish Core Facility

Santhi Raveendran

Research Specialist – Omics

Saroja Kotegar Balayya

Research Specialist IV

Shana Jacob

Staff Scientist

Tala Khaled Faris Abu Arja

Research Specialist I - Phenotyping Unit Lab Tech • Zebrafish Core Facility

Waseem Hasan

Research Specialist III • Zebrafish Core Facility