Precision Medicine & Functional Genomics 2023 (PMFG 2023)

Dates: 11–14 November 2023
Young Scientists Symposium: 9 November 2023
Post-Conference Workshop: 15–16 November 2023
Venues: St. Regis Hotel Doha & Sidra Medicine Auditorium
Format: In-person
CME/CPD: Accredited Group Learning Activity (27 CME hours)

Overview

Precision Medicine & Functional Genomics 2023 (PMFG 2023) continued Sidra Medicine’s flagship conference series dedicated to advancing functional genomics and its translation into precision medicine solutions. As one of the largest precision medicine conferences in the region, PMFG 2023 brought together leading researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and early-career scientists to explore scientific innovations shaping the future of healthcare.

The conference emphasized the integration of genomic discovery, functional biology, and clinical implementation. Through international collaboration and multidisciplinary dialogue, PMFG 2023 strengthened Qatar’s position as a regional hub for genomic medicine and translational research excellence.

Conference Themes

PMFG 2023 focused on four major scientific themes:

• Large-Scale Population Genomic Programs – Insights from national and international genome initiatives and their impact on public health.
• Functional Genomics & Disease Mechanisms – Innovations in functional assays and experimental models to understand genetic variation.
• Advanced Therapies – Emerging treatments for rare disorders and cancer, including gene-based and targeted therapies.
• Precision Public Health & Screening – Population and newborn screening strategies, policy development, and implementation science.

These themes reflected Sidra Medicine’s commitment to bridging discovery science with real-world clinical impact.

Program Highlights

PMFG 2023 featured plenary lectures, thematic sessions, interactive panels, and specialized symposia addressing the evolving precision medicine landscape.

Young Scientists Symposium

An inaugural Young Scientists Symposium, held prior to the main conference, provided a platform for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career investigators to present research, engage in mentorship discussions, and explore career development opportunities.

Main Scientific Sessions

Conference sessions explored:

• Global population genomics initiatives
• Multi-omics and functional validation strategies
• Rare disease diagnostics and translational research
• Precision oncology and advanced therapeutic development
• Screening programs and public health genomics
• Ethical, regulatory, and policy considerations

Post-Conference Workshop

A dedicated workshop offered focused training and in-depth scientific engagement, supporting knowledge exchange and capacity building within the regional research community.

Distinguished Speakers

PMFG 2023 welcomed internationally recognized leaders in genomics, biomedical research, and clinical translation from prominent academic and research institutions worldwide. Speakers shared advances in population-scale genomics, functional validation technologies, and novel therapeutic strategies.

Sidra Medicine investigators and national collaborators also presented pioneering research from Qatar’s precision medicine ecosystem, highlighting ongoing initiatives in genomic screening, rare disease research, and translational innovation.

Learning Objectives & Accreditation

At the conclusion of PMFG 2023, participants were able to:

• Analyze advancements in global population genomics programs.
• Evaluate functional genomics approaches for understanding disease mechanisms.
• Discuss emerging therapeutic strategies for rare and complex diseases.
• Examine policy and implementation considerations in precision public health.
• Explore translational pathways from genomic discovery to clinical care.

PMFG 2023 was accredited as a Group Learning Activity and provided 27 CME hours in accordance with national accreditation standards.

Scientific Impact

PMFG 2023 strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and fostered dialogue between basic scientists and clinicians, accelerating the translation of genomic discoveries into healthcare solutions. By supporting early-career researchers and expanding international partnerships, the conference reinforced Sidra Medicine’s leadership in precision medicine and functional genomics.

Through scientific exchange and collaborative engagement, PMFG 2023 advanced regional capacity in genomic medicine and contributed to the global precision health agenda.