Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine organised the first session of 2025 Science Café Series, titled 'Nurturing Health: Our Microbiome and AI-Driven Insights for Wellness', bringing together experts and a large audience at Msheireb Downtown Doha’s Bin Jelmood House on Monday.
Science Café, jointly launched in 2024, is designed to promote public understanding of healthcare innovation, research and wellness updates through accessible, and interactive dialogues.
In a press statement, Msheireb Museums general manager Abdulla al-Naama said: “The Science Café series allows us the opportunity to provide current perspectives on Qatar’s evolving healthcare landscape, while also inspiring the public through meaningful discussions”.
Sidra Medicine’s chief research officer, Prof Khalid Fakhro, said: “The new series of Science Café 2025 promises to be more interactive and engaging. It is thanks to our partners, Msheireb Museums, that our concept became a reality in 2024 and grew from a small community initiative, to one that has educated, informed and engaged hundreds of families and students in Qatar about science and culture”.
The Nurturing Health session featured two presentations delivered by experts from Sidra Medicine.
Dr Souhaila al-Khodor discussed “Gut Instincts: Decoding the Hidden World Within” and provided an introduction to the human microbiome, explaining its functions and the factors that influence its composition, such as lifestyle, diet, and environment.
“Revolutionising Women’s Wellness: AI and Precision Nutrition" by Dr Annalisa Terranegra addressed the use of precision nutrition in improving health and managing diseases.
The session covered the latest applications in the field, including wearable technology, AI-driven apps, and DNA and microbiome tests that help personalise nutritional plans and dietary interventions.
The panel session, featuring both speakers, also included Sirine Abou al-Hassan, Chief Clinical Dietitian from Aman Hospital.
Dr Sahar Da’as, research manager at Sidra Medicine, and founder and lead of the Science Café series, said: “The response from the public, students and families has been very positive and also indicative of the need to bring science to the community. This year, we are focusing on topics related to AI in healthcare, community health, wellness and specialist topics”.
The 2025 Science Café Series will feature topics such as AI in precision medicine; community health; the wellness and comprehensive care industry and rare genetic conditions.
Experts at the Science Cafe discussion.
