Neuroscientists and Neurologists to Gather at International Scientific Conference in Qatar

NEW YORK, NY and DOHA, QATAR, March 3, 2014 - On March 15 - 17, 2014, global experts in clinical neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry will convene in Doha, Qatar, for the Qatar Clinical Neuroscience Conference, which will feature recent advances in the understanding and treatment of affective disorders, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.The conference is presented by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and the New York Academy of Sciences.

"Stroke and traumatic brain injury are two of the most common and serious problems that affect the brains of the citizens and the workers in Qatar. Therefore, it is extremely important to bring together a group of brain experts from around the world to address these problems, and share our knowledge and best practices, so our colleagues in Qatar are able to bring the most advanced levels of care and treatment to patients who have these tragic injuries and illnesses," says Matthew E. Fink, MD, FAAN, FAHA, FANA, Louis and Gertrude Feil Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurology and Assistant Dean (Clinical Affairs) at Weill Cornell Medical College & New York Presbyterian Hospital/WC in New York.

Indeed, injuries and disorders of the brain represent a significant global disease burden, while causing considerable personal suffering and expansive economic costs. Brain disorders can be divided into two broadly defined categories: (i) those resulting from the damage or death of healthy, functioning cells and brain tissue, often caused by external conditions such as cerebrovascular disease, stroke, or traumatic brain injury, and (ii) those resulting from an intrinsic or chronic dysfunction of the brain, either within the cells or in their connectivity.

To raise awareness for breakthrough treatments for neurological disease affecting both functional groups, the world's leading experts will come together to share new advances in brain imaging, novel diagnostics, investigative therapies, and cutting-edge findings from clinical trials. While joint sessions feature community-wide themes in clinical neuroscience, attendees have the option of selecting breakout sessions in two tracks: Affective Disorders or Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury.

"It is wonderful to see so many experts gathering in Qatar to share with us their knowledge of affective disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. These disorders can have an absolutely devastating effect, not only on the sufferers, but also on their families and friends. I am sure the new science that will be discussed at the conference will prove extremely valuable as we seek novel treatments to relieve the real distress caused to people with affective disorders," says conference chair and speaker Javaid I. Sheikh, MD, MBA, Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.

"I am also full of hope that the conference will help to raise public awareness of mental health issues, reducing the social stigma that has so often been attached to them. Affective disorders are real illnesses and by hosting the conference here in Qatar I hope it will send a clear message across the region that anyone who needs treatment should feel able to ask for help," adds Dr. Sheikh.

To view a complete listing of speakers and the full conference agenda, please visit www.nyas.org/QatarNeuro2014.

For media inquiries, including conference press passes and interview requests, please contact Diana Friedman (dfriedman@nyas.org; +1-212-298-8645).

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About the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) is a private, non-profit organization 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.  Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. 

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 commercializing 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.

About Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar

Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar is a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation. It offers pre-medical and medical courses leading to the Cornell University M.D. degree with teaching by Cornell and Weill Cornell faculty and by physicians at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital who hold Weill Cornell appointments. Through its biomedical research program, WCMC-Q is building a sustainable research community in Qatar while advancing basic science and clinical research. Through its medical college, WCMC-Q seeks to provide the finest education possible for medical students, to improve health care both now and for future generations, and to provide high quality health care to the Qatari population. http://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/

About the New York Academy of Sciences

The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology, and society worldwide. With 22,000 members around the world, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to advance scientific knowledge, positively impact the major global challenges of society with science-based solutions, and increase the number of scientifically informed individuals in society at large. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.