Sidra Medicine, part of Qatar Foundation, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Samir Abbas Best Research Award’ for its groundbreaking study in reproductive medicine.
The award, granted to a Qatar-led team and co-authored by Qatari clinical embryologist Dr. Abdulla Almohammadi, was announced during the 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Middle East Fertility Society, recently held in Doha.
The study, titled “The reproductive potential of vitrified-warmed euploid embryos declines following repeated uterine transfers”, was a collaborative effort with Hamad Medical Corporation and was published earlier this year in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.
The research explores the complexities of recurrent implantation failure (RIF), a condition that poses significant emotional and financial challenges for patients undergoing multiple in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
Dr. Abdulla Almohammadi commented: “Our findings shed light on the intricate nature of RIF, which can be an emotionally and financially taxing burden on couples. While preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy resolves many cases, some remain unresolved. This research provides insights to help clinicians develop tailored treatment strategies addressing both embryonic and uterine factors, ultimately improving outcomes and patient well-being.”
Prof. Johnny Awwad, Executive Chair of Women’s Services at Sidra Medicine, added: “RIF is a significant topic within the scientific community. Qatar’s contributions provide valuable data to support clinical management and advance understanding of this complex issue globally. It also underscores Qatar’s leadership in medical innovation and clinical research.”
The multidisciplinary research team included Dr. Fadi Choucair, lead clinical embryologist, and Dr. Lina El Taha, clinical fellow at Sidra Medicine; alongside Dr. Hasan Burjaq and Dr. Moza Albader from Hamad Medical Corporation. The project also featured international collaboration with Dr. Aurora Bueno Cavanillas, Director of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Granada, Spain.
