Sidra Medicine to host PMFG Summit 2026 on AI, genomics and precision medicine

Sidra Medicine will host the Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG) Summit 2026 from December 7 to 9 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, marking 12 years since it began advancing regional dialogue around precision medicine and genomics.

The summit will bring together international scientists, clinicians, data specialists, policymakers and biotechnology leaders to discuss how advances in genomics, artificial intelligence and data science are changing the way diseases are predicted, diagnosed and treated.

Four key scientific themes

PMFG Summit 2026 will focus on four major scientific pillars:

• Building globally representative, population-scale genomic infrastructure
• AI-driven discovery and the regulatory systems needed to govern it
• Rare, metabolic and Mendelian disease genomics in high-consanguinity populations
• Translating genomic discoveries into equitable patient care

The programme is designed to move beyond research findings and focus on how genomic discoveries can be applied in real-world healthcare systems.

Greater focus on underrepresented populations

One of the summit’s major themes will be improving representation in genetic research.

Dr Ammira Akil, Principal Investigator and Director of the Metabolic and Mendelian Translational Program at Sidra Medicine, said much of historic genetic research has focused on a relatively small segment of the global population.

PMFG 2026 will include researchers working on genetic maps representing African, Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry, alongside experts involved in national genome initiatives across countries including Pakistan, Egypt, Peru, Ghana and Qatar.

Updates on newborn screening programmes in populations with higher rates of inherited genetic conditions will also feature in the programme.

AI to play a major role

Artificial intelligence will run across several sessions at the summit.

Topics will include generative AI for designing new drug candidates, quantum computing for genomic analysis, deep learning models for predicting disease risk, and international research collaborations that allow AI models to be trained across borders without moving underlying patient data.

The summit will also address how regulators, health systems and wider society can govern AI-driven medicine as technology develops faster than many existing regulatory frameworks.

Live debates and specialist workshops

PMFG Summit 2026 will include several live debates on emerging questions in healthcare and biotechnology.

One session will explore whether the traditional blockbuster drug model can remain relevant in an era of personalised medicine, while the closing debate will examine whether population genomics can genuinely reach the patients who stand to benefit most.

The wider programme will also feature:

• Specialist workshops
• Scientific poster presentations
• Networking sessions
• Research and clinical collaboration opportunities

Who can attend?

The summit is open to a broad professional audience, including:

• Clinicians and paediatricians
• Scientific researchers and geneticists
• Data scientists and bioinformaticians
• Public health officials and policymakers
• Biotechnology innovators
• Industry leaders

Building on 12 years of precision medicine

Prof Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine and Executive Chair of PMFG Summit 2026, said Sidra Medicine has been contributing to regional and global discussions around personalised healthcare since hosting its first major precision medicine symposium in 2014.

He said the field has now reached a point where genomics, AI and data science can increasingly be translated into practical improvements in patient care.

Through PMFG Summit 2026, Sidra Medicine aims to bring together international expertise to accelerate that transition and strengthen collaboration across research, clinical practice and technology.

About Qatar Living:

Since 2005, Qatar Living has been the trusted destination for everything Qatar. As the country's largest online community and marketplace, Qatar Living connects people with opportunities through jobs, property, vehicles, services, classifieds, events, local insights, and breaking news. Trusted by residents, newcomers, visitors, and businesses alike, Qatar Living brings Qatar together in one place.

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial