Qatar Precision Health Institute and Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health officials during the event.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic agreement with Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health to become a host site support center for the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) distance-learning programme, one of the most globally recognised training programmes in clinical research methodology.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in QPHI’s ongoing efforts to expand and elevate the clinical research education ecosystem in Qatar, aligning with the country’s commitment to human development under Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) distance-learning programme will run from March through November 2026, with its main curriculum consisting of 25 mandatory online lectures plus 24 online optional lectures.
All lectures will be streamed live from Boston and will be delivered by Harvard Executive & Continuing Education (ECE) to all Host sites virtually through video-conferencing.
Weekly sessions will take place every Thursday from 4pm to 7pm (Boston time), following the official PPCR schedule published on the programme website: hsph.me/ppcr.
In addition to the core lectures, optional PPCR programme components may be offered to current PPCR participants or individuals who previously completed the PPCR programme. These optional components, including their dates, locations, and prices, will be posted on the programme website, and programme specifics are subject to change.
Participants who complete the full PPCR programme and demonstrate satisfactory participation, according to the criteria established by the PPCR Programme Director, will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health’s Executive & Continuing Education (ECE). This certificate does not confer formal academic credit or any academic degree.
Genomics Education Expert at QPHI Dima Darwish said: “Establishing QPHI as a host site for the PPCR programme is a transformative step in bridging the gap and expanding high-quality clinical research education in Qatar. This partnership will empower clinicians, young researchers, and students with globally recognised expertise, ensuring they gain the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to precision health and evidence based practice. We are proud to support this new chapter of capacity-building and academic excellence.”
Furthermore, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Epidemiology at the Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Prof. Felipe Fregni added, “This collaboration with QPHI reflects our shared commitment to strengthening clinical research training worldwide.
By bringing Harvard’s PPCR programme to Qatar, we are creating new opportunities for learners to engage with rigorous scientific methods, expand their research capabilities, and ultimately advance patient centered care.
We are delighted to work alongside QPHI in building a strong and sustainable research ecosystem in Qatar and around the region.”
Chief Medical & Operations Officer at QPHI, Dr. Wadha Al Muftah said: “This clinical research programme covers the basics of clinical research, to statistical methods, data collection, monitoring and reporting, and study designs, all elements which are important for sound clinical trials administration, all without the need to travel abroad.”
By serving as a host site, QPHI will provide a local platform for clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals in Qatar to access world-class clinical research training. This collaboration strengthens QPHI’s role in advancing precision health education, building national research capacity.
