In promoting research in Life Sciences, there are a number of existing key players including the following:

• Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a private, chartered, nonprofit organization that has, amongst other things, identified research of the Life Sciences as a catalyst for expanding and diversifying Qatar's economy, enhancing the education of its citizens and increasing the quality of healthcare, wellbeing, and security of its citizens.

• In 2006, QF established the Qatar National Research Fund, as part of it's ongoing commitment to establish Qatar as a knowledge-based economy, fostering research in, amongst other things, Life Sciences.

• Sidra Medical and Research Center is a teaching and research centre that has commenced partial operation this year, and has recently appointed Qatar's Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hanan Al-Kuwari, to the board of governors for Sidra as a sign of confidence in Sidra and its strategy.