Dr. Cugno joined Sidra in 2014, where she covers the double role of Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and Attending Physician in Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. She is a 20-year experienced medical doctor with a Board Certification in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Pavia (Italy), and a Master in Pediatric Hematology at the University “La Sapienza”, Rome (Italy). In Italy, she has been directly involved in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) activities at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, a renowned Academic Health Center that has performed more than 2000 transplantations.At Sidra, Dr. Cugno has been working on the development of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core, including a Cellular Therapy Unit for the delivery of cellular products for tissue, cell and gene therapy, and a Clinical Trial Office.Activities currently range from Hematopoietic Stem Cells processing, as part of the Bone Marrow Transplantation clinical program, to several projects of cell therapy,gene therapy and regenerative medicine. 

The Clinical Genomics Lab, Omics, Genomic Data Science, and Zebrafish Core Facilities deliver genomics, molecular biology, and informatics services to researchers across Qatar. The Facilities aim to provide high-quality service and data i) by ensuring adherence to validated standard procedures, ii) by ensuring sample integrity and traceability iii) in a timely fashion with iv) excellent communication throughout a project’s lifecycle.

The unique combination of laboratory and analysis services allows IGS to deliver complex scientific projects from the initial screening of large cohorts to follow-up validations using targeted assays to data analysis and experimental follow-up in model systems. The routine offering of medium- and high-throughput sequencing services are enhanced by 3rd generation genome and transcriptome analysis methods and single-cell services in close collaboration with our Deep Phenotyping Core. Beyond the routine services, all groups are experienced in method development and always excited to work with our users to deliver novel and innovative approaches to genomics in research and healthcare.

• The core facilities do not accept responsibility for any samples that fail due to inadequate concentration or quality. QC on failed samples is payable even if a sample is rejected. Rejected samples can be processed at risk but will be payable in full, regardless of the outcome. Samples that pass QC are eligible for one repeat free of charge should the processing fail.

• The core facilities front-charge for any planned work at the point of sample submission, unless an exemption is granted by the Research Administration Office and the Chief Research Officer. Samples will not be processed before funding has been made available. At the end of a submission after data delivery, the facilities will calculate an adjustment charge to capture any variation due to failed or repeated samples.

• CGL/OC will not accept samples that contain any identifiable personal information. All information needs to be removed from containers and sample manifests before a sample will be accepted. The following data is considered as identifier:

  • Name

  • Address (all geographic subdivisions smaller than state)

  • All elements of dates (except years) related to an individual (including DOB, date of admission, discharge date, date of death, exact age if over 89)

  • Telephone, fax numbers and email addresses

  • Any numbers such as medical record numbers, driver license numbers, social security numbers, healthcare numbers

  • Biometric identifiers such as photographs, fingerprints or voice recordings