Doha, Qatar – 10 November 2026 – As part of their joint efforts to raise community awareness of health and scientific issues, Msheireb Museums, in partnership with Sidra Medicine, hosted the fifth session of the Science Café series under the theme “Health and Future Generations: Your Guide to Fertility”, exploring the interconnected factors that shape reproductive wellbeing throughout life, from genetics and lifestyle to broader health factors.
Held on 9 November at Msheireb Museums, the session brought together experts in reproductive medicine, genetics and functional medicine from Sidra Medicine, alongside community members and the public, combining specialist medical expertise with open community dialogue.
The session was moderated by Dr. Houda Ferjani, Medical Director of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, and featured an expert panel comprising Dr. Johnny Awwad, Executive Chair of Women’s Services and Division Chief of Reproductive Medicine at Sidra Medicine; Dr. Matteo Avella, Principal Investigator at the Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Sidra Medicine; Dr. Maryam Janatifar, Medical Director of Seed Health & Wellness; and Ms. Iman Abdelhadi, Clinical Embryologist and Andrologist and Clinical Leader. Together, the moderator and panelists engaged the audience in an informative and interactive discussion, sharing their expertise and perspectives on fertility awareness, reproductive medicine, genetics, nutrition, and preventive healthcare.
The discussion examined fertility awareness and preservation, the role of genetic factors in reproductive and family health, and the need for an integrated, personalised approach to healthcare that reflects each person’s individual characteristics and health needs.
Mohammed Al Yousef, the Manager of Operations and Visitor Relations at Msheireb Museums, said: “The Science Café series reflects our commitment to creating interactive spaces where important health and scientific topics can be explored through open, accessible conversation that brings specialist knowledge closer to the community. Fertility is a subject that extends beyond the individual to families and future generations, which calls for a deeper understanding of the factors that shape reproductive health. Through our partnership with Sidra Medicine, we are pleased to bring expert medical knowledge directly to the public in a way that builds health awareness, empowers people to make informed choices that improve their quality of life, and opens wider avenues for meaningful dialogue on the issues that matter to human health and wellbeing.”
Dr Sahar Isa Da’as, Science Café founder, Sidra Medicine, said: “Fertility and reproductive health are important parts of lifelong wellbeing, and awareness should begin well before individuals plan to start a family. For Qatar, accessible, evidence-based information, including awareness of genetic screening, nutrition, lifestyle and preventive care, can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions earlier, challenge misconceptions and make choices that support their wellbeing and the health of future generations.
“Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we can give individuals and families to protect their health and shape the future. Advances in reproductive medicine, genetics and personalised healthcare are giving us new ways to understand health, identify potential risks and support informed decisions. However, the true impact of these advances lies in making this knowledge accessible, understandable and actionable for the community. Together with Msheireb Museums, we are proud of our role in offering such platforms to the community,” continued Dr Da’as.
The session also highlighted how advances in reproductive medicine, genomics, functional medicine and related health disciplines are opening new possibilities for understanding individual health, developing approaches to care and supporting more informed, evidence-based healthcare decisions. By bringing these perspectives together, the discussion encouraged attendees to view reproductive health not in isolation, but as part of a broader lifelong approach to wellbeing that recognises the interplay of biological, genetic and everyday lifestyle factors across all ages.
The moderator and panellists engaged the audience in an informative and interactive discussion, sharing their expertise and perspectives on fertility awareness, reproductive medicine, genetics, nutrition and preventive healthcare.
Now in its third year, the Science Café series continues to serve as a cornerstone of Msheireb Museums’ knowledge and community programming, bridging the scientific research community and the public, and providing a platform for constructive dialogue on the latest scientific and medical developments and their direct impact on individuals and society.
Through its open-forum format and direct engagement with experts and specialists, the initiative translates complex scientific and medical topics into clear, approachable discussions, strengthens community participation and gives the public a deeper understanding of the fast-moving medical developments shaping the future of healthcare.
For details on past and upcoming Science Café sessions, visit https://www.sidra.org/events/
