Dr. Chadi Saad

Bioinformatics Lead

Qatar Precision Health Institute

Building the Backbone: Bioinformatics Infrastructure & Expertise for Large-Scale Genome Programs

Abstract:

The success of a large-scale genome program depends heavily on the bioinformatics infrastructure supporting it. This session focuses on the critical components required to process, store, and analyze the vast datasets generated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. We will explore the need for high-performance computing (HPC) systems and efficient pipelines for quality control and data processing. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of having a skilled bioinformatics and IT workforces to manage and expand this infrastructure. By establishing a strong bioinformatics backbone, genome programs can unlock valuable insights for precision medicine and population-level studies.

Biography:

Dr. Chadi Saad leads the Bioinformatics team at the Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI). He earned his Master’s degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Rouen, France, and later completed a PhD at the University of Lille, France, specializing in algorithm development for clinical NGS data analysis. With over a decade of experience in bioinformatics, Dr. Saad’s expertise spans research, teaching, and clinical bioinformatics. At QPHI, he oversees the pipelines development, analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data and manages the preparation of data releases for the research community. He also collaborates on numerous local and international projects, contributing to advancements in precision medicine and genomics.