ADLQ Annual Symposium Concludes

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) concluded its 11th annual symposium, bringing together international experts to discuss the latest challenges in anti-doping science.
The two-day event at Aspire Academy, focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in the fight against doping in sports.
The symposium was attended by a distinguished group of experts and researchers, along with representatives from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Prof Olivier Rabin from WADA presented on biomarker discovery, highlighting the agency's approach to identifying doping substance abuse and the role of the Athlete's Biological Passport.
Keynote speakers included: Dr Francesca Terracciano from the Anti-Doping Lab FMSI, Italy; Dr Rosa Ventura from the Anti-Doping Laboratory of Catalonia, Spain; Prof Kim Wolff from the Drug Control Centre, King's College Forensics, London, UK; Dr Maha Almazroua from the Regional Poison Control Centre, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia; Dr Mark Stuart representing the International Testing Agency; Prof Andreas Thomas from German Sport University Cologne, Germany; Dr Kentaro Akiyama from the Anti-Doping Laboratory LSI Medience Corporation, Japan; and Prof Fatima Bosch Tubert from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Wada.
Speakers from ADLQ included, Prof Vidya Mohamed-Ali, Dr Maneera al-Jaber, associate lab director at ADLQ, Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, Dr Konduru Seetharama Sastry, Dr Chidambaram Manickam along with others from various countries and institutions, significantly contributed to the symposium.
Prof Mohammed al-Maadheed, chairman of the Board of Trustees of ADLQ, said:“The field of anti-doping science is not without its hurdles. The topics we address are inherently complex, requiring exceptional analytical expertise and innovative approaches. Alongside these technical challenges, we also face significant structural and operational barriers. However, the need for collaboration within the anti-doping community is imperative. At ADLQ, we recognise this need and are ready to open our doors and work together.”
Key highlights of the symposium included discussions on major challenges in anti-doping, particularly focusing on gene doping and blood doping. These topics are becoming increasingly relevant as advancements in technology provide new methods for athletes to enhance performance illicitly.
The symposium broke new ground by hosting an athletes' forum, a unique opportunity for athletes to directly engage with anti-doping scientists. Athletes shared their personal experiences, including the psychological pressures of elite competition, the challenges of injury recovery, and the mental resilience required to overcome setbacks.
ADLQ also showcased its unique research platforms, including innovative metabolomics and camel antibody technologies. These platforms are designed to enhance the detection of prohibited substances and improve the overall effectiveness of anti-doping efforts. The use of camelid antibodies, known for their stability and ability to penetrate tissues, represents a significant advancement in the field.
Another focal point of the symposium was exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence on sports and anti-doping initiatives.
AI holds promise for revolutionising detection methods and improving training and recovery processes for athletes while also raising important questions regarding fairness and accessibility in competitive sports.

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