Laboratory Animal Research Center (LARC)
Founder’s Message — Dr. Hamda Abdulla Al-Naemi
Associate Professor of Physiology
The Laboratory Animal Research Center (LARC) stands as a pioneering, unconventional research platform where ambition met expertise to give rise to the idea of establishing LARC during a scarcity of animal research laboratories. With institutional support, the idea evolved and thrived into a prominent national landmark dedicated to high-quality animal research that adheres to international standards for ethical animal care and use, as well as professional training and knowledge transfer aimed at supporting research and building human capacity.
LARC features a state-of-the-art, flexible, and sustainable design that incorporates under one umbrella specific pathogen-free (SPF) animal laboratories, cell culture facilities, and diagnostic ISO-accredited laboratories, in addition to a live imaging core providing Near-Infrared (NIR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) bio-imaging capabilities.
Since 2015, LARC has been operating in compliance with national and international standards to provide services and support for animal husbandry, care, and research, backed by dedicated professional and research teams. The flexible design of LARC ensures sustainability, accommodates diverse specialized and interdisciplinary research, and reinforces Qatar University’s leading role in education and responsible research endeavors. Furthermore, LARC offers nationwide researchers similar opportunities to utilize its facilities under institutional and national regulations.
I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who provided support and contributed to bringing my idea to fruition, allowing it to stand as a scholarly landmark that benefits the scientific community. I am confident that enlightened minds in pursuit of knowledge will work to preserve and enrich the founder’s legacy through the responsible and ethical use of animals in high-quality research aimed at advancing knowledge in the biological and biomedical sciences, among other disciplines, ultimately benefiting both human and animal health.