DUBAI // Young Emiratis are encouraged to take advantage of scientific research grants being offered by the Al Jalila Foundation in hope of developing a medical legacy in the UAE.
Fellowships at top institutions and seed grants worth up to Dh300,000 are on offer to help break ground on key health issues affecting the Emirates such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental health.
“We must encourage and inspire young people to want to become scientists and researchers,” said Prof Sehamuddin Galadari, the foundation’s academic and research adviser.
“When a society is developing, research is the last thing to be invested in. It is time for the UAE to change its focus.”
Last year, more than Dh4 million was assigned to 15 research funding schemes and one international medical research fellowship.
Research teams from UAE University, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, Gulf Medical University, in Ajman, University of Sharjah, New York University Abu Dhabi, Zayed University and Latifa Hospital, all benefited from funding.
Last year, 16 scientists received financial help to pursue their research.
Medical student Shehab Al Ansari received a one-year fellowship for cardiovascular research training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, USA.
“The percentage of Emiratis working in banks, businesses and management is huge. But not many are moving into science, engineering, maths or technology,” Prof Galadari said.
“It is the right time to support young people to move into the health and medical research field. In a few years, we would like to have new UAE scientists working here.”
Cancer studies were popular choices for researchers last year. The foundation hopes more attention will be paid to obesity this year.
“By supporting talented academics, we are building on our mission to change lives by laying the foundations for a biomedical research environment here in the UAE,” Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, chief executive of Al Jalila Foundation, said.
The application deadline for fellowships is April 30, while for seed grants it is May 15. For more information, e-mail research@aljalilafoundation.ae.
nwebster@thenational.ae
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