ABU DHABI // Al Jalila Foundation has awarded more than Dh4 million to 15 medical researchers.
The seed grants are valid for two years for studies into cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health and diabetes, which are among the foundation’s research priorities.
Dr Shehab Al Ansari, an Emirati graduate, was also chosen by the foundation’s scientific committee to pursue a medical research fellowship in cardiovascular disease at the Cleveland Clinic in the US.
Out of 54 applications submitted for the seed grants, 15 candidates, among them two women, succeeded following a review process with experts from renowned medical institutions, including the University of Oxford, University of Glasgow, Imperial College London and University of Queensland.
Dr Raja Al Gurg, chairman of the board of directors at Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Today marks a key milestone in our journey to establish medical research as a key component of the nation’s long-term healthcare strategy.
“We are proud to be delivering on the UAE Innovation Strategy launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid [Vice President and Ruler of Dubai], and supporting the leadership’s vision, which aims to position the UAE as one of the world’s top nations by 2021.”
Prof Sehamuddin Galadari, academic and research adviser to the foundation, said: “The grant marks our first step to bringing local and international scientists together to conduct research in the UAE.
“The ultimate goal is to elevate the quality of people’s lives through developing better treatments particular to our nation and the region.”
The grants were awarded to scientists from medical institutions across the UAE.
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