Under the patronage and attendance of HE Prof. Hamid AlNaimy, University of Sharjah Chancellor, University of Sharjah (UoS) collaborated with Boehringer Ingelheim on a program to foster inventive research among students in the field of Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Cancer, Respiratory and Neurological Diseases and related research fields.

The workshop was held on 7 and 8 November on the campus of the University of Sharjah in the presence of Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for the Medical Colleges and Dean of College of Medicine, Prof. Qutayba Hamid and Professor Taleb AlTel, Director of the Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah, as well as Mr. Mazen Bachir, General Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gulf Region.

Faculty members at the University and experts from Boehringer Ingelheim as well as the students from last year’s from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Health Sciences, highlighted the importance of new and innovative research ideas to inspire students to achieve and develop further research, support innovation and encourage the transfer of knowledge for future generations. 

During the first day of the workshop, the judging panel, which included faculty members and experts from Boehringer Ingelheim, reviewed the drafts of the research projects presented by the students. The committee heard on the second day presentations about the research projects of the students and their research results and the importance of the research itself.

Dr. Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, who welcomed the attendees and appreciating the continued close cooperation between Boehringer Ingelheim and the University of Sharjah and the contribution to ensuring the latest discoveries in research and development said, ‘We look forward to following up the results of this research and the significant impact it will have on the healthcare sector. Through the innovations of the students that will make a qualitative shift in this field, we hope that this fruitful cooperation will continue to contribute to the development of more important partnerships in the future.’

Prof. Maamar Bettayeb thanked the Director General of Boehringer Ingelheim and his team for their continuous support to the University of Sharjah and thanked all the participants from the teachers, students and coordinators who have had an impact on the success of this cooperation.

 "With the support of HE Prof. Hamid Al Naimy, the University has reached a high quality level in research, student projects and scholarships. In addition the fact that students are one of the most important components that helped in the success of this cooperation through their involvement in research groups and projects with faculty members. This was particularly effective in the medical field. The partnership is also the main reason for highlighting the students’ research and publishing it in international journals. “Professor Bettayeb added.

Prof. Qutayba Hamid commented by saying ‘This program is unique and has a high demand from students. I was surprised by the enthusiasm of students who wish to join it, research, introduce new ideas and think freely about finding solutions to medical problems." He also added that the cooperation allowed the students to start the research at an early stage of education and that the University of Sharjah has always sought to change the culture of society for the better and to graduate scientists rather than doctors.’

Mr. Mazen Bachir, General Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gulf Region said ‘Boehringer Ingelheim continues to invest and put emphasis into research and development to meet the needs of our patients and to improve their quality of life. Corporate social responsibility is one of our core values and we remain committed to work with the local community to develop the generations of tomorrow across the UAE.’

‘Our main focus is to continue to enrich the lives of students and their education with a practical understanding of our industry work. This will help them reach their future goals, inspire other students and helps us create a pool of students who will ensure to be the next generation of scientists to enhance the healthcare industry.’ Bachir added.

Professor Taleb AlTel, Director of the Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah said ‘We are proud to have partnered again with Boehringer Ingelheim to develop the future scientists of the UAE.  We hope that students will set an example and encourage other students to take the initiative of working on such projects.’ He also thanked the sponsors of these research projects that support innovation and positive change.

In addition, health care practitioners and medical experts from the various therapeutic areas of Boehringer Ingelheim presented a series of lectures and presentations, participated in panel discussions and then toured the campus to see the latest equipment at the Institute for Medical Research and Science In which all the activities of the workshop took place.