Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organization dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, is seeking applicants to its fellowship and seed grant programs, which aim to improve healthcare in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by supporting talented biomedicine academics, through $2.2 million for the two research funding and education programs.

Researchers can apply for seed grants of up to $81,700, to investigate regional health issues through basic science, applied or clinical research projects. The grants are available to all nationalities, provided the research is conducted in the UAE. Applicants should hold positions at local universities, research institutions or clinics, and will be assessed through an international peer review process.

The fellowships are available exclusively to Emirati biomedical professionals, offering them the opportunity to study at world-renowned institutions, with an aim to migrate global best practice to the UAE. Applicants will be considered by the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board for a place on a three-month Student Research Elective or year-long Research Training Support program.

Al Jalila Foundation looks to the funding to promote regional research into cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health. These five health issues have been identified by the Foundation as a focus for the newly-announced Al Jalila Foundation Research Center, the UAE’s first ever standalone medical research center.

Sehamuddin Galadari, professor of biochemistry and molecular cell biology, and academic and research advisor of Al Jalila Foundation, said, “Our funding will support the brightest local minds in biomedical research to study at leading institutions and develop both personally and academically. Our aim is to develop home-grown leaders with the ability to produce preventative medical research that is relevant to the region, thereby transforming the UAE’s healthcare sector.”

Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said, “Providing talented local scientists with the opportunity to study at world-class institutions and contribute toward global scientific research will help to establish the UAE as a medical research center on par with the rest of the world.”