Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that application for its fifth cycle of seed grants and fellowships has opened. The global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical innovation and research aims to improve healthcare in the UAE by supporting talented biomedicine academics in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health.

The fellowships are available exclusively to Emirati biomedical students and professionals, offering them the opportunity to train at world-renowned institutions and centres of excellence. Two international fellowship types are available: a Student Elective Fellowship of up to AED 50,000 supporting a 3-month placement and a Research Training Fellowship of up to AED 200,000 supporting a 12-month placement.

Researchers are invited to apply for seed grants of up to AED 300,000 over a 2-year period, which will give them the opportunity 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 hospitals/clinics and will be assessed through an international peer review process.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Foundation and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Scientists around the world continue to search for answers into the causes, prevention and treatment of diseases affecting mankind. Our investment in medical research reaffirms our commitment to embed research and innovation in the fabric of the nation’s long-term healthcare strategy. Medical research has the potential to save lives and our efforts today will pave the way for a healthier world for future generations.”

Sehamuddin Galadari, Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Research and training play an important role in developing the UAE’s medical sector and eventually will lead to life-changing discoveries. As we launch the 5th cycle of research grants and fellowships, we hope to attract local talents to medical research and look forward to supporting ground-breaking research projects.”

In efforts to advance medical research in the UAE, Al Jalila Foundation has to date awarded over AED 20 million for 76 research projects and supported Emirati scientists to train at international fellowships at global leading institutions in the UK, USA and Japan. With this investment the Foundation has brought together 277 scientists from around the world to further boost scientific medical research in the UAE. The grants have created training opportunities for more than 200 young students and post-doctoral associates and contributed to 148 publications in a number of international scientific journals.

By supporting talented scientists, Al Jalila Foundation is building on its mission to transform lives by paving the way and developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences.

The application deadline for the fellowships is 30 April 2018 and for seed grants 15 May 2018. Fellowship recipients will be announced by 1 July 2018 and the seed grant recipients by end of October 2018.

For more information and application details please visit Al Jalila Foundation website:
www.aljalilafoundation.ae/research

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, hosted the World Doctors Orchestra charity concert on 22 March 2018 at Dubai Opera to coincide with its 5th anniversary. The event raised almost AED 1,000,000 to advance medical research in the UAE.

To mark the occasion of the 5th anniversary of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Member of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are extremely honoured by the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and privileged to hear the renowned orchestra perform the world premiere of ‘Positive Spirit’ at the magnificent Dubai Opera. We are grateful to each of the brilliant physicians for taking the time from their medical profession to share their talent and passion for music, and to use it to raise funds to advance medical research in the UAE. This harmony of medicine and music is a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary and we thank our sponsors and the audience for being part of this momentous occasion.”

For the first time in the region, and for one night only, 75 physicians from 15 countries, joined by a common devotion and love for music, travelled from around the globe to perform this unique charity concert in Dubai with 100% of proceeds dedicated to advancing medical research in the UAE. Established in 2007 the World Doctors Orchestra is an independent non-profit organisation, comprising of physicians from more than 50 nations who have performed in venues in all four corners of the world, by combining the pleasure of fine music with global medical responsibility. The Dubai inaugural concert marks the 24th international performance since its inception.

Dr Stefan Willich, founder and conductor of the World Doctors Orchestra, who has conducted all 24 concerts, said: “The vibrant city of Dubai, with its flourishing arts and culture scene, is the perfect backdrop for this unique melody of music and medicine in concert. It is a great honour for the World Doctors Orchestra to perform for the first time in the region and we are proud to support Al Jalila Foundation and their humanitarian work. As doctors our daily work focuses on healing one patient at a time, as an orchestra we come together to champion medical advancement through our devotion to music. We are grateful to Al Jalila Foundation for hosting this event and enabling us to deliver on our two passions.”

The concert attendees experienced an exceptional evening with powerful performances of some of the best music composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, starring violinist Klaudia Olborska-Szymańska, one of the UAE’s top violinists. The highlight of the evening was the world premiere of ‘Positive Spirit’ inspired by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid’s poem and composed by Dubai resident Jonathan Barrett, Director of Dubai Chamber orchestra, which was received with great applause.

The first of its kind event in the region and one of the classical musical highlights of Dubai’s calendar was held in partnership with Dubai Culture, Dubai Calendar and Emirates Medical Association and sponsored by Paris Gallery, City Pharmacy Co., Mediclinic Middle East, Medtronic, Sanofi and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital.

Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim, CEO of Paris Gallery Group of Companies, platinum sponsor for the event said: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a visionary with a strong and enduring spirit. He is a true leader who strives to be the perfect example for all of us. His passion for life and his experiences are revealed in his poems; they stir and inspire us to be positive and move ahead with faith. The premiere of ‘Positive Spirit’ inspired by His Highness’ poem is a marvellous tribute to a great leader and poet. Congratulations to the Al Jalila Foundation for hosting such a remarkable event coinciding with its 5th anniversary celebrations.”

As Al Jalila Foundation moves into its sixth year of operations it looks forward to opening the first multi-disciplinary medical research centre in the region, to fulfil its vision to transform lives through medical education and research, which will be a beacon for medical innovation in the UAE and the region.