Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that application for its fourth 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.

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.

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 options 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 year-long placement.

In efforts to advance medical research in the UAE, Al Jalila Foundation has to date awarded over AED 14 million toward 55 research projects and supported Emirati scientists to train at international fellowships at global leading institutions in the UK, USA and Japan.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, commented: “Research and training play an important role in developing the UAE’s medical sector and eventually will lead to life-changing discoveries. By supporting talented scientists, Al Jalila Foundation is building on our mission to transform lives by paving the way and developing the next generation of innovators in health sciences. We extend our gratitude to our generous donors, who are not only changing the lives of gifted individuals but are enabling the advancement of medicine to better the health and happiness of the nation for years to come.”

Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “As we launch our fourth research grants cycle, we hope to attract even more aspiring researchers to the programme. Our funding last year enabled 4 fellowship grant recipients and 20 promising scientists to focus their imagination and time towards developing innovative medical research. We continue to support the brightest local minds in biomedical research to study at leading institutions and develop both personally and academically. By attracting local talents to medical research we are empowering the next generation to find innovative solutions to our most pressing healthcare challenges bringing hope to patients.”

The application deadline for the fellowships is 30 April 2017 and for seed grants 15 May 2017. Fellowship recipients will be announced by 15 June 2017 and the seed grant recipients by 20 October 2017.

For more application details please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/research.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced today that the second application cycle for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF) has opened for applications. The program, in partnership with The Carter Center, was launched in the UAE in 2016 and is the first mental health fellowship program for journalists in the Middle East.

For nearly two decades, the Center has awarded one-year fellowships to 181 journalists to connect them with resources and experts to increase the quality and accuracy of mental health reporting around the world.

Her Excellency Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Board of Trustees and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Journalists have immense power to inform, educate and influence society. Their support is essential to raise awareness and create a dialogue about mental health in the region. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that people with mental illnesses are not marginalized and that they receive the required support to live happy productive lives.”

“For nearly two decades, Carter Center fellows have accurately and sensitively covered mental health issues around the world, helping communities better understand illnesses that affect so many people,” said former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. “Too often we only hear about mental health in the news following a crisis or tragic event. Yet, every day, millions of people living with these illnesses go to work, care for their children, and contribute to their communities. They are valuable members of society, and their stories deserve to be told.”

The Carter Center provides trainings, educational materials, mentorship, evaluation tools, and technical assistance to develop a sustainable and tailored program in the UAE.  Al Jalila Foundation manages the program and is responsible for the selection of journalists, facilitating media trainings, adapting the program to meet the needs of the Emirates, and local evaluations.

Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “It is a huge privilege to be the first to offer the mental health journalism program in the region and continue the incredible work that former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter has done to combat the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Our 2016 fellows have been instrumental in shining a light and raising awareness about mental health in the UAE. We are excited to continue to grow the program to benefit our nation.”

Since the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism were established in 1996, fellows have produced more than 1500 stories, documentaries, books, and other works during and after their fellowship year. Their projects have garnered Emmy Awards, nominations for the Pulitzer Prize, and other awards.

How to Apply

The program is open to UAE nationals and residents working in all media forms with a minimum of three years of professional experience. Projects are tailored to the experience and interests of the fellows. Fellows should be bilingual (Arabic and English) and are not required to leave their current employment or relocate for the duration of the fellowship.

The 2016-2017 recipients of the UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, and part of the 20th class of fellows, are:

Khalid Al-Ameri, Opinion Writer, The Gulf Times
Topic: Examine the topic of depression and its prevalence in Arab society in an attempt to establish a culture that is supportive and equipped with responsive and adequate treatment.

Amna Al-Haddad
Sports Pioneer from The Middle East, Journalist, and Motivational Speaker, Dubai
Topic: Encourage open discussion about mental illness in the UAE through anonymous support group meetings and a monthly newspaper column.

The application for the 2017-2018 UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism is available online and should be submitted before 11 May 2017. The fellowship recipients will be announced on 13 July 2017 and the 2017-2018 fellowship year begins in September 2017.

For more information on the UAE Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism program please visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae/mental-health or contact fellowships@aljalilafoundation.ae.

Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, announced today that it received a two-year Health Access Grant for the amount of USD100,000 from Medtronic Foundation.

The grant will fund a local research programme focusing on Vitamin D deficiency in adults and children across the United Arab Emirates. The study will concentrate on early detection, evaluation, and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. The grant will allow Al Jalila Foundation to screen thousands across the UAE to promote early detection and prevention of the debilitating disease.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), up to 90 percent of those living in the emirates suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency. IOF stated that the number of UAE residents suffering from the deficiency, which causes osteoporosis, a bone degeneration disease, is one of the highest in the world with the highest incidences among women. Osteoporosiscauses the deterioration of bone tissue and creates low bone mass, leading to bone fragility and a higher risk of broken bones.

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer, Al Jalila Foundation said: “Vitamin D deficiency has become a global health concern. Studies have shown that insufficient levels of Vitamin D can lead to a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening diseases. We are grateful to the Medtronic Foundation for their support and look forward to working together on this important study. It is our hope that through increased awareness and early detection patients will be better equipped to manage the disease to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.”

“At Medtronic, we are driven by a belief that access to quality healthcare is fundamental for all people around the world,” says Majid Kaddoumi, Vice President and Managing Director of Medtronic, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Turkey region. “Through the Medtronic Foundation, we invest in localized health access initiatives that support and recognize community-based organizations such as Al Jalila Foundation, allowing them to continue and expand their great work.”

Medtronic Foundation Health Access Grants are awarded in 72 different communities around the world in recognition of community-based programs and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to chronic disease care for the underserved.

Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, continues to invest in innovative healthcare programmes to position Dubai at the forefront of medical innovation. 100% of donations are invested in medical treatment, education and research to improve lives in the UAE and the region.