DuBiotech partners with University of Sharjah to foster research development

Through this new partnership, DuBiotech and the University of Sharjah aim to promote collaboration between industrial and academic players in the field to help advance excellence in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.

Under the terms of the MoU, DuBiotech and the University of Sharjah will combine their scientific research expertise to initiate joint projects, programmes and activities. Another key objective of the partnership is to work closely on the development of courses and curricula that will enrich the biotechnology skills and knowledge of the graduating workforce.

'Academic-industry linkages are crucial to the development of biotechnology in the region,' said Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director of DuBiotech. 'Research done at universities has been one of the key drivers of the biotech industry and we are keen to develop this here. This agreement with the University of Sharjah is part of our objective to build long-lasting relationships between universities and the industry here in the region,' he added.

Some scientists from the college will serve on the Science Advisory Board for DuBiotech and some of DuBiotech's scientists will have adjunct academic appointments in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah and will serve on its Institutional Review Board.

A joint committee from DuBiotech and the University of Sharjah will be established and will be responsible for advancing the objectives of the MoU.

In line with their goal to promote life science research, DuBiotech and the University of Sharjah will partner to secure grants and funding for joint research projects from various multilateral international organisations. The two will develop a framework, processes and criteria for optimally investing this external funding in joint research projects.

The organisations will also work together to raise awareness of the importance and value of biotech research in the region, through various means including training of selected scientists and students, hosting of researchers in the UAE and joint awareness campaigns and conferences.