Post by : Maya Rahman

Professor Habiba Alsafar, who leads the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has received Belgium's esteemed Order of Leopold, making her the first scientist from the UAE to achieve this honor. This accolade recognizes her exceptional contributions to science and her commitment to fostering international research partnerships.

This award underscores the ongoing scientific collaboration between the UAE and Belgium. Prof. Alsafar has been instrumental in the groundbreaking Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) program, initiated during a ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium. BISDI signifies a pivotal advancement in the UAE's efforts in biomedical research and precision medicine.

The title was bestowed by Antoine Delcourt, the Belgian Ambassador to the UAE, representing His Majesty the King of the Belgians. The event saw the attendance of prominent figures from Khalifa University, including Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, the university's President, Homaid Al Shimmari, the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Amal Al Jaberi, CEO of Khalifa University Enterprises Company, along with faculty and students, reiterating the occasion's significance.

Ambassador Delcourt stated, “The Order of Leopold is Belgium's most illustrious distinction, awarded to those with remarkable accomplishments. By honoring Prof. Alsafar, the King acknowledges her stellar scientific journey and the enduring friendship between Belgium and the UAE, enhancing our collaboration in science and healthcare.”

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri emphasized, “The recognition of Prof. Alsafar as the inaugural UAE recipient of this order is a landmark moment for Khalifa University and the country's scientific community. Her commitment to research and international collaboration underscores the UAE's emerging status as a center for biomedical innovation.”

Reflecting on her achievement, Prof. Alsafar said, “Being named a Knight in the Order of Leopold is a profound honor. This recognition exemplifies our collaborative endeavors between the UAE and Belgium and acknowledges the combined efforts of researchers and partners at Khalifa University. Our focus on genomics and precision medicine aims to address significant health challenges and build global networks. This honor motivates me to further advance healthcare research for future generations.”

Prof. Alsafar has spearheaded numerous national and international projects in precision medicine and genomics, significantly enhancing the UAE’s healthcare research landscape. As Dean, she champions academic excellence, innovation, and research aligned with national health goals and the UAE’s vision for medical progress.

The BISDI initiative represents a premier collaboration between Khalifa University and Belgium's VIB-KU Leuven, aiming to position the UAE as a hub for drug development and precision medicine. It emphasizes immunotherapy for conditions like diabetes and cancer, leveraging genomic technologies, AI research, and rapid validation processes for the exploration of disease-related genes and innovative treatment options. BISDI also facilitates knowledge exchange, researcher mobility, and capacity enhancement through a Joint PhD Program, grooming the forthcoming generation of scientists in both nations.

Prof. Alsafar’s knighthood underlines the evolving scientific and healthcare partnerships between the UAE and Belgium. Her endeavors not only push the envelope of medical research but also fortify international collaborations, highlighting the UAE’s strides in global scientific contributions.

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