University of Birmingham Deepens UAE Ties with Global Health Research Collaborations

The institute is supporting five projects, all co-developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham and partner institutions in the UAE.

The University of Birmingham’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) is deepening its commitment to the UAE through a series of collaborative research projects with leading UAE institutions, underscoring the university’s strategic role in advancing regional healthcare innovation.

The institute is supporting five projects, all co-developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham and partner institutions in the UAE.

Four of these projects, including a key partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU, Dubai Health), specifically address regional health priorities such as digital health infrastructure, cancer biology, reproductive health, and genomics.

Each project combines academic expertise from both countries, laying the groundwork for future innovation and educational collaboration.

These initiatives also align with the University of Birmingham’s broader mission to support the UAE’s national priorities through its Dubai campus, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, cutting-edge research, and impactful knowledge transfer designed to meet the region’s evolving needs.

Collectively, these collaborations reflect the university’s intent to strengthen partnerships across the region, advance healthcare innovation, and support capacity building in both research and education.

Focus Areas of Collaboration

• Digital Health:

One project examines how patient health portals can be utilised more effectively to enhance outcomes and inform clinical decision-making within Dubai’s healthcare system. It involves experts in health communication and digital literacy from the University of Birmingham, as well as innovation and public health experts from Dubai Health.

• Genomics and AI:

The Health Data Science team is developing new methods to better understand the genetic risk factors of complex diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hereditary cancers, which are particularly prevalent in Middle Eastern populations.

• Cancer Research:

Another interdisciplinary project aims to develop a 3D organoid model of patient-derived breast cancer cells to improve understanding of disease progression and treatment response, while creating new opportunities for UK–UAE cancer research collaboration.

• Reproductive Health:

A fourth project investigates innovative fertility preservation techniques through 3D bioprinting, developing germ cell cultures that support the differentiation of testicular cells.

• Global Health Hackathon:

The fifth initiative is launching a global health hackathon that brings together students from UAE universities across disciplines to address global health challenges through innovative, inclusive solutions. The event will serve as a foundation for building a global health education and research network across the UAE and MENA region.

Voices from the Collaboration

Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai, said, “This investment in collaborative research speaks to the university’s deep-rooted commitment to the UAE and to the role of our Dubai campus as a hub for innovation, talent development, and international knowledge exchange. These partnerships are vital to our mission to contribute meaningfully to the region’s academic and healthcare landscape and translate research into real-world impact – utilising advanced technologies and empowering regional healthcare systems to deliver smarter, more inclusive, and more resilient care.”

Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of MBRU, added, “At MBRU, we believe that discovery is a shared journey; one that begins at the bedside and extends to the lab, the classroom, and the wider community. Our collaboration with the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Advanced Studies reflects this vision in action. Through these co-developed research projects, we are addressing regional health challenges with global expertise. This partnership exemplifies how academic collaboration can catalyze real-world innovation, support knowledge exchange, and lay the foundation for a healthier future for our communities. Together, we are not just imagining innovation; we are building it, experiencing it, and advancing health for humanity.”

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