As part of the University of Sharjah’s (UoS) drive to empower women in research and innovation, the University has convened a high-powered meeting with strategic partners for its Office of Women in Research. Hosted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, the meeting was attended by faculty members and representatives from key partners, all united in promoting collaboration among women in multidisciplinary research with the aim of achieving societal impact, leadership and global breakthroughs.

In his welcoming address, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, framed the event as a milestone in the University's journey from initial empowerment efforts to sustainable, world-shaping influence for female researchers. He spotlighted the office's role in institutional excellence through structured mentorship, vibrant international partnerships and leadership development, ensuring long-term gains for women scholars at home and abroad.

Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, Director of the Office of Women in Research and Chair of Research Outreach Department, positioned the meeting as a follow-up to the Women in Research Forum. Launching the office, she said, marks a bold step to amplify women's presence in scientific discovery and cement their influence in academic and research circles regionally and worldwide. Collaborations with partners, she added, will propel women and girls along scientific paths, equipping them to shape knowledge and innovation in line with the office's ambitions.

Members of the office's international advisory committee praised the initiative, calling for integrated support systems centered on guidance, expertise sharing and research collaboration. Partner representatives, for their part, outlined ambitions to deepen ties, pledging multifaceted backing for women in science to serve communities and advance sustainable development goals.

The office aims to support professional growth of female researchers, promote multidisciplinary research, provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities, engage youth, inspire future generations, and establish strong local, regional and international partnerships. Its strategic partners span NAMA Women Advancement, Emirates Global Aluminum, Big Heart Foundation, Sharjah National Oil Corporation, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Presidential Court, University of Khorfakkan, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Huawei, Emirates NBD, Technology Innovation Institute, TRENDS Research and Advisory Center and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center “Sheraa”.

The event wrapped with honors for advisory committee members and partners, recognizing their vital contributions to the office's mission of uplifting women in research and innovation at the university.