Coinciding with UoS’s Celebrations of Emirati Women’s Day 2026

The University of Sharjah (UoS) held a press conference to announce the activities of the Sixth Forum for Women in Research (QUWA), under the theme, “QUWA: Advancing Knowledge, Inspiring Innovation, and Transforming Society.” The forum aims to empower and support women researchers from around the world by providing a platform to exchange knowledge, ideas, and expertise, foster international research collaboration, and highlight women’s contributions to advancing science and innovation. This announcement coincides with the celebration of Emirati Women’s Day 2026, during which the university is organizing a series of initiatives and events that will take place throughout the entire month.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, welcomed the forum’s partners and sponsors, emphasizing that research is a fundamental pillar of the University’s strategy and a key pathway toward achieving its vision. He underscored that women are integral partners in the research ecosystem, prompting the University to establish the Office for Women in Research to empower women and strengthen their presence and contributions in this field. He further noted that partnerships with national institutions and private-sector companies across various sectors provide a complementary dimension to the higher education sector, enabling it to better serve and advance society through purposeful, applied research. He also affirmed that the progress achieved over the Forum’s five editions—in terms of the growing number of participants, the quality of research presented, and the expanding network of community partnerships—provides clear evidence of the Forum’s success.

For his part, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, noted that the forum is a platform for expanding partnerships and strengthening collaboration across various fields of research. He emphasized the importance of broadening cooperation at both the local and international levels to support the development of high-quality, impactful research. He further noted that the University is committed to supporting research that goes beyond academic publication to drive innovative products and solutions that serve the community and create tangible impact.

Dr. Amina Almarzooqi, Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs at the University of Sharjah, highlighted the University of Sharjah’s commitment to supporting the leading role of women in academic, research, and administrative fields, noting that the forum’s success over the past years reflects this commitment. She emphasized that the value of research lies in its impact and its ability to bring about meaningful transformation in society through partnerships with institutions and the industrial sector. She also stressed that celebrating Emirati women should be an ongoing commitment, recognizing their vital role in advancing knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development.

The Forum, now in its sixth edition and scheduled to take place from March 31 to April 1, 2027, focuses on advancing impactful, interdisciplinary research that addresses national and global priorities across five categories. The first category focuses on bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, dentistry, health sciences and digital health, medicine, and pharmacy. The second category covers technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, blockchain and digital assets, sustainability and inclusive finance, operational resilience, and cybersecurity. The third category focuses on computing and informatics, engineering, and sciences. Meanwhile, the fourth category focuses on the humanities and social sciences, economic security, women’s leadership policies and initiatives at the global level, as well as health challenges and the role of health and social institutions in enhancing women’s quality of life. The fifth category is the Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Category for Women Studies in Palestine.

During the press conference, representatives of the Forum's strategic partners highlighted the various areas of collaboration with the University of Sharjah and introduced their latest initiatives which will be launched during the sixth edition of the forum in support of research and women's empowerment. They emphasized the Forum's pivotal role in strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration.

The press conference concluded with a networking session, bringing together researchers, participants, and representatives of strategic partners to exchange insights, explore opportunities for collaboration, and gain a deeper understanding of the Forum’s program and the key themes and topics that will be addressed during the Forum.

It is worth noting that the Forum will be held in its sixth edition with the support of NAMA Women Advancement and the Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) (Strategic National and Impact Partners); Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) (Energy and Sustainability Partners); Emirates NBD Group (Industry Partner); University of Khorfakkan and University Hospital Sharjah (Academic Partners); GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca (Medical Partners); Huawei and Technology Innovation Institute, (Technology Partners); and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Trends Research & Advisory and General Women's Union (Community and Entrepreneurship Partners).  The forum will also feature the participation of over (150) community partners, (200) members of the Women in Research Committee, (330) members of the judging committee, and over (40) research grants and excellence awards across multiple research disciplines.