The University of Sharjah (UoS) has taken another step towards global collaboration by welcoming a delegation from the international pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company (generally known as Lilly) to explore prospects for partnership in public health, research, and education.

 The meeting, held at the University’s Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), brought together leading academics and scientists from both sides. Attending from UoS were Professor Rifaat Akram Hammoudi, Acting Director of the Institute; Dr. Wafaa Al Nakhi, Director of the Center for Excellence in Public Health; and Professor Farah Naja from the College of Health Sciences, alongside several faculty and researchers from the Health Promotion Research Group.

 Representing Lilly were Dr. Anna Koroleva, Medical and Cardiometabolic Lead for the Middle East; Tania Tannous, Associate Director for Public and Government Affairs, Value, and Access for the Middle East and North Africa; and Dr. Dianne Dao, Regional Director for Real-World Evidence and Medical Research.Discussions focused on developing joint initiatives to address rising public health challenges, particularly non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Both parties emphasized the need for evidence-based, applied research to produce effective health strategies aligned with the UAE’s national priorities.

 The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to build long-term strategic partnerships that strengthen research and educational capabilities across the UAE, reaffirming the University of Sharjah’s position as a leading research institution in the region. Through such collaborations, the University aims to play a pivotal role in shaping public health policy and improving quality of life across Emirati society.