The University of Sharjah convened its 17th Annual Scientific Research Forum under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University. This year’s event, themed “Transformative Research: Shaping the Future of Societies,” spotlighted the University’s most significant research achievements and honored outstanding faculty and students, including recipients of the Sharjah Islamic Bank Award for Scientific Research.

Opening the forum, His Excellency Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, underscored the institution’s steadfast commitment to global excellence, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah. He also highlighted the University’s ascent among the world’s top academic institutions, citing its robust knowledge production and dynamic academic programs that keep pace with scientific, technological, and digital advancements.

Prof. Agamy emphasized the University’s exceptional progress in research, powered by 88 research groups across 13 centers of excellence. These efforts have bolstered UoS’s reputation both regionally and internationally as it maintained its standing as the UAE’s top research university, producing 3,478 high-impact studies indexed in the global Scopus database in 2024. It also ranked 53rd worldwide for research quality and 69th among young universities, according to the Times Higher Education rankings.

In addition, a historic milestone was reached this year when the University earned the platinum rating in the STARS sustainability tracking and evaluation system, making it the first university in the Middle East to achieve this distinction and placing it among the world’s top 15 in this category. Prof. Agamy also stressed the importance of the University’s local and international partnerships, which drive collaborative and sustainable research projects that serve community needs and contribute to the economic development of Sharjah and the UAE.

Professor Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the establishment of specialized research centers tailored to community needs and the UoS’s leadership in scientific research and sustainability. He noted a strategic shift from research production to tangible impact, with a focus on transforming ideas into products, launching startups, and forging partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Skoltech International and Tsinghua University in China.

Looking ahead, Prof. Bettayeb outlined the UoS’s key priorities: advancing applied research that addresses societal needs, converting research into market-ready products through business incubators and tech accelerators, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to build a diversified knowledge economy. He also stressed the need to diversify research funding and enhance fellowship programs to prepare the next generation of Emirati researchers. The forum featured a keynote address by His Excellency Professor Paul O’Byrne, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Vice President of McMaster University in Canada. His lecture, “Transformative Research: Developing New Treatments for Asthma,” explored breakthroughs in asthma management, the role of biologics and precision clinical trials, evolving treatment guidelines, and the promise of new therapies such as budesonide/formoterol inhalers and TSLP-targeting antibodies.

Attendees were treated to a short film showcasing the University of Sharjah’s applied research successes and the tangible benefits these projects have delivered to the community. The film highlighted impressive statistics and the tireless efforts of the University’s research institutes and teams.

The ceremony concluded with Prof. Agamy and Prof. Bettayeb honoring the University’s key supporters, including the holders of endowed chairs from leading organizations such as the Mohammed Ahmed bin Saeed Al Qasimi Professorship, Emirates Industrial City, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Fujairah Research Center, General Civil Aviation Authority, and Sharjah National Oil Corporation. Outstanding faculty were recognized for their contributions to research, teaching, and community service, while winners of the Sharjah Islamic Bank Award for Scientific Research in both faculty and student categories were celebrated by Jassim Al Baloushi, Head of Strategic Management at Sharjah Islamic Bank. Following the opening ceremony, Prof. Agamy and attendees toured the accompanying scientific exhibition, which featured a diverse array of applied research projects offering innovative and sustainable solutions to pressing societal challenges.