Global Spotlight on Ajman: Thumbay International Research Grant Awards 14 Groundbreaking Projects in Inaugural Cycle
Ajman, UAE – April 15, 2025 — The Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman has placed the UAE firmly on the global research map with the successful launch of the Thumbay International Research Grant (TIRG). Celebrated during GMU’s Annual Research Day, the grand ceremony recognized 14 internationally acclaimed research projects, selected from a highly competitive pool of 192 applications submitted by 34 universities worldwide.
As the UAE’s leading medical research and innovation hub, GMU, powered by Thumbay Group UAE, introduced the TIRG to promote high-impact, interdisciplinary research across key domains such as precision medicine, AI in healthcare, digital health transformation, drug discovery, and health professions education.
UAE Medical Research Funding Reaches New Milestone
Representing His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, H.E. Dr. Sheikh Majeed Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Court, presented the awards—adding gravitas to this landmark in Ajman’s academic excellence.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder of GMU and President of Thumbay Group, shared an ambitious vision for the grant:
“This initiative is a moral imperative to transform lives through research. We envision GMU as a regional epicenter for global healthcare innovation.”
He announced an expansion of the funding pool from AED 3 million to AED 10 million over the next three years, signaling GMU’s commitment to international medical research grants.
TIRG 2025: Award-Winning Projects with Global Impact
1. Harvard Medical School (USA) – Introducing Rx Bricks, a preclinical education tool to reduce neurology-related anxiety in students (“necrophobia”).
2. University of Arizona (USA) – Leveraging Global Flu View for an AI-driven digital health transformation to predict flu trends globally.
3. University of Waterloo (Canada) – Community-led assessments under “MENAULAS” to enhance population health for older adults in the MENA region.
4. Regensburg University (Germany) – Developing precision medicine therapies to boost immune responses in cancer treatment.
5. Policlinico Ospedali Riuniti (Italy) – Investigating hypoxia gene signatures for early pancreatic cancer prediction.
6. RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (UAE) – A "Precision Trojan Horse" approach for triple-negative breast cancer using nanoparticle drug delivery.
7. Mohammed Bin Rashid University (UAE) – Disrupting the TRIM28 complex to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
8. Ajman University (UAE) – Studying regenerative effects of Vorinostat and CID1067700 on skin and tissue healing.
9. University of Sharjah (UAE) – Targeting tumor hypoxia to boost immunotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer.
10. Al Ain University (UAE) – Personalizing breast cancer chemotherapy by targeting cancer metabolism.
11. Lebanese University (Lebanon) – Designing minimally invasive dental implants for improved patient outcomes.
12. Beirut Arab University (Lebanon) – Comparative study on the tumorigenic impact of waterpipe vs. cigarette smoking.
13. Alexandria University (Egypt) – Integrating molecular profiling and machine learning to predict HCC treatment response.
14. Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands) – Reimagining clinical reasoning education using AI models like ChatGPT.
Driving Global Healthcare Innovation from Ajman
Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor of GMU, remarked:
“The Thumbay International Research Grant is positioning Ajman as a global beacon of academic and scientific excellence.”
Prof. Saleem Chouib, Vice Chancellor for Research, added:
“The diversity and rigor of these TIRG award-winning projects reflect a strong foundation for collaborative medical research across borders.”
A Vision for the Future of Research in the UAE
The Thumbay International Research Grant is more than just a medical research funding program—it’s a strategic investment in healthcare innovation aligned with the UAE’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. TIRG has proven itself a high-impact initiative connecting top researchers, international institutions, and cutting-edge scientific ideas.
With its next cycle on the horizon, GMU invites researchers and institutions worldwide to participate and build on this momentum. TIRG is shaping a future where science knows no borders, and innovation becomes a shared global mission.
Stay informed about eligibility, submission guidelines, and partnership opportunities by visiting [GMU's official research page/link].
