Al Jalila Foundation offers Dh8 million worth of fellowship and seed grants for biomedical researchers

Abu Dhabi (WAM): Al Jalila Foundation, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research, has welcomed applicants to its fellowship and seed grant programmes, which aim to improve healthcare in the UAE by supporting talented biomedicine academics. An amount of Dh8 million have been earmarked for the two research funding and education schemes. Researchers are invited to apply for seed grants of up to Dh 300,000, which will give them the opportunity to investigate regional health issues through basic science, applied, or clinical research projects. The grants are available to all nationalities, provided the research is conducted in the UAE. Applicants should hold positions at local universities, research institutions or clinics and will be assessed through an international peer review process, according to the foundation. The fellowships are available exclusively to Emirati biomedical professionals, offering them the opportunity to study at world-renowned institutions, with an aim to migrate global best practice to the UAE. Applicants will be considered by the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board for a place on a three-month Student Research Elective or year-long Research Training Support programme. Al Jalila Foundation has said that it hoped the funding will promote regional research into cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health. These five health issues have been identified by the Foundation as a focus for the newly-announced Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, the UAE's first ever standalone medical research centre. The application deadline for 2014 Fellowship and Seed grants is 15 June 2014. Fellowship grants recipients will be announced by 15 July 2014, while Seed grants recipients will be announced by 15 September 2014. – Emirates News Agency, WAM