Flanders and the UAE to cooperate on biomedical research
Academic ties to new biomedical heights! Situated in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Khalifa University of Science is joining forces with VIB, Flanders’ strategic research center for biotech and life sciences, as well as with KU Leuven, one of Flanders’ main universities. Following an agreement of cooperation, the goal is to launch an international Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) program and develop AI- and biotech-powered treatments for diabetes.
This new cooperation further strengthens Flanders’ internationally oriented business and research ecosystem for life sciences & health, along with the region’s strong track record in terms of life sciences research pioneers. Take a virtual tour through Flanders’ ecosystem on the Flanders360 platform or check out the region’s Team Vesalius of groundbreakingly bright minds in the field of life sciences & health.
Unique exchange program
Led by Prof. Dr. Peter Carmeliet (VIB-KU Leuven), the new program seeks to develop new treatments for diabetes through innovative AI-based target discovery and drug target validation tools. A first of its kind for their bilateral relations, the UAE and Flanders are thus teaming up in a one-of-a-kind exchange program to improve healthcare – paving the way for possible future collaborations.
Initially, the BISDI program will be supported during a two-year run-in period through an investment worth EUR 10 million for Khalifa University and VIB. It can also rely on support from Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT). The FIT teams in both Brussels and the UAE initiated and guided the talks between Khalifa University and VIB together with Peter Claes, Ambassador of Belgium in the UAE, and his team.
Flanders is a hub for research, innovation and technology – particularly in life sciences, healthcare and medical applications. The region's companies, research centers and knowledge institutions pioneer groundbreaking innovations. We are confident that the BISDI program will pave the way for other healthcare cooperation projects between the UAE and Flanders.
Improving healthcare in different corners of the world
The ambitions for the Flanders-UAE cooperation agreement and the new BISDI program reach high, to say the least:
By championing scientific research and nurturing local talent, Khalifa University believes that this cooperation will lay down the foundations for a program that will create a world-class biomedical ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and Flanders. An ecosystem that will help find cures for the most challenging health problems, while improving healthcare in the UAE, Flanders – and the world.
The BISDI program is a strategic partnership and a win-win. On the one hand, it boosts our research to identify better targets for the treatment of diabetes. On the other hand, it accelerates the empowerment of VIB as a center of excellence for modern life science research in Abu Dhabi. This will be an exciting endeavor!
Highlighting its bilateral importance, the agreement of cooperation was signed between Jo Bury (VIB) and Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi (Khalifa University) on 4 February 2022 – in the presence of King Filip of Belgium and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
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Reported by
press release VIB and Khalifa University
