The University of Sharjah has launched its 5th Forum for Women in Research, themed “QUWA: Together Innovating to Shape the Future,” under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University. This event aims to celebrate and highlight the significant contributions of women in research.

Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, the Minister of State and Advisor to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, expressed her pride in the forum. She emphasized the importance of women’s roles in research and praised the University of Sharjah’s commitment to excellence in research that aligns with the country’s sustainability goals. This commitment is vital for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the value of research that serves society.

Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, thanked H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi for his support in advancing the university’s research initiatives. He highlighted the university’s ongoing dedication to empowering women in research and innovation. The annual forum serves as a platform for amplifying women’s voices in research, allowing them to drive meaningful change and tackle real-world challenges.

He pointed out that the university has made significant strides in research at local, regional, and international levels, with female researchers playing a crucial role in these advancements. Prof. Al Naimiy noted that the university fosters a supportive research environment for female faculty and administrative staff, helping them enhance their skills and contributions to sustainable development.

Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies and Co-chair of the Forum, mentioned that this year’s forum has seen fruitful collaborations with numerous local and international entities. He stated that the University of Sharjah is focused on empowering women in research by creating advanced research groups and modern laboratories. These initiatives have improved the quality of research and helped the university achieve a world ranking of 56th in research quality.

The two-day forum gathered speakers and researchers from the UAE and beyond, who shared their expertise through panel discussions and interactive sessions. These discussions underscored the vital role women play in promoting sustainable innovation and addressing global challenges through scientific research.

An exhibition held alongside the forum showcased research projects that progressed to the final stage of the competition. This year, the forum received 890 research submissions, of which 297 were shortlisted from participants representing 260 universities across 57 countries.

The first day concluded with the announcement of winners for the Best Research Proposal and recognition of key partners and sponsors for their contributions. More than 40 grants were awarded to outstanding female researchers across various fields, addressing significant topics and research challenges in areas such as health sciences, technology, and social sciences.