Sharjah Medical Research Partnership has entered a new phase as Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi accepted patronage of the Magdi Yacoub Institute. The move strengthens cooperation between Sharjah and the United Kingdom-based centre for cardiovascular research.
The patronage was announced during Sheikha Bodour’s visit to the Magdi Yacoub Institute Heart Science Centre in Harefield, United Kingdom. She was accompanied by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), and Dr Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK.
The Sharjah Medical Research Partnership builds on existing cooperation in regenerative cardiac medicine. Sharjah has also invested $2 million in Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd to support the development of the Yacoub Heart Valve programme.
During the visit, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub and researchers presented the Institute’s scientific programmes. Heart Biotech also shared updates on the Yacoub Heart Valve and its next development stage.
Sheikha Bodour toured the laboratories and met researchers working in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Discussions also explored ways to expand research links between the Magdi Yacoub Institute, SPARK, the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah.
The partnership aims to create more opportunities for joint research, scientific exchange and collaboration. It could also help researchers and students from Sharjah connect with leading international cardiac scientists.
Sheikha Bodour said Sharjah believes investing in science means investing in people. She highlighted the importance of international partnerships in addressing global healthcare challenges.
The development further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a hub for research, innovation and higher education. It also highlights the emirate’s growing focus on medical research, regenerative medicine and international scientific cooperation.
