Her Highness Sheikh Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park and President of the American University of Sharjah, has highlighted Sharjah’s long-standing belief that investing in science is ultimately an investment in humanity. During her official acceptance of the invitation to be the patron of the Magdi Yacoub Institute, she underscored the institute’s embodiment of scientific excellence, which has the potential to bring about real transformation in healthcare.
A New Era of Collaboration
This announcement marks a significant new chapter in the growing collaboration between Sharjah and the world-renowned cardiovascular research centre. The occasion took place during Sheikh Bodour’s visit to the Heart Sciences Centre at the Magdi Yacoub Institute in Harfield, United Kingdom, where the patronage reflects a mutual commitment to advancing scientific discovery, developing regenerative cardiology, and enhancing international research collaboration.
She was welcomed by Sir Magdi Yacoub, founder and director of the institute, who is also a Professor Emeritus at Imperial College London and Chief Scientific Officer at Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd. Accompanying Sheikh Bodour were Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Executive Director of the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, and Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Director of Government and Institutional Partnerships at the Park.
Commitment to Cardiac Care
The patronage is a continuation of Sharjah’s commitment to advancing regenerative cardiology through its collaboration with the Magdi Yacoub Institute, which also includes a $2 million investment in Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd to develop the “Yacoub Heart Valve” programme. During her visit, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub and researchers from the institute presented an overview of their scientific initiatives, while Heart Biotech showcased the latest advancements in the Yacoub Heart Valve programme and outlined its next development phases.
Sheikh Bodour also toured the institute’s laboratories, meeting with scientists and researchers to gain insight into the progress being made in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Discussions encompassed potential research collaborations between the Magdi Yacoub Institute, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, the American University of Sharjah, and the University of Sharjah, focusing on enhancing joint research programmes, facilitating scientific exchange, and creating new pathways for Sharjah’s researchers and students to engage with one of the world’s leading centres in cardiovascular science.
Shared Vision for Global Challenges
Sheikh Bodour stated, “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, we strive to build partnerships that combine knowledge, innovation, and international collaboration to address the challenges that impact lives around the world.” She further remarked, “The Magdi Yacoub Institute embodies the potential of scientific excellence to effect real change in healthcare, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership, creating new opportunities for researchers in Sharjah to contribute to and benefit from this extraordinary journey of scientific discovery.”
In response, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub expressed his gratitude for the continued support Sharjah provides for this collaboration, stating that this patronage enhances the institute’s ability to promote pioneering research in cardiovascular medicine, nurture the next generation of scientific talent, and accelerate the development of life-saving treatments through international cooperation.
Improving Lives through Scientific Partnership
The partnership between Sharjah and the Magdi Yacoub Institute, a leading global institution in cardiovascular science, reflects the emirate’s strategy to foster international scientific collaboration, accelerate research and innovation, and contribute to scientific discoveries that aim to improve lives worldwide.
Sheikh Bodour Al Qasimi: “The Magdi Yacoub Institute embodies the potential of scientific excellence to effect real change in healthcare.”
Professor Magdi Yacoub: “Sheikh Bodour Al Qasimi’s patronage enhances the institute’s ability to promote pioneering research in cardiovascular medicine.”