DoH And Penn Medicine Strengthen Ties With New Research MoU

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulatory body for the healthcare sector, has signed a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Medicine). The MoU aims to expand cooperation in education, research, and innovation programs. This partnership will focus on the development of a translational research ecosystem and launch collaborative research projects in advanced areas of science.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Penn Medicine, emphasizing the importance of synergy between academia and regulatory bodies in promoting research and innovation. This collaboration will further Abu Dhabi's commitment to driving innovative healthcare solutions and promoting global collaboration.

The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Penn Medicine will leverage the advanced infrastructure of Abu Dhabi and the expertise of Penn Medicine in discovering and developing novel treatments. The partnership aims to develop a translational medicine and therapeutics ecosystem that will facilitate capacity development and the creation of new discoveries and treatments in Abu Dhabi. This will involve the development of research training and educational programs to upskill healthcare professionals in various domains of healthcare.

Glen Gaulton, PhD, Vice Dean and Director of the Center for Global Health at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine, highlighted Penn Medicine's global leadership in precision medicine and innovation. He emphasized the importance of investing in translational research ecosystems and fostering interdisciplinary and translational research to advance biomedical sciences. Gaulton expressed excitement about collaborating with Abu Dhabi to replicate this structure and advance the Emirate's vision of becoming a true innovator in biomedical sciences.

Recently, a high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation, led by Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the DoH, visited the USA to showcase partnership opportunities and explore collaboration in research and development, manufacturing, and innovation. The delegation met with various education research institutions, government bodies, and health-tech giants to foster collaboration. This transnational mission culminated in Abu Dhabi's participation in the BIO International Convention 2024 in San Diego, where the Emirate exhibited its growth and development in the biotechnology industry and engaged in discussions and collaborations in health-tech, life science, and innovation.

The delegation consisted of 20 key entities, including the DoH, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, G42, Masdar City, Mubadala Investment Company, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group, Malaffi, The Medical Office, Ambulatory Healthcare Services, PureHealth, One Health, M42, Technology Innovation Institute, Burjeel Holdings, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi Holding Company, Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre, and Etihad Airways. This diverse delegation highlighted the expertise and diversity within Abu Dhabi's ecosystem and facilitated collaborations with leading organizations in the field of healthcare and innovation.

This partnership between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Penn Medicine signifies a significant step towards advancing healthcare research, education, and innovation in Abu Dhabi. It demonstrates the Emirate's commitment to becoming a global leader in biomedical sciences and reinforces its position as a destination for life sciences. By leveraging the expertise of Penn Medicine and the capabilities of Abu Dhabi, this collaboration aims to drive forward innovative healthcare solutions and improve human health.