Zayed Centre For Research Celebrates Six Years Of Transforming Children's Health Worldwide
The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children (ZCR) recently marked its sixth anniversary. This milestone celebrates significant strides in diagnosing, treating, and caring for children with rare and complex conditions. The centre is a collaboration between Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), University College London (UCL), and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Since its inception in 2019, the Zayed Centre has brought together top scientists and clinicians to speed up the transition from scientific discovery to patient treatment. This initiative was made possible by a generous £60 million donation from H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. Her support has been instrumental in achieving life-changing outcomes for children globally.
Professor Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the centre's achievements: "The Zayed Centre for Research stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through international partnership and science united by purpose. As we mark our sixth anniversary, we celebrate not only the lives already transformed but also the possibilities that lie ahead."
In July 2024, researchers at the centre pioneered a new heart imaging technique called HiP-CT, offering unprecedented detail of heart structures. Additionally, global partnerships have expedited epilepsy diagnosis in children. The centre's research spans tissue engineering to lab-grown miniature organs, revolutionising treatment approaches for serious childhood conditions.
The centre's efforts include 93 active projects with over £41 million in external funding. These projects cover gene, stem cell therapies, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and advancing cancer treatment techniques. New collaborations are also addressing the global shortage of viral vectors crucial for medical research.
Louise Parkes, Chief Executive of GOSH Charity, expressed gratitude: "As we celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Zayed Centre for Research, we’re proud to reflect on how this world-leading partnership continues to transform children’s lives through pioneering research and innovation - turning scientific discovery into real hope for young patients and their families."
Enduring Support and Future Prospects
Professor Barakat also noted: "The Zayed Centre for Research continues to embody the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—a vision that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has championed and enriched through her enduring support." The centre exemplifies how advanced paediatric research can change lives and offer hope worldwide.
Among recent achievements is a partnership with the Kalimat Foundation from the UAE. This collaboration resulted in a mobile children's library donation to GOSH under their 'Pledge a Library' initiative. Such partnerships highlight ongoing efforts to enhance resources available to young patients.
The annual impact report 2024/2025 was launched during this anniversary celebration. It showcases remarkable progress in gene and cell therapies over the past year. These advancements continue to drive forward innovative treatments that improve outcomes for children with rare diseases globally.
The Zayed Centre remains committed to advancing paediatric research through international collaboration and cutting-edge science. Its work continues to open new horizons of hope for affected children and their families worldwide.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google