Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as Chairperson of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) and President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), has formally accepted the role of patron for the Magdi Yacoub Institute. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Sharjah and the globally recognized cardiovascular research center.
The announcement took place during a visit to the Magdi Yacoub Institute Heart Science Centre in Harefield, United Kingdom. The patronage is built upon a shared dedication to scientific discovery, the advancement of regenerative cardiac medicine, and the promotion of international research cooperation. This collaboration further solidifies Sharjah’s position as a hub for innovation that provides meaningful, life-saving benefits to the global community.
During her visit, Sheikha Bodour was hosted by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, the founder and director of the institute, who also serves as an Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London and Chief Scientific Officer of Heart Biotech Holdings. She was accompanied by SPARK Chief Executive Officer Hussain Al Mahmoudi and Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, the Director of Government and Corporate Partnerships at SPARK.
Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub extended the invitation for the patronage in recognition of Sheikha Bodour’s long-standing commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge, and scientific collaboration. This formal partnership is supported by a USD 2 million investment in Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd, specifically aimed at advancing the Yacoub Heart Valve program. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes that scientific progress is a vital tool for humanitarian service.
The visit included a comprehensive overview of the institute’s current scientific programs, with Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd providing updates on the development phases of the Yacoub Heart Valve. Sheikha Bodour also toured the laboratory facilities, where she observed firsthand the progress in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research.
Discussions held during the visit focused on broadening the scope of cooperation between the Magdi Yacoub Institute, SPARK, the American University of Sharjah, and the University of Sharjah. Both parties examined strategies to enhance joint research initiatives, promote scientific exchanges, and establish new opportunities for students and researchers from Sharjah to engage with the world-leading cardiac science center.
Reflecting on the partnership, Sheikha Bodour stated that Sharjah has long viewed investment in science as an investment in people. She noted that under the guidance of the Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate seeks partnerships that merge innovation and international collaboration to tackle global challenges. She added that the Magdi Yacoub Institute serves as a prime example of how scientific excellence can lead to transformative healthcare, and she expressed enthusiasm for creating new pathways for Sharjah-based researchers to contribute to these life-saving discoveries.
Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub welcomed the acceptance of the patronage, expressing his gratitude for Sharjah’s ongoing support. He emphasized that this collaboration bolsters the institute’s capacity to conduct pioneering cardiovascular research, cultivate future scientific talent, and accelerate the delivery of life-saving therapies. By integrating the research and higher education ecosystem of Sharjah—including SPARK and its partner universities—with the institute’s expertise, the initiative aims to drive breakthroughs that will improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Source: Gulf Today
