17 November 2020 - United Arab Emirates: The College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University - Ajman, hosted a group of high school students from “GEMS Schools” for an organized tour as part of ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ Initiative. The tour included visits to the laboratories and research centers to provide students with an on-ground research experience in the drug discovery and development laboratory. 

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, who accompanied the school students on their campus visit which is a part of the practical training course of ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ initiative launched by the university two years ago, said: “In continuation to the initiative we started two years ago, we organized a research experiment for students from one of the most prominent secondary schools in the UAE. We provided them with an opportunity to get up-close and experience actual scientific experiments that embodies all the theoretical information they receive, as part of the core objectives of ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’. The initiative is focused on instilling a culture of scientific research in the hearts and minds of school students at an early age to support their career, nurture their skills, enhance their self-confidence and ensure a promising future that awaits them.”

Prof. Hamdy further reiterated that the Gulf Medical University in Ajman had launched the ‘Future Scientists of the UAE’ initiative two years ago that allows students to undertake a research experience during which they acquire the necessary skills in several vital medical fields. The initiative embodies the university's commitment to achieving the goals of UAE Centennial 2071 that is dedicated to preparing a generation that carries the flag of the future and enjoys the highest scientific and professional levels. The initiative by Gulf Medical University reaffirms the university’s commitment towards instilling the culture of scientific research and introducing the curriculum in the hearts of the future generations.

He added: “One of the key objectives of introducing this program was to build a generation of scientists and researchers in the field of health sciences who are capable of producing knowledge, as well as introducing school students to principles, techniques, methods and culture of scientific research. The program helps introducing students to scientific methods, requirements and foundations and train them on various modern devices and equipment used in the field of research. Besides, the program also helps in discovering future scientists and providing them with opportunities and support in practicing the principles of scientific research and conduct their own research under the supervision of a faculty member at the university.

It is worth noting that a team of faculty members in the College of Pharmacy - Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences supervised the students and followed up on the training course that started with an introductory lecture on scientific research in pharmaceutical sciences and drug discovery, followed by students conducting practical experiments that helped them gain understanding in pharmaceutical chemistry and chemical analysis of drugs.