REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS 

“Young Investigators Conference Building a Research Career: The Path to Discovery”

DUBAI HARVARD FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

October 27, 2008
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

INTRODUCTION

The Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR) hosted its third annual Young Investigators Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai, UAE, on October 27, 2008.  The goal of the event was to introduce young investigators in the Middle East region to the opportunities offered by DHFMR in collaboration with Harvard Medical School (HMS).

The opportunities and challenges facing young investigators were addressed by a number of renewed speakers from HMS and Dubai, included HE Humaid Mohamed Al Qutami, UAE Minister of Health, Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Dubai Healthcare City, Mr. Robin J. Wheatley, Director of Administration of DHFMR, Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, Chair of DHFMR Scientific Advisory Committee, Dr. Christopher A. Walsh, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Dr. Raghu Kalluri, Professor at the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School.  More than 100 attendees, many of them young scientists from the Middle East and regional academic professionals at the beginning of their career, participated in this day-long event.

 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Baniyas Ball Room, Grand Hyatt, Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Monday, October 27th, 2008
8:30 am – 4:00 pm

MORNING PROGRAM

Welcome

Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Dubai Healthcare City, welcomed the delegates to the conference, noting that the main goal of DHFMR is to set up standards for the top quality medical education and research in the region.  Placing itself on the forefront of the scientific research, scientific discoveries, as well as healthcare delivery, DHFMR leads efforts toward improving lives of people in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Dr. Abdullah stressed.  The Foundation will continue to strengthen its role, mission and activities, and its commitment to the medical research, continuously focusing on new developments and new challenges.  Careers of young researchers, and possibilities for professional and academic development are regarded as an integral and crucial part in this process.

Opening Address from the UAE Minister of Health

His Excellency Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, the UAE Minister of Health, discussed  the importance of scientific research in the Middle East and the development of research opportunities for young scientists living and working in the region.  Calling them the “future generation” on which the progress in the region depends, HE Al Qutami stressed that they face numerous challenges, such as an urgent need to cope with dominant health issues in the area, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.  Genetics is also an essential field which needs to be further explored.  In order to fully address these challenges, young researchers in Dubai – and any other regional country – must closely communicate and collaborate with their fellow researchers in the Arab world and beyond, and this one and other DHFMR conferences are one of good examples how such communication can take place.

HE Al Qutami expressed his admiration for DHFMR work, noting that this foundation offers a vast array of opportunities for the regional medical researchers.  He concluded his address reiterating that the nation depends on their work, calling them to continue their advancement of the medical research and standards and thus take part in creation and sustainability of a healthy and prosperous environment in this part of the world.
 
Introduction

Mr. Robin J. Wheatley, DHFMR Director of Administration, thanked Dr. Abdullah and HE Al Qutami for their words, and welcomed the attendees on behalf of the Foundation.  Mr. Wheatley stressed  importance of this event, noting that this is one more opportunity for young investigators to meet each other, exchange ideas and experiences, and reflect on their work and challenges.  The conference will address the challenges DHFMR faces, Mr. Wheatley noted.  “However, we need to learn from you the direction you will be taking, and your input is very important in this process,” he added. He concluded his remarks by introducing members of DHFMR, visitors and guest speakers from Harvard Medical School, who will share their experience and reflect on their  career paths that led them to their current positions.

Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee, member of the Board of Trustees at DHFMR, and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School discussed the support mechanism offered by DHFMR.  He mentioned that the UAE has made a strong effort to enhance the medical research in the region, and that DHFMR provides support in this process in form of grants and breakthrough research activities.  The Foundation is dedicated to providing long-term secure funding and infrastructure support for the young researchers, to helping them grow into senior investigators.  However, Dr. Sayegh noted that although the standards are very high, and the process is vigorous and closely monitored, the grants are not micromanaged and it is up to the researcher how to use the research funds.

DHFMR invests in research and education through the three different types of grants:

1. Collaborative Research Center Awards -- The number of center awards increased from 26 to 40 this year; an additional two will be awarded in January 2009.
2. Seed Grants -- Seed grants provide support for early stage researchers in order to prepare them for submitting grants for the Collaborative Research Centers.  Dr. Sayegh mentioned his excitement about this type of grants since it came from the young investigators.
3. Research Fellowship Awards -- Research Fellowship Awards provide support for young investigators interested in becoming fellows at Harvard Medical School; currently there are three fellows in this category.

Dr. Sayegh proceeded by describing the review process and the roles of the review committee, the Scientific Advisory Committee, to the Board of Trustees.  He emphasized that there is no political, geographical, or any other factor in the review process, and that the selection is based solely on the scientific merit.  Moreover, the grants are renewed on an annual basis based on strict monitoring and clear and demanding standards. Foundation grants not only provide good venue for a start-up research, but they also enable young scientist to apply and potentially obtain other funding from different sources.  Eventually, “good science will get funded,” Dr. Sayegh emphasized, noting that next year, the conference will include a session in which the current investigators present their awards, science, and grants to the attendees.

Among the questions raised by the attendees, Dr. Sayegh mentioned the following points:

• The diseases in the grants must be relevant to the region
• The grant must include a clear and detailed plan of  training and transfer of technology
• Collaboration is between Harvard Medical School and the Middle East
• The competition is tough; all letters of intent are reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee and only the highly competitive applications are chosen.  Applicants with weaker letters of intent are asked to submit seed grants
  

Careers in Biomedical Science – pathways and choice points

Dr. Christopher A. Walsh, Professor of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, talked about the path that led him to achieve his goals.  “Careers are a series of fortunate accidents guided by long-term goals,” Dr. Walsh told the conference delegates, encouraging them to make the law of unintended accidents work for them.

An “unintended accident” for Dr. Walsh was his interest in neuroscience, which started in a psychiatry course that he took as an undergraduate.  In this course, he was introduced to Dr. Ray Guillery, who taught him a couple of lessons, some of which are: reanalyzing our view of the world to make it systematic; the importance of family; and the ability to organize our time.

Science is a theory of truth and one will not succeed in medical research unless he or she has a deep passion for science.  His passion is for human genetics, human mutation, and mental retardation and his success has emerged from there.  Human brain malformations are diverse:  there are six billion people on the planet and humans carry hundreds of mutations in their genes… all of which made this field an “interesting science.”  Since consanguinity has a high rate in the Middle East region, scientists from the region are studying these birth defects and are collaborating with different regions in order to achieve the most advanced scientific results.  Dr. Walsh also talked about the importance of gaining training in new technology for professional advancement.

Dr. Walsh concluded his general lesson emphasizing:

• Follow your passion
• Don’t be afraid to switch fields; renew and reinvent yourself as a scientist
• Publish
• Pursue mechanisms – study one level deeper than the original plan
• Focus on long-term goals
• Know yourself, your wants and goals and be able to negotiate them
• Define your values and don’t let others impose them on you
• Know what makes you happy
• Use role models
• Manage your ego
• Be essential by bringing value to your institution
• Maintain and defend your reputation
• Don’t be dishonest
• Network

He recommended four readings: Advice to a Young Investigator, How to Win Friends and Influence People, You Can Negotiate Anything, and Getting to Yes (Harvard Negotiation Project).
           
Tumor Microenvironment Controls Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Dr. Raghu Kalluri, Professor at the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and the Chief of the Division of Matrix Biology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center described his path that led him to where he is today.  Life is full of events and episodes that bring us closer to our goals, Dr. Kalluri said to the conference attendees.

Ever since he was a young boy, Dr. Kalluri was inspired by his father, a neuroscientist, to become a scientist himself.  Throughout his life choices, he learned to follow one’s passion and instincts.  One should always be up-to-date with the literature, to continuously try new experiments and build new collaborations via lectures, talks and networking, he emphasized.

Another inspiration throughout his career is the patients.  Physicians must listen to their patients since they provide doctors with novel ideas and new areas to investigate.  It is always challenging and interesting to question one’s science; this also leads to years of research and new discoveries.  Human biology is not a one way systematic procedure and therefore scientists are to maintain the balance in that field.  Scientists should formulate hypothesis since proven hypothesis can prolong a patient’s life.

Road a MD/PhD takes is a huge journey and commitment. Scientists thus must always enjoy their work and perform experiments that are often for sheer fun.  He concluded by stating the following points:

• Love to write publications, grants, etc.
• Diversify and move away from your mentor’s research focus (balance)
• Explore new ideas and learn from your patients since they are your best source
• Always be a student
• Always seek for answers

Dr. Kalluri recommended the following reading: Autobiography of Ben Franklin.

AFTERNOON PROGRAM

Session 1: Building a Research Career in the Middle East
Moderators: Dr. Christopher Walsh; Facilitators: Dr. Sehamuddin Galadari, Dr. Muna Al Saffar, Mr. Jasmin Mehovic, Ms. Yumna Maalouf

The session 1 delegates had identified a number of issues which motive them to pursue a career in scientific research.  Lack of scientific research in the region, raw and untapped and underutilized data, the need for building strong collaborations between physicians, clinicians and researchers, and focus on genetic diseases are some of them.  The fact that an increasing number of the young and enthusiastic scientists are coming back home after being trained abroad continuously brings new research approaches to the regional institutions is also an important factor in this process.

Moreover, the delegates noted that there are serious difficulties facing the medical research in the Middle East, such as:

• Lack of funding sources in the region
• Lack of clear vision and strategic direction on research
• Lack of statistical and epidemiological studies
• Lack of communication between authorities
• Lack of infrastructure
• Lacks sufficient education about medical research

The attendees stressed that the regional academic community should collaborate more aggressively collaborate with the public and private sectors to develop the regional research capabilities and infrastructure.  Some of the elements that could benefit the situation would be:

• Collaboration of the academic, public and private sectors to enhance the regional research
• Providing medical students with more better opportunities
• Advocating with the government and authorities
• Creating patients support groups
• Networking
• Building up human resources infrastructure
• Availability of funding opportunities
• Access to up-to-date literature and data

DHFMR, along with the academic institutions in the region, can help a lot by advocating research in the region, delegates noted.  As a part of Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, DHFMR has a well-known reputation and it can work with the regional decision makers to establish research career pathways and facilitate research activities.  The Foundation itself should continue to utilize its resources, establish new mechanisms, and expand possibilities for aiding young scientist in the region.

Session 2: Addressing Developments in Medical Research
Moderators: Dr. Raghu Kalluri; Facilitators: Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh and Mr. Robin Wheatley

An dynamic and interesting discussion between the young investigators and Drs. Sayegh and Kalluri brought up the following questions and answers:

Q: What should scientists do in case of lack of concrete data?
A: Scientists must be aware of what they are competing against and try new modes of improvements, either through grants with the DHFMR, or residency training in world renowned institutions, or seek academic centers such as the Harvard Medical School Dubai City (HMSDC).

Q: Does DHFMR support undergraduates?
A: Not yet, but this issue will be added to the agenda of DHFMR.

Q: Does DHFMR provide both research training and academic training?
A: DHFMR provides research training via grants and is currently in the process of developing a new academic training program with HMSDC.  The medical center will offer and full residency training program as soon as it opens.

Q: Are multi-center projects acceptable?
A: Yes, absolutely.

Q: One challenge faced by the young investigators is the lack of specimen and sample collection.  How can DHFMR help?
A: DHFMR can provide logistic support.  Investigators must look hard for centers in the region to see if they have sample collection and tissue banking and KFSHR is an example of such a center.

Drs. Sayegh reminded prospective applicants that they should first identify centers and researchers at Harvard they would like to collaborate and then apply for support from DHFMR.   If needed, the Foundation will link them with scientist at Harvard Medical School and facilitate the discussion.  Nonetheless, it is the regional scientists who must initiate the dialogue.  The grants are required to have a clear plan for collaboration and transfer of technology.  As the number of the application is growing by each year, if a grant does not get funded by DHFMR, the applicants would at least have developed collaborations with Harvard Medical School and thus can reapply in the coming years, or apply with other funding agencies.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Mr. Wheatley concluded the conference by thanking all the attendees for their enthusiasm and interest in DHFMR and for their role in improving healthcare and medical research in the Middle East and Gulf region.  He used the opportunity reiterate the details of the grant application cycle (please check this website for details on grant applications and deadlines).  He urged the delegates to maintain contact with the Foundation, as well as to build new contacts and collaborations, using this and the future gatherings to strengthening the relationships among the young investigators in the region.

CONFERENCE DELEGATES:

Abdishakur Abdulle      
UAE University­­, Faculty of Medicine (UAE)

Mahra Abdulrahman     
Dubai Genetics Center (UAE)

Smita Abraham
Dubai Genetics (UAE)

Annie Abraham
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Khalid M. Al Ammar    
Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (UAE)

Rula Abu Ghalaleh
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Ola G. Alahdab
UAE Ministry of Health (UAE)

Kawthar Al-Jabri
DOHMS (UAE)

Abdullah Al  Kabiri       
Damascus University (Syria)

Nadia A. Akawi           
UAE  University (UAE)

Ahmed Al-Marzouqi     
UAE University, Faculty of Medicine (UAE)

Nadia Y. Al Marzouqi
UAE University (UAE)

Shaikha Al Mazrooei    
UAE University (UAE)

Wafaa A. Al Meliahi    
University of Science & Technology (Egypt)

Nouva Al-Menhali
UAE University (UAE)

Maha Al-Mozaini         
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KSA)

Hajar Al-Rajaibi           
Sultan Qaboos University (Oman)

Khaldoun Al-Romaih    
King Faisl Hospital & Research Centre (KSA)

Laila Al-Shaer  
Dubai Health Authority (AUE)

Sabah AlShbibi 
Dubai Hospital (UAE)

Hadiel Azzam  
Dubai Medical College (UAE)

Ali Al Fazari    
UAE University, Faculty of Medicine (UAE)

Amal Almaqadma        
Dubai Medical College (UAE)

Rana B. Al-Nouno       
Dubai Genetics (UAE)

Motaz Bahageel
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Brenda Barry   
Harvard University, Children's Hospital (USA)

Ali Bazarbachi 
American University of Beirut (Lebanon)

Eman Daban    
Deira International School (UAE)

Sanjeevani Dahiwadkar
Dubai Health Authority (UAE)

Shaheenah Dawood      
Dubai Hospital (UAE)

Maryam Al-Dharmaki
Dubai (AUE)

Pradnya Dhareshwar    
Gulf Medical University Ajman (UAE)

Elamin Yahya Mohammed Elamin
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Omar El-Agnaf
UAE University, Faculty of Medicine (UAE)

Sumaya A. El-Khider   
UAE University (UAE)

Vahid Emadmarvasti    
Hematology Research Center (UAE)

Shumaila Furnaz           
Aga Khan Hospital (UAE)

Sehamuddin Galadari    
UAE University (UAE)

Maha Gumei    
University of Alexandria (Egypt)

Nishat Haider   
University of Toronto (Canada)

Omar Hallak    
America Hospital (UAE)

Hamid Hashemi           
Institute of Child Health, UCL & GOSH (UK)

Bilal Hassan
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Iman Aly Hassan         
Ain Shams University (Egypt)

Afrozul Haq                 
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (UAE)

Dua' Al-Herbawi          
Gulf Research Centre (UAE)

Fida Hosh        

Hamid Y. Hussain        
Dubai Health Authority (UAE)

Shaikh Sayeed Iqbal
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Ghaith Jassim   
Gulf Medical College, Ajman (UAE)

Dunia M. Jawdat          
Dalhousie / KFSHRC (KSA)

Ramesh K.G.   
Gulf Medical College (UAE)

Yomna Kamel  
Higher Colleges of Technology (UAE)

Azzam Kayasseh         
Dr. Kayasseh Medical Centre (UAE)

Hussein Karnib
American University of Beirut (Lebanon)

Jamil I. Kasmani          
Department of Health and Medical Services (UAE)

Hadiah M. Kayasseh    
Dubai Health Authority (UAE)

Riaz A. Khan   
Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (UAE)

Nabeela Khan I.M.
Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy (Russia)

Archana Lingannan      
Moscow Medical Academy (Russia)

Shalini Malhotra           
Dubai (UAE)

Malene Marsh
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Brian Meyer    
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KSA)

Minal Menezes 
Dubai Genetics (UAE)

Richard Mills    
Harvard Medical School (USA)

Meis Moukayed           
American University in Dubai (UAE)

Ganeshwaran Mochida 
Harvard Medical School (USA)

Ramzi H. Nasir
Children's Hospital Boston/ Harvard University (USA)

Roxanne Nematollahi    
Department of Health and Medical Services (UAE)

Alaa Obaid      
Jordan University of Science and Technology (Jordan)

Jennifer Partlow           
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (USA)

Cecil Philip
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Fadya A. Qwaider        
Damasdus University (Syria)

Jaishen Rajah   
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (UAE)

Raya H. Saab  
American University of Beirut (Lebanon)

Abdul Sathar
Dubai (UAE)

Mohammed Nabil Spartali
Al-Bayan (UAE)

Sujeeth Narayanan Sukumaran
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Wen-Hann Tan
Children's Hospital Boston (USA)

Rabih E. Tannous         
AASA Inc. (USA)

Suad Trebinjac
Rashid Hospital (UAE)

Priti Verma      
Ras AlKhaimah University (UAE)

Nitin Verma     

Naveen Vyas
Doctors Medical Centre (UAE)

Shahad Yahya  
Dubai Medical College (UAE)

Roman Yusupov           
Harvard Medical School (USA)

Sally A. Zeinatie           
Gulf medical university (UAE)

Fuad Ziyadeh   
American University of Beirut (Lebanon)

Acknowledgements:

Participants from Harvard Medical School Dubai Center and the Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research:

Ayesha Abdullah
Abdulkareem Al-Olama
Muna Al-Saffar
Zahra Saeed Baalawi
Sulaiman Bahroun
Sehamuddin Galadari
Mohamed Sayegh
Ajay Singh
Yumna Maalouf
Jasmin Mehovic
Maher Musallam
Uzma Shah
Imke Schafer
Christopher Walsh
Robin Wheatley

Special thanks to HMSDC staff:

Nivine Abbas
Hala Shazia Bhat
Natasha D'Souza
Marlene Hilal
Nagham Kaouk

Conference Recorder:  Yumna Maalouf