GLIDE and UAE University Partner to Advance Research in Disease Elimination
The Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to strengthen collaboration in research, training, and knowledge exchange aimed at supporting global efforts to eliminate infectious diseases.
The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi on March 9, 2026, establishes a framework for joint research initiatives targeting infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and other pressing public health challenges of both regional and global significance.
Through the partnership, the two institutions aim to strengthen scientific research and contribute to evidence-based policymaking while promoting the UAE’s growing role in global health research and innovation.
Focus on research and capacity building
Under the agreement, GLIDE and UAEU will collaborate on multiple capacity-strengthening initiatives designed to build local expertise and support the next generation of public health researchers.
These initiatives will include joint training programmes, lectures, workshops, internships, and fellowship opportunities. A key focus will be increasing the participation of Emirati researchers and trainees in global disease elimination efforts.
Farida Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of GLIDE, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing research and building scientific capacity.
“This MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening research and building local capacity. By combining academic excellence with applied research and policy engagement, we can accelerate the translation of scientific evidence into real-world impact,” she said.
Supporting research funding and knowledge exchange
The agreement also encourages collaboration on competitive research funding, including joint applications for the Falcon Awards for Disease Elimination and other regional and international grant programmes.
As part of this effort, UAEU faculty members and subject-matter experts may participate in grant review processes to help ensure scientific rigour and foster shared leadership in disease elimination initiatives.
Additional areas of collaboration include mentorship programmes, joint academic supervision, and exchange opportunities for students and faculty. The two institutions will also work together on knowledge-sharing initiatives such as data exchange, joint publications, co-authored policy briefs, and scientific forums.
Strengthening the UAE’s role in global health
The partnership underscores the commitment of both organisations to strengthening the UAE’s contribution to global public health research, innovation, and disease elimination efforts.
By combining academic research with practical policy engagement, the collaboration aims to accelerate scientific discoveries and support sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
