Wael Research Fellowship
6th Wael Almahmeed and IAS Research Training Fellowships: Middle East & Africa
Description of Fellowship
The 6th Wael Almahmeed and IAS Research Training Fellowship is designed to support next-generation leaders in the Middle East and Africa who are dedicated to advancing their clinical research and education in atherosclerosis and cardio-cerebro-metabolic diseases. This initiative also aims to promote partnerships among researchers from recognized universities and health care institutions in both regions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Selected fellows will be awarded up to $10,000 USD to advance their skills at a host institution of their choice, preferably outside of their home country, for up to 6 months. The grant amount will be prorated based on the duration of research.
This fellowship is made possible by the generous donation of Wael Almahmeed, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is Dr. Almahmeed’s goal to empower the next generation of researchers and clinicians in the Middle East and Africa through this fellowship. The submission for the 6th Wael Almahmeed and IAS Research Training Fellowship is closed. For questions, contact IAS.
Eligibility Criteria
The 6th Wael Almahmeed and IAS Research Training Fellowship is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Citizens or permanent residents of a Middle East or African country*
- Medical doctors or researchers with a PhD, ScD, PharmD, DrPH, or other terminal degree in a related field who present research projects that are relevant to atherosclerosis
- Persons 40 years of age and younger.
*Periods of residence for the purpose of full-time education are not applicable.
2024 Winners
Mohammed Ahmed Ammar, MD, MSc – Egypt
Research Topic: Role of Plasma N-Glycosylation Signatures in Incident Cardiovascular Events: Insights from the JUPITER Trial
Host Institution: University of Helwan
Ghazal Ghasempour Dabaghi, MD – Iran
Research Topic: The Relationship Between Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism in rs11568820, rs7970314, rs4334089 and Cardiovascular Events after COVID-19 Infection
Host Institution: Isfahan University of Medical Science
Azin Kheirkhah, PhD, MSc, BSc – United Arab Emirates
Research Topic: Decoding PCSK9 – New Perspectives on the Mature and Furin-Cleaved Forms
Host Institution: Medical University of Innsbruck
Epie Njume, MD – Cameroon
Research Topic: The Role of Lipids in Atherothrombotic Events in People Living with HIV: the LIPRA Study in Cameroon
Host Institution: University of Buea
Khatereh Shabanian, PharmD – Iran
Research Topic: Genetic Engineering of Clostridium sp. ASF356 to Prevent (Peri)Vascular Senescence and Extend Healthspan
Host Institution: University of Zurich
Past Winners
2023
Brett Mansfield, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Research topic: The epidemiological, clinical and genetic aspects of lipoprotein(a) in people of African ancestry.
Ahmad Gebreil, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Egypt
Research topic: Integrated Approach to HFpEF: utilizing AI and machine learning to enhance our understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology on a tissue level. The research will explore various therapeutic compounds, potentially leading to innovative HFpEF treatments. Final report.
Yasmin Salem, Zagazig Dermatology and Keprosy Hospital, Egypt
Research topic: Predicting Coronary Artery Disease Probability through Xanthomas Burden Analysis using Artificial Intelligence. Final report.
Teressa Sumy Thomas, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa
Research topic: Subclinical cardiovascular disease in persons living with HIV.
Salehabadi Sepideh, Mashad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Research topic: Association of Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) Index with Metabolic Syndrome, Hepatic Fibrosis, and Hepatis Steatosis in Individuals with Severe Obesity. Final report.
2022
Zaina Al Harthi, Sultan Qaboos University
Reduction of atherogenicity in a model of focal segmental glomeru losclerosis. Final report.
Carine Ayoub, Saint Joseph University
Lipidomic investigations in Lebanese patients with dyslipidemia especially FH. Final report.
Zouheira Djamila, Institute of Medical Research & Medicinal Plant Studies
Evaluation of the effect of Plectranthus glandulosus leaf, on ELOVL Fatty Acid Elongase 6 overexpression in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) mediated by adenovirus in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Final report.
Amirhossein Sahebkar, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Exploring the genes involved in atherosclerosis using bioinformatic tools. Final report.
Abou Bakar Salama, Zagazig University
CD36 governs energetic capacity of cardiomyocytes and primes them to proliferate. Final report.
2021
Razan Al Zadjali, Sultan Qaboos University
Optimization and validation of lipoprotein(a) KIV2 isoform measurement in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Final report.
Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Mashhad University
Association between iron status indices and cardiovascular risk in morbidly obese subjects undergoing bariatric surgery. Final report.
Mohamed Salama Abdel Hafez Khalil, Benha University
The prevalence of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia among premarital couples in Qalubya Governorate in Egypt. Final report.
2020
Please read the update on 2020 winner Salama Abou Bakr
Please read the update on 2020 winner Ghaleb Youmna
In relation to the 2nd Wael Al-Mahmeed & IAS Research Training Grants and Fellowships for the MENA Region & Africa project and on behalf of the Review Committee we are honored to announce the winners (3 out of 40 applications) of these prestigious Fellowships:
This high-level initiative has been made possible thanks to a generous donation kindly offered by Dr. Wael Abdulrahman Al Mahmeed (Abu Dhabi, UAE).
We also wish to thank the members of the Review Committee: Dr. Khamis Al-Hashmi (Oman), Dr. Fahad Al-Nouri (KSA), Dr. Khalid Al-Rasadi (Oman), Dr. Ahmad Al-Sarraf (Kuwait), Dr. Nasreen Al-Sayed (Bahrain), Dr. Khalid Al-Waili (Oman), Dr. Fahad Al-Zadjali (Oman), Dr. Zuhair Awan (KSA), Dr. Ashraf Reda (Egypt), Dr. Hani Sabbour (UAE), Dr. Amirhossein Sahebkar (Iran), Dr. Raul Santos (Brazil) for their hard work and commitment.
Congratulations to the winners and best wishes to our young colleagues for successful research outcomes!
Raul Santos
IAS President
2019
In relation to the Wael Al-Mahmeed & IAS Research Training Grants and Fellowships for the MENA Region project, I am pleased to inform you that after the selection from the Review Committee, I am honored to announce the winners of these prestigious Fellowships:
Ms. Muna Al-Balushi – Final Report of the Results of the Research/Training
Dr. Ganjali Shiva – Final Report of the Results of the Research/Training
Dr. Amany Chahine – Final Report of the Results of the Research/Training
This high-level initiative has been made possible thanks to a generous donation kindly offered by Dr. Wael Abdulrahman Al Mahmeed (Abu Dhabi, UAE). Congratulations to the winners and best wishes to our young colleagues for successful research outcomes from the entire IAS family!
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