April 2026- Advances and practical applications in Biotechnology, one of the fastest growing sectors globally, were showcased at the inaugural Biotechnology Conference 2026, hosted by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), with strong participation of leading academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students.
Held under the theme “Biotechnology Innovations: Crossroads between Biosciences and Industry,” the conference explored cutting-edge developments shaping the future of healthcare, sustainability, and advanced therapeutics. The event, which attracted over 330 participants, was conducted virtually due to the current regional disturbances.
In his opening address AURAK President Prof Bassam Alameddine commented: “Today’s agenda spans a diverse range of themes and topics, ranging from genomics, precision medicine, regenerative medicine to bioinformatics, forensic sciences, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, reminding us that biotechnology is not confined only to the lab. This conference sets the tone for an annual event at AURAK, positioned as a major platform for scientific exchange, regional collaboration and student engagement in biotechnology and all related disciplines.”
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Dr. Rawad Hodeify, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Medical Biotechnology, AURAK, remarked: “Biotechnology today stands at the forefront of transforming healthcare, enabling breakthroughs that were once unimaginable from precision medicine to regenerative therapies. By bringing together experts and young researchers in this conference, we are not only exploring innovation but also shaping the future of healthcare and life sciences, reflecting AURAK’s commitment to advancing research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Keynotes were delivered by Dr. Mohamed Uddin, Director of Center for Applied & Translational Genomics at Mohammed Bin Rashed University, Founder at GenomeArc and Chief Scientific Advisor at NeuroGen, on “The Power of Genomics”; and Dr. Mohamed El Hadidi, Associate Professor of Bioinformatics, University of Birmingham Dubai, on “Bioinformatics for Health and Sustainability: Data-Driven Innovations for People and Planet.”
Dr. Samer Ellahham, Clinical Professor of Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Director of Accreditation and Quality at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Safety Institute, shared his expertise on the role of artificial intelligence in precision medicine, with particular emphasis on its ethical applications.
