UAE Scientist Prof. Alsafar Awarded Belgium's Prestigious Order of Leopold

Post by : Mara Rahim

Professor Habiba Alsafar, the Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University, has received Belgium’s esteemed distinction, the Knight in the Order of Leopold. This award marks her as the first scientist from the UAE to attain such an honor, recognizing her significant scientific achievements and commitment to international research partnerships.

This accolade underlines years of collaborative efforts between the UAE and Belgium in the realm of scientific inquiry. Prof. Alsafar has been instrumental in the pivotal Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) initiative, launched in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium. The BISDI project is a remarkable advancement in enhancing biomedical research and precision medicine within the UAE.

The honor was conferred by Antoine Delcourt, the Belgian Ambassador to the UAE, on behalf of His Majesty the King of the Belgians. The ceremony saw attendance from distinguished members of Khalifa University and representatives from the Belgian Embassy, highlighting the event's significance.

Ambassador Delcourt stated, “The Order of Leopold, Belgium’s oldest knighthood, is awarded to those who have made exceptional contributions to society. By honoring Prof. Alsafar, we not only acknowledge her remarkable scientific endeavors but also the burgeoning friendship between Belgium and the UAE. Her impactful leadership fosters our collaborative venture in science and healthcare.”

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri remarked, “Prof. Alsafar receiving this honor is a source of pride for Khalifa University and the broader UAE scientific community. Her unwavering dedication to research and international collaboration emphasizes the UAE’s emerging role as a leader in biomedical innovation.”

Expressing her gratitude, Prof. Alsafar said, “Becoming a Knight in the Order of Leopold is an immense privilege. This recognition reflects the collaborative dynamics between the UAE and Belgium and recognizes our collective endeavors at Khalifa University in research, particularly in genomics and precision medicine, aimed at addressing real-world health concerns while fostering global partnerships. This honor motivates me to further enhance healthcare research for future generations.”

Prof. Alsafar has spearheaded numerous initiatives in precision medicine and genomics, enriching the UAE’s capabilities in advanced healthcare research. As Dean, she champions academic excellence, innovation, and research closely aligned with national health goals and the UAE’s vision for healthcare advancement.

The Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) program stands as a key partnership between Khalifa University and Belgium’s VIB-KU Leuven. It aims to position the UAE as a leading hub for drug development and precision medicine, focusing on immunotherapy for diseases like diabetes and cancer, utilizing genomic technologies and AI research to identify disease-related genes and foster new therapies. BISDI also emphasizes knowledge transfer and researcher mobility through a Joint PhD Program, nurturing the next wave of scientists in both nations.

Prof. Alsafar’s knighthood exemplifies the deepening scientific and health-related cooperation between the UAE and Belgium. Her contributions are not only pivotal in the field of medical research but also in fortifying international ties, illustrating the UAE’s continuous progress in global scientific innovation.