by ashokaib | May 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
Arabian Gulf University (AGU) hosted its inaugural Scientific Research Day, with participation of students from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences as well as the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences.
The event commenced in Dr Khalid Al Ohali Hall with an opening address by His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU. He expressed pride in the research achievements of AGU students, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering academic and research excellence in a scientific environment that encourages creativity and exploration.
Professor Riyad Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, delivered a keynote speech. He discussed the vital role of Gulf universities in supporting student-led scientific research and in cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Professor Rima Abdulrazzaq, affirmed the deanship’s dedication to nurturing a culture of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and analytical skills among students. She praised the diverse range of research projects presented, covering topics such as health, modern technologies, education, societal and environmental issues, and innovation.
The Scientific Research Day featured a total of 80 contributions, including oral presentations and scientific posters. Students from the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences presented 17 presentations and 17 posters, while students from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences contributed 13 presentations and 33 posters, including 20 projects by fourth-year students from the Community-Engaged Research Program with titles such as Whole Genome Analysis in Hereditary Multiple Sclerosis, Using Artificial Intelligence in Education and Museums, and Frameworks for Understanding Teenage Cybercriminal Behaviour. Other projects addressed digital transformation, big data, special education, and contemporary societal issues.
Participants also presented systematic reviews, clinical investigations, and prototypes of innovative projects, demonstrating their academic excellence, mastery of scientific research tools, and engagement with pressing current issues.
At the conclusion of the day, students and their academic supervisors were honoured, and commemorative photographs were taken in a festive, scholarly atmosphere. The event reflected the university’s renewed research spirit and its commitment to producing graduates that are capable of contributing effectively to the development of Gulf and Arab societies.
by ashokaib | May 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
Participants in the recent Arabian Gulf University (AGU) Conference tackling the obesity epidemic "Insights for a Healthier Future" recommended adopting a comprehensive approach to obesity treatment. This approach emphasises therapeutic, psychological, nutritional interventions and physical activity to achieve sustainable outcomes. The conference highlighted the importance of prevention and early intervention, especially during childhood and adolescence, to reduce long-term health risks associated with obesity.
Attendees affirmed the need to intensify scientific research and develop innovative technologies to combat obesity effectively. Discussions focused on formulating a national strategy to tackle obesity in GCC countries, exploring pharmacological treatments, surgical options for morbid obesity, and emerging technologies such as gene therapy. Participants also discussed updates on recent scientific advances and practical solutions in obesity treatment.
Professor Amgad El Baz, Conference Chair and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences praised the event’s success, noting strong participation from experts, researchers, and specialists across various sectors. He underscored how the scientific papers and research presentations enriched the discussion, offering new insights into the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. The conference concluded with recommendations aimed at informing health policies and strategies to address this pressing health challenge.
In conjunction with the conference, the university organised specialised training workshops led by experts and practitioners. The first workshop, titled "Managing Obesity: From Nutritional Strategy to Practice" was led by Dr Aseel Al Saleh, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Dean of Student Affairs at AGU, along with Dr Areej Alsaad, Nutrition Consultant at King Hamad University Hospital. It focused on dietary patterns and nutritional supplements.
The second workshop, presented by Dr Fatema Habbash, Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, addressed modern lifestyle interventions for weight management, emphasising patient empowerment, behavioural changes, and outcome improvement. Topics included dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, motivation, and goal setting. Additionally, a workshop on basic surgical skills, including endoscopy techniques, was conducted by Dr Hamdi Alshenawi Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, supported by other surgical experts from AGU and Salmaniya Hospital.
Public awareness campaigns on the dangers of obesity also continued, targeting students at schools and universities. Participants from AGU’s Department of Internal Medicine, including Dr Shaima Alnashaba and Dr Mohammed Al-Medfa, engaged in community outreach as part of AGU’s health promotion initiatives at Al-Shorooq Secondary Girls School, Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Secondary Boys School, and University of Bahrain. These campaigns included interactive lectures on causes, health risks, prevention, and early treatment methods, emphasising healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, and physical activity. Medical students from the fourth and fifth years conducted health checks including height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure measurement to raise awareness about the importance of regular health monitoring and early intervention.
by ashokaib | May 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) recently organised a special event as part of its ongoing efforts to promote mental well-being and support students during the exam preparation period. The event witnessed widespread participation and positive engagement from male and female students.
The initiative, organised by the Student Guidance Unit in collaboration with the Student Activities Department in the university's main hall, aimed to provide a safe and comfortable space for expressing feelings and psychological pressures associated with exams. This was achieved through a series of innovative interactive stations combining psychological support, artistic expression, and motivational symbolism.
Among the stations that garnered considerable interaction was the “Tree of Gratitude”, where students penned words of thanks for the care and support received from family, friends and faculty members, thereby fostering feelings of positivity and belonging within the university community. The event also featured the "Calm Your Mind" station, enabling students to write their concerns on balloons, which were subsequently released — a symbolic gesture to liberate oneself from negative emotions and accumulated tension.
The "Express with Colours" station offered participants the chance to convey their emotional states through drawing and colouring, contributing to stress relief and emotional balance. Additionally, the event included a "Messages from Your Future Self" corner, where students selected inspiring cards bearing positive messages directed at their future selves, encouraging self-confidence and reassurance that this phase will pass smoothly and successfully.
The organisers from the Deanship emphasised that the event forms part of the university’s continuous efforts to create a healthy and motivating academic environment, especially during periods of academic pressure. They highlighted the importance of such activities in encouraging students to express their feelings as a constructive step towards managing challenges.
In a related context, the Student Guidance Unit held an introductory meeting for preparatory year students and their instructors, presenting the unit's role in providing psychological support. The unit also organised two workshops focusing on “Strategies for Success in Final Examinations”, targeting medical and nursing students. These workshops reviewed the main challenges faced during finals and offered effective strategies to overcome them, equipping students with practical tools to handle potential difficulties.
Special attention was given to the psychological aspects, with sessions guiding students on recognising stress indicators associated with this period, as well as coping skills to manage stress and maintain mental health. The workshops addressed methods for managing exam anxiety and procrastination. The first part explained exam anxiety as a natural feeling that can turn into an obstacle if not properly managed, with effective calming strategies such as deep breathing and meditation introduced. Participants were trained in reframing negative thoughts into realistic and positive ones. Practical tips for pre- and during-exam preparedness were also shared to enhance mental and physical readiness.
The second part focused on procrastination, analysing its psychological causes and providing tools for goal setting, task segmentation, and establishing healthy study habits that improve productivity and time management.
by ashokaib | May 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Head of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Department at the Arabian Gulf University, Dr Hawazen Rawas, praised the efforts of all nursing cadres in hospitals and health centres across the GCC countries, recognising them as the cornerstone of the healthcare system. She stressed their pivotal role in promoting community health and providing compassionate and professional care to patients under various circumstances.
On the occasion of World Nursing Day, observed annually on May 12, and this year under the theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future – Caring Nurses Strengthens the Economy”, Dr Rawas highlighted that this day is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the exceptional efforts of nurses, particularly amid ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare sector both locally and globally. She affirmed that nursing is not merely a profession but a humanitarian mission that demands commitment, compassion, and high competence.
Dr Rawas indicated that students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences are preparing to celebrate this important day on the morning of next Thursday at the university campus, acknowledging the vital role nurses play in enhancing the quality of healthcare.
She commented on this occasion: “Nursing profession forms the backbone of any successful healthcare system. Healthcare workers in this field are the beating heart of health systems, and their continuous efforts contribute not only to improving the quality of life but also to strengthening economies through community care and the advancement of public health.”
Dr Rawas concluded by emphasising the university's commitment to graduating qualified nursing cadres who serve communities and meet the needs of the healthcare sector across the region, adding that students develop clinical skills, capabilities and acquire modern knowledge and sciences, preparing them to be active contributors in elevating medical services in the near future.
by ashokaib | May 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
Under the auspices of the King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Scientific Chair for Medical Biotechnology, Arabian Gulf University (AGU) hosted a scientific forum titled "The Future of Biotechnology: Unleashing the Latent Potential" at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hall, located at the university’s campus. The event was attended by faculty members, researchers, and graduate students.
The forum commenced with a keynote speech by Professor Abdel Halim Deifalla, Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, who highlighted the significance of biotechnology and its expanding role in advancing diagnostic and therapeutic methods. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing high-quality scientific platforms for discussion and development.
Professor Mai Sater, Supervisor of the King Fahd Chair for Medical Biotechnology, explained that the forum addressed key topics in medical biotechnology, including mRNA-based therapies, CRISPR gene editing technology, and the integration of AI in biotechnology and drug discovery. She also discussed ethical considerations linked to the rapid advancements in this vital sector. This event marks a step toward organising more specialised and in-depth scientific conferences across various biotechnology disciplines.
The forum featured a series of presentations by both local and international experts, focusing on innovative applications of biotechnology in medicine and public health. These began with a lecture by Professor Roland Brock, Professor of Biochemistry at Radboud University, Netherlands, and Adjunct Professor at AGU. He discussed applications of mRNA in immunity and cancer treatment, exploring its potential in designing novel vaccines and targeted therapies.
Professor Wael El Moslimany from the Centre for Environmental and Biological Studies discussed the role of microorganisms in promoting sustainable solutions for environmental and medical challenges. Dr Noureddine Ben Khalaf, Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine, examined how AI is revolutionising drug discovery processes. Dr Sebastian Taurin, Head of the Department of Molecular Medicine, discussed future prospects of CRISPR technology in medicine, highlighting its potential in treating hereditary and incurable diseases. Meanwhile, Dr Christina Skrypnyk, Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine, addressed the ethical standards necessary for gene and AI-enhanced therapies.
The forum concluded with an open discussion titled "The Future of Biotechnology in the GCC: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations," where participants spotlighted the importance of research collaboration and called for the development of legislative and ethical frameworks to keep abreast of innovation.
This event aligns with AGU’s ongoing efforts to promote scientific dialogue and expand knowledge in biotechnology, as a key driver of progress in the healthcare and research sectors in the region.
