Imam Abdulrahman University Medical Research and Innovation Forum: 120 projects
In a move reflecting the commitment of Saudi academic institutions to enhance the scientific research system, the first edition of the “Medical Research and Innovations Forum” was launched on Monday at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University in the Eastern Province, which witnessed broad student participation and remarkable academic interaction.
A launch that keeps pace with the vision of the future
His Excellency the University President, Professor Fahd Al-Harbi, inaugurated the "AMRI Forum 2026" and its accompanying exhibition at the Deanships of Supporting Services Building (D3). This event comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the significant progress witnessed in the education and scientific research sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places innovation and the localization of medical technologies at the forefront of its national priorities.
This forum is of particular importance as it represents a real platform for turning theoretical ideas into practical solutions, as the first edition recorded the participation of more than 120 student projects, reflecting the serious desire of the new generation to contribute effectively to the development of the health sector.
Scientific movement and linking to the labor market
The Dean of the College of Applied Medical Sciences, Dr. Saad Al-Saadi, explained that the forum witnessed healthy competition among students, with submissions carefully reviewed by specialized scientific committees. Ten speakers were selected to present their projects through oral presentations before an audience and a judging panel, in an experience that simulates international conferences and hones students' presentation and public speaking skills.
The forum's objective is not limited to academic presentations, but rather seeks fundamentally to link academic outputs with the labor market , and to bridge the gap between classrooms and the needs of the medical, industrial and service sectors, which is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the employment of national talents in precise and vital specializations.
Innovations shaping the future of healthcare
Under the theme “Where Disciplines Meet: Shaping the Future of Healthcare,” the forum focused on the importance of collaborative work across various medical disciplines. The accompanying exhibition featured 40 scientific posters showcasing selected research, highlighting outstanding student projects and faculty inventions.
These activities are a fundamental nucleus for building a knowledge economy, as the university aims, through its strategic plan, to promote a culture of scientific research and innovation, and to involve the private sector and the industrial field in the development process and the training of students, to ensure the graduation of cadres capable of leading the transformation in the Saudi health sector.
The forum enriched its discussions by attracting speakers and experts from within and outside the university, in addition to holding specialized workshops aimed at developing innovation skills among participants, making this event a promising annual starting point for the future of medical innovation in the Eastern Province.
