Exchange

Together with Khalifa University, an exchange program is being worked out for Emirati (junior) scientists to be trained in the BISDI lab in Leuven, so that they can, upon return, establish state-of-the-art biomedical research in the BISDI lab in Abu Dhabi.

• Mohammed Nabil Abdulhamed Abdulrahman (BSc Veterinary Science) visited the Leuven lab for a follow-up training in mouse husbandry, handling and surgery from June to September 2024). Mohammed will be trained to be fully ready when the SPFF mouse Facility and Satellite vivarium (SV) at KU are available in Q1-Q2 2025. Read this interview with Mohammed Nabil.
   
• Two Khalifa University PhD students, Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi and Reem Saif Alshehhi, visited BISDI-Leuven for one week in August 2024 to train in sample processing, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, target gene selection and mystery gene identification.
   
• Postdoc Sarah Qassem Azzam will visit the BISDI-Leuven team for 3-6 months, and PhD student Fatima Alshamsi for 8-9 months, starting Feb 2025. During their visit, they will be trained in the functional validation of mystery genes in in vivo models, sample processing, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and the development and validation of new LNP formulations in diverse in vivo animal models – a crucial step for patent filing.

BISDI builds on continuous interaction between the labs in Leuven and Abu Dhabi, from exchange of expertise & knowledge to tools & models.

• KU Leuven/VIB scientists Professor Peter Carmeliet (Director), Dr. Luc Schoonjans and Dr. Katie Van Geyte (Senior staff member & Project Manager) visited Dubai in December 2024 for an event organised by BISDI-KU member Dr. Mira Mousa. The event provided an opportunity to engage with several partners from the program’s network.

The BISDI program highly values mentoring PhD students and early career scientists to help shape the ‘next generation of scientists'.