Gulf Medical University (GMU), in collaboration with the Thumbay Group, has announced an extension for the submission deadline of the prestigious Thumbay International Research Grant 2025/26. Researchers, academicians, and healthcare innovators worldwide now have until December 15, 2025 to submit their proposals for one of the UAE’s most influential research funding programs.
Prof. Dr. Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of GMU, highlighted the significance of the grant in promoting global research collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation:
"At GMU, we believe that innovation begins where disciplines intersect. The Thumbay International Research Grant provides a platform for researchers to explore bold ideas, collaborate across sectors, and translate science into real-world solutions that improve lives. Extending the submission deadline allows us to welcome more high-quality proposals from around the world."
With a total funding pool of AED 3 million, the Thumbay International Research Grant supports pioneering projects that drive measurable improvements in patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and medical education. The 2025/26 cycle focuses on high-impact areas shaping the future of healthcare, including:
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Precision Oncology and Personalized Immunotherapy: Advancing cancer treatment through molecular diagnostics, genomics, and tailored therapies.
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Liquid Biopsy and Circulating Tumor DNA: Developing non-invasive diagnostic tools for early detection of cancer and other diseases.
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Drug Discovery: Identifying new therapeutic molecules, repurposing existing drugs, and applying pharmacogenomics to improve treatment efficacy and safety.
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AI in Healthcare: Leveraging artificial intelligence and big data to enhance clinical decision-making, predictive diagnostics, and personalized care.
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Veterinary Medicine: Strengthening the link between human and animal health through disease surveillance, animal care innovations, and translational research.
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Health Systems, Management & Economics: Optimizing healthcare delivery, improving cost-effectiveness, and designing sustainable health models and policies.
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Public Health: Addressing epidemiology, disease prevention, community health, and digital health strategies for resilient societies.
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Innovation in Medical Education: Enhancing healthcare training through simulation, competency frameworks, and technology-driven learning.
The first cycle of the Thumbay International Research Grant attracted 192 applications from 34 universities globally, with 14 projects awarded funding. Winners included top institutions such as Harvard Medical School, University of Arizona, University of Waterloo, University of Regensburg, Policlinico Ospedali Riuniti, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and regional leaders like Lebanese University, Beirut Arab University, Alexandria University, and UAE institutions including RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ajman University, University of Sharjah, and Al Ain University.
Spring admissions for GMU’s 2025–26 academic year are now open, with classes commencing in January 2026. Prospective students can choose from programs including Diploma in Pharmacy Technician, Bachelor's degrees in Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Applied AI in Healthcare, Healthcare Management, Dental Surgery, and advanced Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma programs in Public Health, Drug Discovery, Critical Care Nursing, Renal & Dialysis Nursing, as well as a Dual PhD in Health Professions Education.
The Thumbay International Research Grant continues to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and real-world healthcare impact, reinforcing GMU’s position as a regional hub for transformative research.
