Arab Expatriate Scientists and the Science and Technology Revolution in the Arab World

Transcription

1 Arab Expatriate Scientists and the Science and Technology Revolution in the Arab World Shaker A. Mousa, PhD, MBA, FACC, FACB Pharmaceutical Research Institute (PRI) Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

2 Partnerships, Collaboration,.. PRI Discovery / Development

3 Enabling Technologies: R & D Nanotechnology Biotechnology Bioinformatics Technology Integrations Pharmacotherapy Stem Cell Therapy

4 Nanotechnology - Accelerated Impacts Molecular Manufacturing Revolution Industrial Revolutions Time The combined impacts of nanotechnology will equal the Industrial Revolutions of the last two centuries but with all that change compressed into just a few years

5 Partnerships Between PRI and Other Academic/Biotech Institutes in NY State Start-Up Biotech Companies (NY) Cornell University / Columbia Ordway / AMC Roswell Park PRI SUNY (Albany, Buffalo) Rensselare Polytechnic Sloan Katering University Rochester and U. Syracuse

6 Partnerships Between PRI and Academic Institutes in USA & Worldwide Johns Hopkins University University of Toronto University of Pennsylvania, Temple Univ. Harvard University, Northwestern, Northeaster PRI University of Wisconsin, UNC, Duke Univ. South Korea, Japan, India Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Germany, France, Denmark, Australia

7 Partnerships Between PRI and Biotech / Pharma in USA & Worldwide Galaxo Smith Kline Sanofi Aventis Leo Pharma & Pharmion Co. DuPont, Merck PRI Pfizer Astra Zenca Emisphere, Cytogel, Takeda Othera, TransMolecular SelectX

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9 Society of the advancement of science and technology in the Arab world Mission: To mobilize and catalyze the engagement of scientists, professionals, NGO s, academic institutions and professional societies to advance higher education, science and research in Arab countries. SASTA will seek to achieve these objectives by the followings: Developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of Arab expatriate and scientists in the Arab world Establishing partnerships with universities, professional societies, and industries in and outside the region. Developing programs to help train local students and scientist in specific research areas of special importance to their local society needs and/or national priorities Promote science based programs on sustainable economic development and establish a cooperation of sustainable science and technology between academic institutions, industry and government.

10 SASTA: Current Projects At the Individual Level Young Arab Graduate Network. Objective: To reach out to Arab college graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate education in or outside the region and provide them with a user-friendly guidance tools and support mechanisms. At the Institutional Level Adopt a University Objective: To bring to bear the knowledge, experiences, resources and global networks of AES to promote excellence in higher education and scientific R&D in academic institutions in the Arab World. At the government level The AES-Moroccan initiative (A Pilot Case Study). Objective: To develop a model for AES partnership with relevant government agencies to promote higher education, S&T in the region At the regional level Database of Arab Expatriate Scientists Objective: Towards developing a regional strategy for research, science and technology AES-Arab League Objective: Develop strategies for effective research initiatives that utilize the resources and expertise in the different Arab countries to advance science and technology and economic development in the region.

11 STA: Adopt a University Program An interdisciplinary group of AES scientists will volunteer their time and services and work closely to assist a selected university from the region to achieve specific objectives aimed at advancing the university s strategic goals of establishing and/or enhancing educational and research programs. SASTA and its members are prepared to assist institutions within the region with the following tasks 1. Institutional and/or departmental Accreditation 2. Strategic planning and preparing grants for national and/or regional funding agencies 3. Facilitate networking and collaboration with international institutions and funding agencies 4. Developing graduate programs 5. Developing and delivering special courses in emerging fields 6. Training of students hosting students and faculty at the AES home institution/laboratory Local workshops for graduate students 7. Organizing special conferences and workshops on topics of national interest and/or of interest to local faculty. 8. Serving as members of advisory groups and institutional committee

12 Regional co-operation and capacity building for building knowledge-based societies in the Arab region States such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE with major educational initiatives should coordinate and develop national capabilities and regional competitiveness in science and technology. Identify economically important and regionally relevant research areas to focus on Regional funding schemes similar to the framework programs developed by the European Union that support research and address common challenges and opportunities. Regional diabetes research center to tackle the high prevalence of diabetes in the region State-of-the-art energy research and development center because of the region's vast energy resources. Link local and regional institutions to international networks and funding schemes The international research community should support the MENA countries to advance progress through science and technology.

13 Doha 2007

14 World Economic Forum, Jordan 2009 "Home-grown Strategies for Global Success"

15 Azhar

16 JUST

17 Arab League

18 Conference of Arab Expatriate Scientists in Cairo 2012 Natural Products Data base, Bioactive ingredients, Screening, Nanotechnology, IP, Commercialization ITC and Health Energy and Renewable Energy Team Buildup including local Arab Scientists and AES

19 Nanotechnology - Accelerated Impacts Molecular Manufacturing Revolution Industrial Revolutions Time The combined impacts of nanotechnology will equal the Industrial Revolutions of the last two centuries but with all that change compressed into just a few years

20 Nutraceuticals Aspirin Warfarin Digoxin Heparin Taxol Statins Diagnosis Prevention & Treatment? Nano- Nutraceuticals Pharmaceuticals Nanopharmaceuticals Taxol, Imaging targets

21 Commercializing Discoveries: Disclosing your Intellectual Property IP Protection

22 Guiding Principles Home grown strategies focused on educational excellence (K-12 and up), scholarship and innovation Excellence in higher education and research Knowledge-based Societies Economic development and prosperity Need for world class institutions capable of preparing generations that can compete in the global economy Regional coordination and Cooperation is crucial for the success of educational and research initiatives The most important asset in the region remains its people, both at home and in the Diaspora Partnership with international academic institutions. The AES can play an important role in reversing the Brain Drain to Brain Gain

23 Take home messages The state of underdevelopment in the Arab countries can not be justified based on national GDP Reforming the educational system and building world class universities and centers of excellence is essential for economic development and competing in the global economy Academic freedom is a key catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship Sustainable development and political stability requires investing in improving the quality of education and living standards in poor countries in the region. Coherent strategy, common purpose, coordination and competition are all necessary elements for success in Education and Research. All countries in the region (poor and rich) have a great deal to gain by building on existing strengths, complementary resources and capabilities, capitalizing on opportunities and investing in the next generations. Arab Diaspora represent untapped potential that could contribute to achieving all these objectives.

24 A person s performance depends on skill and motivation / morals Performance = Skill x Motivation/Moral Laboratory experiments have proved that other things being equal, performance level is higher if motivation level is higher.