Abu Dhabi University Cancer Research Institute launches to drive innovation in personalised care

Cancer remains one of the greatest tests of modern medicine. This year, Abu Dhabi University stepped up to that test with bold ambition. The university has opened the Abu Dhabi University Cancer Research Institute (ADU-CRI), a cutting-edge centre built to unlock fresh discoveries in cancer science and personalise care for patients in the UAE.

This is no small feat. It links academic grit with real-world impact, blending research with medical advances.

How does it work?

The institute is designed as a powerhouse of translational cancer research. In plain language that means it aims to take lab insights and turn them into real treatments that help real people. The institute is organised into five specialised research divisions including:

• Genomics and Bioinformatics Research
• Biomarker Research
• Drug Discovery and Development
• Biosensors and Bioengineering
• Public Health Research

These teams use cutting-edge tools like flow cytometry, Luminex systems, sequencing technology, and specialised tissue culture labs to investigate cancer at every level. On top of that, a bioengineering lab pushes work on biosensors and advanced computing.

Partnerships are central. The institute already works with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Burjeel Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, National Reference Laboratory, and Mediclinic. Ongoing projects include studies on biomarkers in aggressive breast cancers and liquid biopsy work for lung cancer detection.

Why does it matter?

Let's be clear: cancer kills millions every year. Turning that tide means better understanding and better treatment. That's where this institute comes in. It is:

• Built to bridge science and patient care
• Designed to help tailor treatments to individuals
• Set up to train a new generation of scientists and doctors

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, put it plainly: "The establishment of the institute represents a defining moment in advancing the UAE's leadership in translational and personalised cancer research and care...". He went on to say he hopes it becomes "a beacon of excellence... driving breakthroughs that enhance human health and wellbeing." These are not empty words. They signal a firm commitment to push science forward and make a tangible difference for patients.

Furthermore, Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi described the launch as "a significant outcome of the strategic collaboration between the Emirate's academic and healthcare sectors," cementing Abu Dhabi's place as a centre of life sciences innovation.

The context

This institute does not appear in a vacuum. It fits into a broader national drive toward health excellence. It aligns with We the UAE 2031 Vision, a long-term plan to boost science, healthcare, and innovation across the country.

Across the UAE, similar initiatives are advancing precision medicine and biotech. The Department of Health is backing research funding schemes aimed at early disease detection and data-driven care. Around the same time, the region is also celebrating breakthroughs in gene therapy for inherited disorders that could reshape treatment landscapes.

At its core, this new institute reinforces a simple but powerful idea: research must not just exist on paper. It must translate into better lives. Abu Dhabi University is betting that connecting labs, clinics, and communities will push the needle on cancer care not just locally, but globally.