The University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia's Skoltech University have launched a joint Biomedically-InforMed Artificial Intelligence (BIMAI) laboratory in Moscow.

“The joint initiative signifies a transformative era in the field of medicine, with a focus on advancing tailored artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for biomedical applications," said a statement by the University of Sharjah (UoS).

A UoS delegation of senior academics and officials concluded a 10-day tour of Skoltech University in Moscow by the end of October. The visit crowns expanded ties between the two institutions which officially embarked on joint collaborative research in 2021.

“The primary aim of the visit was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, explore innovative opportunities, and strengthen collaborative efforts in research and development," the statement issued following the Moscow visit said.

The unveiling of the joint lab comes four months following a two-day conference hosted by the University of Sharjah that brought together Russian and Arab university rectors to explore ways of consolidating ties and cooperation in science, technology, research, and teaching.

The conference held 31 May - 1 June aimed at increasing exchange of visits, students, research findings, knowledge, advances in science and technology as well as the launch of joint projects between top 150 Arab universities from 21 states and 50 renowned Russian counterparts.

UoS's Professor Rifat Hamoudi and Skoltech's Assistant Professor Maxim Sharaev co-chaired the deliberations the sides conducted in Moscow.

“This partnership promises groundbreaking developments in complex disease diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment strategies," said Prof. Hamoudi.

Assistant Professor Sharaev said, “The key aim of the joint laboratory is to translate some of the research into commercial products."

The statement described the launch of the joint BIMAI lab as marking “the onset of a transformative era in the field of medicine," adding that scientists from both institutions “are currently engaged in delivering joint research papers, conference reports and patent submissions focusing on AI-powered approaches to biomedical sciences."

He added, “Collaborative endeavors in research, education, and innovation play a pivotal role in addressing complex medical challenges and shaping the future of health care in United Arab Emirates and Russia."

Asst. Prof. Sharaev predicted the joint biomedical lab to push “the boundaries of artificial intelligence and mathematics to reshape biomedical research. Its mission is to develop solutions that drive progress in precision medicine, ultimately enhancing lives worldwide."

UoS's Chancellor Prof. Hamid Al Nuaimi dubbed the lab “a remarkable milestone in fostering global collaboration and advancing research endeavors." He added, “The visit has not only strengthened the ties between the institutions but has also showcased the dedication of UoS to achieving excellence in research and innovation on the international stage."

Scientists from both universities will be utilizing the joint lab to undertake pioneering research projects in spheres ranging from psychiatry, neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, respiratory diseases, to metabolic disorders.

Skoltech is a private international university in Russia. Established in 2011 in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Skoltech is the only Russian university listed among the leading 100 young universities in the 2019 Nature Index Website.

With 112 accredited academic programs and 14 colleges, the University of Sharjah is the largest higher education institution in the UAE. It has acquired number one position in sustainability in the country in accordance with the Green Metric Ranking.​