Dubai-17th may 2020: The Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences announced the update of its electronic research support portal. This online portal is considered as the first of its kind in UAE in the field of medical research, where funding applications to support research are submitted. The screening and evaluation of these applications is carried out through the same portal. Additionally, the entire research process is managed through the portal through reporting entry and grant follow-up.

His Excellency Abdullah bin Souqat, Member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Director of the Award said, “The Award works within the framework of the vision and direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, aiming at making the UAE a laboratory for advanced science, an incubator for scientists, and a stimulating environment for scientific research. It is also keen on raising the value of innovation in various fields within the framework of government strategies and plans. "

He also praised the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and the Patron of the Award towards upgrading the scientific research system in the country and creating an appropriate research environment to develop capabilities in the health sector.

His Excellency said, "The Award’s method of supporting scientific research and this platform have proven their importance in light of this pandemic that is afflicting the world, where there is no alternative to scientific research to overcome such dilemmas”. Noting that this platform will form the nucleus of a digital archive of medical research in the country, he added, “In designing the electronic portal, it was taken into consideration that it would be a comprehensive platform for all parties to the research process to facilitate communication between them, as well as reduce the time spent in pursuing research, starting with the process of submitting, reviewing and sorting, and obtaining the necessary approvals to complete the projects. This has been accompanied by the use of modern encryption technologies to ensure the security and protection of data”. 

The portal also has an auto-save feature, which allows the completion of the application in several stages. The control panel features a design that combines the provision of tools to track research projects and an easy-to-use interface to ensure a seamless user experience.