Dubai professor among experts honoured at 2025 King Hussein Cancer Research Award

AMMAN: A Dubai-based health expert has been honoured at a prestigious ceremony in Jordan for her research in boosting fertility in cancer survivors across the UAE and beyond.

Dr Temidayo Omolaoye received the Promising Researcher Grant prize during the 2025 King Hussein Cancer Research Award ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Amman, Jordan.

The Assistant Professor of Physiology at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, was among a distinguished group of Arab scientists and researchers selected from hundreds of applicants representing more than 26 countries.

Dr Omolaoye, who hails from Nigeria and studied in South Africa before arriving in the Middle East, was recognised for her research focusing on the ‘physiology and pathophysiology of reproduction’. She is currently exploring fertility preservation strategies to secure the reproductive future of young male cancer survivors.

Prince Talal bin Muhammad and Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, honoured the recipients on behalf of Jordan's King and Queen.

“When we launched the King Hussein Cancer Research Award, we dreamed of an Arab world fully engaged in global cancer research,” said Princess Ghida during her keynote speech. “That dream is now a movement, led by brilliant minds shaping the future of science.”

Presented annually, the awards recognise outstanding contributions to research, encourage efforts to improve prevention and treatment, and promote collaboration across the globe. It has brought together nearly 900 researchers and scientists from around the world and funded eight innovative research projects led by promising scientists.

This year’s guest of honour was Professor Hagop M. Kantarjian, from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who was recognised as Laureate for Special Distinction in Research for his lifetime of contributions to cancer research and to the treatment of leukemia.

The following were also awarded during the the ceremony:

Professor Mohamed Kharfan-Dabaja from Mayo Clinic, Florida, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in the international track, while the Lifetime Achievement Award in the regional track went to Professor Mohammad Abu Hilal from the University of Jordan.

The Young Investigator Award in the international track was presented to Dr. Mina Sedrak from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, while Dr Mohamed Jemaa from the University of Tunis El Manar and Dr. Walhan Alshaer from The University of Jordan received the Young Investigator Award in the regional track.

The Promising Researcher Grant was also awarded to Dr Larry Bodgi from the American University of Beirut, in recognition of his promising research in the fight against cancer.

The Professional Development Program for Cancer Care Excellence Award was presented to the Pediatric Oncology East & Mediterranean-King Hussein Cancer Center Regional Pediatric Oncology Training and Capacity-Building Program.

The following were also awarded during the the ceremony:

Professor Mohamed Kharfan-Dabaja from Mayo Clinic, Florida, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in the international track, while the Lifetime Achievement Award in the regional track went to Professor Mohammad Abu Hilal from the University of Jordan.

The Young Investigator Award in the international track was presented to Dr. Mina Sedrak from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, while Dr Mohamed Jemaa from the University of Tunis El Manar and Dr. Walhan Alshaer from The University of Jordan received the Young Investigator Award in the regional track.

The Promising Researcher Grant was also awarded to Dr Larry Bodgi from the American University of Beirut, in recognition of his promising research in the fight against cancer.

The Professional Development Program for Cancer Care Excellence Award was presented to the Pediatric Oncology East & Mediterranean-King Hussein Cancer Center Regional Pediatric Oncology Training and Capacity-Building Program.