Pioneering scientists who perform distinctive medical research will be honoured in December, an official said.

Professor Najib Al Khaja, secretary general of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, said they would award scientists and clinicians in the first two rounds of the award.

He was announcing the schedule of the Third Dubai International Conference for Medical Sciences. The three-day ceremony is set to start on December 14.

Two additional awards have been introduced for a new category of medical institutions in the public sector in the UAE for this year's awards ceremony.

"Winners will present the results of their work during the scientific sessions of the medical conference." The award foundation was established in 1999 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, to honour researchers from around the world who pursue distinctive medical research to serve humanity.

The award represents a sizeable scientific treasure due to the large body of scientific research conducted under its auspices.

It offers UAE nationals and residents the opportunity to benefit from this research as a valuable reference.

"The first and second rounds of the awards proved to be very successful, as recognised by international observers and testified by leading researchers vying for the award.

"The award's international reputation and its scientific credibility and level of performance are reflected by the success it has achieved.

"This foundation has also established the Centre for Genetic Research as part of the Research Support to scientists in the UAE, called the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies in Al Wasl hospital in Dubai."

GROUPS

International Awards

• Grand Hamdan International Award (Hamdan Award for Medical Research Excellence):

• Emerging Viral and Prion Diseases

• Minimally Invasive Surgical Technology

• Prevention and Non-invasive Therapy of Gastronistestinal Disorders

• Hamdan Award For Volunteers in Humanitarian Medical Services.

Arab World Awards

• Hamdan Award for the best medical college/institution or centre in the Arab world

UAE Awards

• Hamdan Award for the most original research paper published in the Emirates medical journal from inside and outside the UAE

• Hamdan Award for honouring individuals working in the field of medicine and health

• Hamdan Award to support medical research in the UAE: Nutrition, Trauma, Public Health Issues

• Hamdan Award for outstanding medical institution/hospital in the public sector

• Hamdan Award for outstanding clinical department in the public sector