News DeskAjman, UAE – Gulf Medical University (GMU) and Thumbay Group have announced an extension of the submission deadline for the prestigious Thumbay International Research Grant 2025/26 , providing a significant opportunity for global researchers, academics, and healthcare innovators. The new final date for proposal submission is now December 15, 2025.
The decision to extend the deadline reflects an effort to attract an even wider pool of high-quality, impactful research proposals from across the world, solidifying the grant’s standing as one of the UAE’s most impactful research funding programs.
Focus on High-Impact Research
With a total grant value of AED 3 million, the initiative is designed to support pioneering projects that push the boundaries of medical, clinical, and interdisciplinary research. The ultimate goal is to drive measurable improvements in patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and medical education.
Prof. Dr. Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, highlighted the grant’s strategic importance. “At GMU, we believe that innovation begins where disciplines intersect,” he said. “The Thumbay International Research Grant provides a powerful platform for researchers to explore bold ideas, connect across sectors, and translate science into solutions that improve lives.”
The 2025/26 cycle has identified key areas that represent the future of healthcare, including:
- Precision Oncology and Personalized Immunotherapy
- Liquid Biopsy and Tumor Circulating DNA
- Drug Discovery
- AI – Transforming Healthcare from Research to Clinic
- Veterinary Medicine
- Health Systems, Healthcare Management & Health Economics
- Public Health
- Innovation in Medical Education
Global Reach Underscores Grant’s Prestige
The inaugural cycle of the grant demonstrated its global appeal, receiving 192 applications from 34 universities worldwide. A rigorous evaluation process led to the selection of 14 outstanding projects for funding.
The list of awarded institutions included globally renowned names such as:
- North America: Harvard Medical School (USA), University of Arizona (USA), and the University of Waterloo (Canada).
- Europe: University of Regensburg (Germany), Policlinico Ospedali Riuniti (Italy), and Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands).
- MENA Region: Lebanese University, Beirut Arab University, and Alexandria University.
- UAE: RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ajman University, the University of Sharjah, and Al Ain University.
These collaborations underscore Gulf Medical University’s commitment to fostering international research partnerships and establishing itself as a research hub in the region.
GMU Spring Admissions Now Open
In parallel with the grant extension, Gulf Medical University has also opened Spring admissions for the 2025–26 academic year, with classes scheduled to begin in January 2026.
Aspiring healthcare professionals can choose from a broad spectrum of programs, including Diploma in Pharmacy Technician, Bachelor’s degrees (Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Applied AI in Healthcare, Healthcare Management, Dental Surgery), and advanced Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma programs (Public Health, Drug Discovery, Critical Care Nursing, Renal & Dialysis Nursing). GMU is also accepting applications for its Dual PhD in Health Professions Education.
Interested applicants for both the research grant and academic programs are encouraged to visit www.gmu.ac.ae for more information.
