In the name of Allah the Most Merciful the Most Compassionate, I would like to offer a warm welcome to our distinguished guests. We are pleased to host this event in the presence of researchers and specialists from a number of national, regional and international institutions. I trust that this event will provide an opportunity for the eminent speakers, as well as to academics and clinicians, to exchange expertise and enrich their experience in stem cells research and practice, as well as providing a showcase for their latest research.

As you will know, this conference has the theme “Stem Cells: from Theory to Practice”, and it is organized by the Innovative Medical Environment Commission (IMEC) at Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) Network in cooperation with the Ajman Medical Zone (AMZ).

We at AUST believe in the effectiveness of such events, as they present cutting edge practices and techniques in stems cells, and lead the way towards better patient management. In this way they contribute to the advancement of medical practice. We believe that as a responsible higher education institution, AUST has an ethical and moral responsibility towards the community in educating and raising awareness regarding the controversial topics of stem cell research and practice. Since establishment of IMEC in 2001, we have succeeded in fulfilling dozens of projects and initiatives in academia, research, training and serving the community in the medical and health fields.

Likewise, the University has since its inception in 1988 taken several steps to qualitatively strengthen relations with regional and international centers of excellence and expertise. Such an approach is very much in line with our comprehensive vision, in which the priority is given to excellence and quality, rather than quantity. We regard participating institutions in this remarkable event as being the elites in this topic in our region and the world, and we take this opportunity to express our pride in our partnership and collaboration with them. We believe that we have a number of shared values and principles: teaching, research, training, expertise and practice. These are the fundamentals upon which we have built the foundations of the University. It is our three dimensional vision: education, information and investment that has enlightened our endeavors and contributed to the institution’s achievements thus far.

However, the eclectic approach we have adopted has contributed to the establishment of an innovative environment with a difference. Such an environment offers its members the facilities necessary for marketing research and showcasing their skills. Our ultimate objective as a University is to share the benefits of our endeavors not only with our direct community, but also to go beyond those bounds and serve the wider community regionally and internationally in cooperation with other research and scientific institutions.

To conclude, it is my hope that each participant at this international conference is able to take away with him something of benefit. I wish that it will be a fruitful time for you all, and that many practical advances in excellence in stem cells may be made. I extend my sincere thanks to our valued guests, participants, sponsors, and organizing committee members, and to all those who have contributed to ensure the success of this event.

Thank you.

H.E. Dr. Saeed Abdullah Salman

Supreme President, Ajman University of Science and Technology Network