Aug 15, 2024

Summer Bootcamp: Health & Bioengineering Innovation

In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its National Biotechnology Strategy, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), in partnership with Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH), proudly hosted the inaugural Summer Bootcamp in Health and Bioengineering Applied Research and Innovation. Held from August 11-15, the event attracted over 80 participants, including students, researchers, scientists, and health professionals from across the region, all eager to engage in advanced research techniques and explore the latest advancements in health and bioengineering innovation.

This bootcamp represents a cornerstone of KFUPM’s strategic transformation, emphasizing interdisciplinary research and hands-on experience at all academic and professional levels. Structured around five key research areas, the program provided participants with a comprehensive journey through the applied research process, covering everything from idea generation and publication to innovation and commercialization. Over the course of five intensive days, participants delved into critical topics such as biodata collection and analysis, manuscript writing, and the development of bioengineering solutions for healthcare challenges.

The bootcamp opened with an inspiring keynote by Dr. Faleh Althiyabi, an advanced health innovation expert, who expressed deep appreciation for the support of KFUPM’s leadership in establishing impactful innovations aimed at improving quality of life. Dr. Althiyabi particularly highlighted the pivotal role of Vice President Dr. Ali Al Shaikhi, whose backing has been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary applied research and innovation in line with Vision 2030. Dr. Althiyabi emphasized, “This bootcamp is crucial as it aligns with and supports the national strategy. We are committed to enhancing quality of life through strategic, interdisciplinary, and team-based research that will drive impactful innovation and future economic sectors.”

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of morning presentations and practical group work in the afternoons. The interactive format allowed for in-depth exploration of specialized topics, including bioengineering integration, micro-robotics, and automated cell manipulation in healthcare research. The event also offered valuable insights into the intersection of health and finance, as well as emerging trends and opportunities in bioengineering.

The program, delivered by a diverse team of faculty members from health, bioengineering, AI engineering, and related industries, culminated in group presentations on the final day. These presentations showcased the participants' learning outcomes and their readiness to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning health and bioengineering sector. The event underscored KFUPM’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in these fields.

Sarah Albadi, a sophomore in KFUPM’s Bioengineering program, shared her enthusiasm about being part of this transformative experience. “This bootcamp has provided me with invaluable research skills that will be crucial for my future in biotechnology. The program has opened my eyes to the vast potential of bioengineering to positively impact both the medical field and the environment,” she said.

Dr. Hayat Mushcab, a faculty member and Research Development Manager from JHAH, noted that while this is the fourth research bootcamp organized by the hospital in the past two years, it is the largest and most multidisciplinary, featuring highly professional speakers and covering essential research areas for achieving impactful innovation. She praised the organizers' efforts in making the event a resounding success, with excellent learning outcomes. “This partnership with KFUPM was a natural fit, and the success of this bootcamp underscores the potential of our continued collaboration,” Dr. Mushcab stated.

The Summer Bootcamp concluded on August 15, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming a leading global hub for biotechnology by 2040. According to the National Biotechnology Strategy, the bioengineering field is projected to create 11,000 jobs by 2030 and 55,000 jobs by 2040, contributing an estimated $34.6 billion to non-oil GDP. This event is a testament to KFUPM’s pivotal role in shaping the future of health and bioengineering innovation in the Kingdom.