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Innovation and Discovery                                                                                               Global Research Collaboration




        From Research to Social Innovation:                                                                                    Cancer Research Exchange Explores

        ADU Teams Reach the Final Stage of                                                                                     Autism-Linked GLB1L3 Variants


        ChangeMakers Academy 2026                                                                                              The Cancer Research and             the functional impact of autism-    communication skills. Such

                                                                                                                               Awareness Student Scientific        linked GLB1L3 genetic variants      initiatives help connect
        Two Abu Dhabi University teams      ability to transform academic       comprehensive framework that                   Forum (CRA-SSF), under the          and their potential influence       foundational molecular research
        have advanced to the final stage    ideas into practical, high-impact   connects individual protection                 Abu Dhabi University Cancer         on gene expression and axon         with broader healthcare
        of ChangeMakers Academy             solutions.                          with broader operational safety                Research Institute (ADU-            initial segment connectivity.       and translational research
        2026 – Cohort 2, an initiative by                                       intelligence.                                  CRI), announced the fourth          These biological mechanisms         perspectives.
        the Expo City Dubai Foundation,     Among the shortlisted                                                              edition of the Cancer Research      contribute to broader
        highlighting the university’s       projects are EdgePPE                The projects demonstrate how                   Exchange, providing a platform      scientific understanding of         The Abu Dhabi University
        growing success in translating      and SafeGuardAIPro, two             applied artificial intelligence                for scientific discussion on        neurodevelopmental disorders        Cancer Research Institute (ADU-
        applied research into socially      complementary innovations           can move beyond theoretical                    emerging biomedical research        and the molecular pathways          CRI), under the leadership of
        impactful innovation. Progressing  that together present a broader      exploration into practical                     topics. The session focused on      that may shape neurological         Dr. Afsheen Raza, plays an
        from concept development            vision for intelligent safety       technologies that support                      “Functional Characterization of     development.                        important role in fostering
        to the final pitch stage, both      ecosystems. Developed through       workplace safety, public                       Autism-Linked GLB1L3 Variants:      By addressing specialized           research engagement and
        teams presented solutions           collaboration between the           health, and responsive risk                    Implications for Expression and     biomedical topics through a         scientific dialogue among
        designed to address real-world      Research Institute for AI and       management. Bringing together                  AIS Connectivity,” highlighting     student-led scientific platform,    students and researchers. The
        societal challenges through         Emerging Technology (RAIET)         expertise across Environmental                 research at the intersection of     the session demonstrated the        Cancer Research Exchange
        interdisciplinary innovation and    and the College of Engineering,     Health and Safety, Artificial                  genomics, neurodevelopment,         value of creating structured        series provides a meaningful
        entrepreneurship.                   EdgePPE is an AI-powered            Intelligence, and Computer                     and translational biomedical        opportunities for emerging          environment for developing
                                            wearable safety system designed     Engineering, the teams reflect                              science.               researchers to engage with          research literacy, academic
        This year’s ChangeMakers            to detect environmental hazards,    the power of interdisciplinary                                                     complex scientific questions,       confidence, and interdisciplinary
        Academy attracted more than         including carbon dioxide            collaboration in solving complex                                  The session      present current research,           collaboration within the
        200 applications from across        exposure, while monitoring          societal challenges. The initiative                                 featured                     and strengthen        university’s biomedical research
        the UAE, with only 24 projects      worker vital signs in real time     was supported through the                                           Fathima H.                       scientific        community.
        shortlisted for the final stage,    through an integrated sensor        mentorship of Prof. Mohammed                                        as speaker
        making the achievement              ecosystem. SafeGuardAIPro           Ghazal, Director of the Research                                    and was
        particularly significant. Abu       extends this approach through       Institute for AI and Emerging                                       moderated
        Dhabi University’s representation  system-level monitoring,             Technology (RAIET) and Dr. Rahaf                                  by Henry
        with two finalist teams reflects    situational awareness,              Ajaj.                                                           Salazar,
        the strength of its research and    and intelligent response                                                                        creating an
        innovation ecosystem and its        coordination, creating a more                                                      academic forum for exploring






























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