The Eastern Province witnessed a significant scientific and academic event today, Monday, with the launch of the inaugural "Applied Medical Research and Innovation Forum" (AMRI Forum 2026) at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University . The event was held under the patronage and inauguration of the university's president, Professor Fahd Al-Harbi. This forum serves as a vital platform connecting student innovation with the growing needs of the medical job market.
A scientific movement that aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This forum is being organized amidst the major transformations taking place in the higher education sector in Saudi Arabia, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030 , which focuses on transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Universities play a pivotal role in this system by translating theoretical research into practical products and solutions that serve the healthcare sector. This forum is a strategic step towards fostering a culture of innovation among the next generation of healthcare practitioners, thereby contributing to improved efficiency of medical services provided both locally and regionally.
Competition details and promising projects
The Deanships Support Building “D3” hosted a fierce competition among more than 120 research and innovation projects submitted by university students. Specialized scientific committees worked to sort and evaluate these submissions according to precise criteria, resulting in the selection of 10 distinguished speakers to present their projects through oral presentations before the judging panel and the audience, reflecting the advanced level of academic output.
In a statement, the Dean of the College of Applied Medical Sciences, Dr. Saad Al-Saadi, emphasized that the forum is not merely an exhibition, but rather aims fundamentally to create an interactive environment that brings together academics, researchers, and innovators. He noted that the accompanying exhibition featured 40 scientific posters showcasing selected research, highlighting inventions presented by distinguished faculty members and students.
Linking academic outputs to the labor market
Under the theme "Where Disciplines Meet: Shaping the Future of Healthcare," the forum emphasized the importance of partnerships with the private sector and industry. This is crucial in bridging the gap between what is taught in classrooms and the skills actually required in hospitals, research centers, and medical companies. The forum's outcomes are expected to attract the attention of healthcare investors to young national talent and the innovative solutions they offer.
Skills development and capacity building
The forum went beyond competitive presentations, featuring a rich program that attracted speakers and experts from within and outside the university to enrich scientific discussions. Specialized workshops were also held to hone students' skills in scientific research, patent registration, and prototype development, thus enhancing their readiness to enter the job market and contribute effectively to the development of the national healthcare system.
