Thumbay International Research grant 1st cycle concludes with resounding success
192 applications from 34 universities, 14 projects awarded at grand ceremony in Ajman
Ajman, UAE (Press Release): Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, celebrated the outstanding success of the inaugural Thumbay International Research Grant (TIRG)at a grand award ceremony held on April 15, 2025, coinciding with GMU’s Annual Research Day. The groundbreaking initiative, supported by Thumbay Group UAE, attracted global attention for its mission to drive impactful healthcare research through international collaboration and innovation.
His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, was the Chief Guest and was reprasented by H.E Dr. Sheikh Majeed Bin saeed Al Nauimi, Chairman Rulers Court who personally awarded the research grants to the winners.
With an initial funding pool of AED 3 million, the grant was designed to support pioneering projects in key areas such as Precision Medicine, Drug Discovery and Cancer Immunology, Population Health related to Diabetes, Healthy Aging and Regenerative Medicine, AI, Informatics and Digital Transformation in Healthcare Management and Health Economics, and Innovation in Health Professions Education.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder of Gulf Medical University and President of Thumbay Group, reiterated the vision behind this initiative: “We launched this grant to transform Gulf Medical University into a hub for Research.” And he also announced that the total research grant will reach up to AED 10 million after three years, reinforcing the long-term commitment of fostering research excellence.
Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, commented: “The grant has made an inspiring start, and the diversity and quality of submissions reflect GMU’s growing global reputation. We are proud to support research that has the potential to transform healthcare and elevate lives.”
The TIRG initiative continues to underscore GMU’s dedication to building international research partnerships and promoting a culture of innovation. It offers researchers across the globe a chance to collaborate with GMU’s academic community, cementing the university’s role as a regional leader in medical education and research.!
Prof. Saleem Chouib, Vice Chancellor – Research, Gulf Medical University, added that “The quality and originality of the selected research projects are truly exceptional, showcasing the innovative spirit of global academia. The Thumbay International Research Grant is a powerful catalyst for groundbreaking research and international collaboration.”
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Bill to regulate deepfakes tabled in Lok Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): A Private Member's Bill seeking a clear legal framework for regulation of deepfakes has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Regulation of Deepfake Bill, introduced by Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde in the House on Friday, aims to protect citizens by mandating prior consent from individuals depicted in deepfake content.
"Misuse of deepfakes for harassment, deception and misinformation has escalated, creating an urgent need for regulatory safeguards," Shinde said.
The Bill also lists penalties for offenders creating or disseminating deepfake content with malicious intent.
"With advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning, deepfake technology has emerged as a significant tool for media manipulation. While the technology has potential applications in education, entertainment and creative fields, it also poses severe risks when misused, threatening individual privacy, national security and public trust," Shinde said in the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill.
The proposed Bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework to govern the creation, distribution and application of deepfakes in India, said Shinde, a three-term Lok Sabha member from Kalyan.
The Bill also seeks to establish the Deepfake Task Force, a dedicated body to combat national security implications and evaluate the influence of deepfakes on privacy, civic participation, and potential election interference.
The task force will collaborate with academic and private sector institutions to develop technologies that detect manipulated content, thereby promoting credibility in digital media.
The Bill also proposes to establish a fund to support public and private sector initiatives in the detection and deterrence of advanced image manipulation.
A Private Member's Bill is a procedure of Parliament that enables lawmakers, who are not ministers, to draw attention to issues that might not be represented in Government Bills or to highlight the issues and gaps in the existing legal framework that require legislative intervention.
