Professor Meis Moukayed, Professor of Health and Life Sciences, shared her research on key UAE R&D priorities including health, water, and food security. Her work was presented at the 3rd International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICASF 2025), held at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, on 10-11 December 2025.
Her first paper, “A Framework for Sustainable Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Mitigation,” explored factors contributing to colorectal cancer (CRC) in the UAE and proposed a practical public health framework to help reduce its impact. The framework focuses on multiple societal segments and combines approaches such as health education, public-private partnerships, and targeted interventions to support CRC prevention.
Colorectal cancer is among the most common and serious cancers globally and in the UAE. Professor Moukayed’s framework offers potential for improving public health and aligns with UAE health strategies. The research supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrates AUD’s ongoing commitment to impactful health research. The upcoming AUD School of Medicine, in partnership with Penn Medicine, will further strengthen these efforts.
Her second paper, focused on food and water security, was completed with industry collaborators and former AUD alumni Aliyu Mohammed and Muhammad Danbappa from Ehfaaz LLC, an award-winning circular economy company based in Dubai.
Food and water security are increasingly important challenges in the UAE and worldwide. In her paper, “Strategic Future Foresight on Food and Water Security in the UAE,” Professor Moukayed examined factors driving demand and highlighted opportunities for growth in these sectors. Her presentation outlined UAE initiatives over the past two decades, including public-private partnerships, technology projects, education, and policy reforms, aimed at building resilience and sustainability for the future.
Dr. Moukayed’s research reflects AUD’s commitment to sustainability education and research that serve the wider community. Her work aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AUD’s mission and sustainability strategy.
