WANA Scientific Network

Dr. Najimi represents a critical bridge between high-level academic research in hepatology and the practical, clinical application of cell therapy. His work, particularly in identifying mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells from human liver tissue, has been pivotal in advancing treatments for liver disease. His dual role—as a Senior Research Associate at the Université catholique de Louvain and as a key figure in the success of Promethera Biosciences—highlights his ability to translate laboratory “bench” discoveries into tangible pharmaceutical and clinical outcomes. Key Takeaways from Dr. Najimi’s Perspective: Translational Excellence: His career trajectory—from his PhD in 1999 to his current role supervising hepatic stem cell banks—is a masterclass in long-term commitment to a specific medical field. His involvement in the GMP-compliant isolation of liver cells underscores the importance of regulatory standards in regenerative medicine. The Power of Collaboration: His comments at the 4th International WANA Congress reflect a pragmatic and strategic approach to international scientific cooperation. He emphasizes: Strategic Incrementalism: The advice to “get the tree first… and then we can branch” is a vital lesson in institutional capacity building. He advocates for establishing solid local foundations within each country before attempting large-scale international expansion. Value-Add Partnerships: He correctly identifies that for a scientific network to be sustainable, it must be based on mutual value and the sharing of positive, validated results. Collaborative Philosophy: His closing sentiment— “alone, you will go fast, and together, you will go far”—encapsulates the necessity of global scientific solidarity, especially within the context of the Islamic world, to elevate the impact of regional research on the global stage. Dr. Najimi is clearly positioning himself not just as a researcher but as a mentor and institutional architect for the next generation of WANA scientists. By advocating for a structured, results-oriented network, he is aiming to ensure that the region’s scientific output is recognized for its quality and clinical utility rather than just its volume.

With more than three decades of experience in molecular biology, genetics, and translational biomedical research, Prof. Sukru Tuzmen has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases and transforming scientific discoveries into clinical applications. Prof. Tuzmen serves as a Professor at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and holds adjunct academic and research appointments at leading institutions in the United States, including Arizona State University, the University of Maryland University College, and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) in Arizona. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Bosphorus University (Boğaziçi University), Istanbul, in 1995. Since then, he has built a distinguished multidisciplinary research career focused on uncovering the genetic basis of human diseases, particularly cancer. His research integrates genomics, molecular diagnostics, drug discovery, and systems biology to identify critical links between genes, molecular pathways, and disease phenotypes. A central theme of Prof. Tuzmen’s work is the discovery and validation of biomarkers and therapeutic targets that can facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases. His research has contributed to advancing precision medicine approaches through the identification of actionable molecular signatures and druggable targets in complex diseases. Throughout his career, Prof. Tuzmen has been at the forefront of emerging biomedical technologies. He has contributed to the development and application of high-throughput biochip platforms, large-scale compound and siRNA screening technologies, and quantitative gene-expression profiling methods. These innovative approaches have helped bridge the gap between fundamental biological discoveries and clinical implementation. Earlier in his career, he played a key role in nationwide screening and prenatal diagnosis programs for beta-thalassemia in Türkiye and contributed to the establishment of a National Molecular Diagnostic Reference Laboratory at Bosphorus University, supporting the development of modern molecular diagnostics in the region. Prof. Tuzmen’s scientific excellence has been recognized through numerous national and international awards and fellowships. Notably, he became the first Turkish Cypriot scientist to receive the prestigious five-year NIH Fogarty Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he conducted research on globin gene regulation at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in Bethesda, Maryland. Beyond his research achievements, Prof. Tuzmen is an active contributor to the global scientific community. He has delivered invited lectures at numerous international conferences and has served on distinguished scientific review and advisory panels, including the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. As part of his engagement with the WANA Scientific Network, Prof. Tuzmen participated in the 4th WANA International Congress, held in Kish Island, Iran, in 2025. During the congress, he delivered an insightful presentation entitled “Molecular Profiling of a Potential Drug Target for Disease Treatment.” In his lecture, he highlighted the critical role of molecular profiling technologies in identifying and characterizing therapeutic targets, demonstrating how advances in genomics and precision medicine can accelerate the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies. His contribution enriched the scientific discussions of the congress and reflected WANA’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge biomedical research and international scientific collaboration. As a valued member of the WANA Scientific Network, Prof. Tuzmen brings extensive expertise in molecular genetics, translational medicine, and biomedical innovation. His lifelong commitment to scientific excellence, mentorship, and international collaboration continues to inspire researchers across the West Asia and North Africa region and beyond.

Dr. Maha Al Khaduri is an Associate Professor and Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital within the University Medical City in Oman. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Al Khaduri has held several leadership positions, including serving as Head of the Women’s and Children’s Center and the Oman Fertility Center at Oman International Hospital. She has also contributed extensively to academic administration, serving on the boards of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the College of Medicine, and as Assistant Dean for Training and Community Services at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences from 2016 to 2022. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) since 2005, Dr. Al Khaduri is actively engaged in clinical practice, research, education, and community service. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, is a member of several professional societies, and has been an invited speaker at regional and international scientific conferences. Her contributions to healthcare, medical education, and scientific research have been recognized through multiple national and international awards, including the Best Research Award from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, awards from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) MENA Conferences (2022, 2024, and 2025), recognition at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists World Congress (2022), the Oman Woman of the Year Award (2020), and the Al Mar’a Award for Excellence in Health Services and Education (2016). Dr. Al Khaduri is also a valued member of the Scientific Board of the WANA International Scientific Network, contributing to the network’s mission of strengthening scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange across the West Asia and North Africa region. As an invited speaker at the 1st WANA International Congress, held in Mashhad, Iran, in 2022, she delivered a presentation entitled “Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Candidate Genes,” sharing her expertise on the genetic aspects of one of the most prevalent reproductive endocrine disorders affecting women worldwide. Through her academic leadership, clinical excellence, and commitment to international collaboration, Dr. Al Khaduri continues to advance the fields of reproductive medicine and infertility while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers.

Dr. Ayman Al Haj Zen is an Associate Professor at the College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Qatar), whose research career spans vascular biology, regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and advanced bioengineering technologies. He earned his PhD from the University of Paris VII, where he investigated the role of small proteoglycans in vascular repair and atherosclerosis. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at several leading institutions in the United Kingdom, including the London Research Institute, the University of Bristol, and the University of Oxford, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis and vascular regeneration following ischemic injury. In 2013, Dr. Al Haj Zen was awarded a prestigious Intermediate Research Fellowship from the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence at the University of Oxford. This fellowship enabled him to establish an independent research program dedicated to identifying novel therapeutic targets and therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases, atherosclerosis, vascular dementia, and cancer. Today, his laboratory develops cutting-edge 3D microfluidic organ-on-chip models integrated with high-throughput image-based screening technologies. These innovative platforms enable researchers to investigate disease mechanisms, accelerate drug discovery, and advance the development of personalized therapies. As an active member of the WANA Scientific Network, Dr. Al Haj Zen contributed to the Second WANA International Congress on Biotechnology, held in Isfahan, Iran. During the congress, he delivered a distinguished lecture entitled **“High Content Imaging of Vascular Regeneration for Mechanism Understanding and Drug Discovery,”** where he shared pioneering approaches for studying vascular regeneration and identifying new therapeutic opportunities through advanced imaging technologies. Dr. Al Haj Zen’s scientific achievements and commitment to translational research exemplify the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that WANA strives to foster across the West Asia and North Africa region.

Advancing animal genetics, livestock productivity, and sustainable food systems has been the driving force behind the distinguished academic and research career of Dr. Rajwali Khan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Livestock Management, Breeding and Genetics at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. With expertise spanning animal breeding, molecular biology, developmental biology, and livestock production systems, Dr. Khan has dedicated his career to bridging fundamental research and practical solutions that support animal health, food security, and agricultural development. He earned his Doctorate in Animal Husbandry from Northwest A&F University, China, where his research focused on the functional and regulatory roles of TORC proteins in adipocyte proliferation and differentiation in Qinchuan beef cattle. His work contributed to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying animal growth and productivity. Dr. Khan previously received a Gold Medal for his M.Sc. (Hons.) degree from The University of Agriculture Peshawar, where he investigated the impact of drinking water quality on buffalo milk production and quality across different dairy farming systems. He also holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Sindh Agriculture University, reflecting his strong interdisciplinary foundation in veterinary and animal sciences. Over the course of his career, Dr. Khan has served in several academic, research, and governmental positions, including Veterinary Officer, Research Officer, Assistant Director (Planning and Development), Lecturer, and currently Assistant Professor. Through these roles, he has actively contributed to livestock research, policy development, capacity building, and higher education in Pakistan. An accomplished educator, Dr. Khan has taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in animal breeding, livestock management, molecular biology, developmental biology, beef production, animal cytogenetics, and livestock industry development. He has supervised numerous student research projects, including doctoral, master's, and veterinary training programs, helping to nurture the next generation of animal scientists and researchers. Dr. Khan’s research portfolio reflects a strong commitment to addressing real-world challenges in livestock production and animal genetics. His work spans molecular genetics, transgenic technologies, meat authentication, livestock breeding, dairy production, and animal health. He has also led and contributed to major research and development initiatives, including projects focused on drug residue detection, forage development for dairy productivity enhancement, molecular meat-speciation techniques, and innovative transgenic approaches to improve sheep meat production. His scientific contributions have earned international recognition. To date, Dr. Khan has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, accumulating over 1,500 citations and achieving an h-index of 24. His research has generated a cumulative impact factor exceeding 350, reflecting the significance and influence of his work within the global scientific community. As part of his engagement with the WANA Scientific Network, Dr. Khan participated in the 2nd WANA International Congress on Biotechnology, held in Isfahan, Iran. During the congress, he delivered a scientific presentation entitled “Bioinformatics Analysis and the Association of Polymorphisms within the Caprine GDF9 Gene Promoter with Economically Useful Traits in Damani Goats.” His presentation highlighted the application of bioinformatics and molecular genetics in livestock improvement, emphasizing how genetic variations can be utilized to enhance economically important traits in goat breeding programs. The lecture showcased the growing role of biotechnology and genomics in advancing sustainable livestock production and food security across the region. As a valued member of the WANA Scientific Network, Dr. Khan brings valuable expertise in animal genetics, livestock biotechnology, and agricultural innovation. His research and academic leadership continue to contribute to scientific advancement and regional collaboration across the West Asia and North Africa region. Through his dedication to research excellence, education, and innovation, Dr. Rajwali Khan exemplifies the mission of WANA in fostering knowledge exchange and promoting impactful scientific solutions for regional and global challenges.