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.

Sukru Tuzmen, Ph.D.. 1. Professor, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Famagusta, T.R.N.C., Mersin 10 – Turkey. 2. Adjunct Professor, Arizona State University (ASU), Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A. 3. Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Maryland University College (UMUC), College Park, MD, U.S.A. 4. Adjunct Investigator, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, Sukru Tuzmen is a molecular biologist, graduated from the Ph.D. program of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bosphorus University, Istanbul in 1995. He has more than thirty years of multi-disciplinary research experience integrating studies of the molecular basis of human diseases, including cancer genetics. Prof. Tuzmen has a passion for advancing the molecular genetics of diseases by studying the associations between drugs, genes, pathways, and diseases. His mission is to discover and validate links between gene states and disease phenotypes, and further use these links to identify druggable targets to be utilized as biomarkers in the early diagnosis stages of genetic diseases such as cancer.Prof. Tuzmen has focused his career to develop and apply cutting-edge methods and technologies to ensure excellence in the translation of his basic scientific research including cancer genetics, from bench to bedside. He has been involved with the development of new high-throughput biochip technologies. Specifically, screening of druggable compound libraries and siRNA libraries, and validation of gene expression levels via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technology. Previously, as a Ph.D. scholar, Prof. Tuzmen was involved with nationwide screening and prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in the Turkish population and has participated in the development of a Nationwide Molecular Diagnostic Reference Laboratory at Bosphorus University. Prof. Tuzmen has received many National and International Scholarships/Awards including a five-year NIH Fogarty Fellowship, as the first Turkish Cypriot Scientist, at the Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD U.S.A. to work on globin gene regulation. Prof. Tuzmen has been invited to deliver talks in many National and International settings, and he has served on many expert panels including The Research Grant Council, Hong Kong, China.

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.