منطقة الجوف-جامعة الجوف

In a strategic step toward advancing impactful health research, harnessing scientific knowledge to address health challenges, and improving quality of life, His Excellency Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya, President of Jouf University, officially launched the Research Chair for Public Health and Disease Prevention. The initiative represents a significant addition to the University's research ecosystem, reflecting its commitment to developing innovative preventive healthcare solutions and strengthening the role of epidemiological studies and health data in informing healthcare decisions and policies, thereby contributing to a healthier and more sustainable society.

The launch of the Research Chair builds on Jouf University's ongoing efforts to align scientific research with national and developmental priorities while strengthening the integration of its educational, research, and community service missions. The Chair will establish a specialized research framework focused on community health, investigating risk factors associated with chronic and infectious diseases, particularly obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and developing evidence-based preventive interventions aimed at reducing disease prevalence and improving health outcomes across the Jouf region and the Kingdom.

His Excellency Prof. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya emphasized that investing in health research is a direct investment in human well-being and the future of society. He highlighted the pivotal role of universities in generating knowledge that extends beyond academic publications to practical solutions capable of addressing healthcare challenges and enhancing quality of life.

His Excellency stated:

"Our ambition at Jouf University goes beyond generating knowledge; we seek to translate it into tangible health and developmental impact through high-quality scientific research that contributes to disease prevention, supports evidence-based healthcare decision-making, and promotes public health awareness. We aspire for this Research Chair to serve as a specialized scientific platform that brings together researchers, healthcare practitioners, and health organizations to develop innovative solutions that benefit individuals and communities while advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030."

He further noted that the launch reflects the University's strategic direction toward strengthening its research competitiveness, expanding partnerships with healthcare institutions, and supporting applied research that responds to community needs. He also emphasized the importance of leveraging the University's research infrastructure and academic expertise to produce high-impact studies and develop specialized national capabilities in public health and disease prevention.

The Research Chair aspires to become a leading national research reference in public health and disease prevention, focusing on six key research areas: epidemiology and health data analytics; obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease research; evidence-based prevention of chronic and infectious diseases; public and community health; health awareness and health-related behaviors; and health economics and healthcare program evaluation.

The Chair is guided by a comprehensive set of strategic objectives, including producing high-quality scientific research, analyzing health risk factors, developing preventive solutions, and supporting healthcare decision-making through epidemiological studies and scientific evidence. It also seeks to establish effective partnerships with local and international healthcare organizations and deliver specialized training programs to strengthen health and research capabilities.

The Research Chair has set ambitious research and community engagement targets, most notably the annual publication of 10 scientific research papers in internationally indexed journals, the delivery of four specialized training programs, and the organization of two public health awareness campaigns annually. Its objectives also include producing an annual public health guide for the Jouf region, issuing periodic health reports, and participating in specialized scientific forums and conferences. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between academic research and practical preventive healthcare applications.

Furthermore, the Chair seeks to establish strategic partnerships with several specialized national organizations, including the Ministry of Health, Al-Jouf Health Cluster, the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), the Saudi Epidemiology Society, and Tawuniya Insurance Company. These partnerships aim to integrate research and healthcare efforts, maximize the practical application of scientific findings, and expand the impact of preventive health initiatives within the community.

The Research Chair will operate over a two-year period, drawing on the University's established scientific and research infrastructure, including its Central Laboratory, Health Research and Innovation Center, and researchers from its health colleges. These resources will provide an integrated environment for knowledge generation, the development of preventive healthcare applications, and the advancement of multidisciplinary scientific research.

The launch of the Research Chair for Public Health and Disease Prevention reflects Jouf University's commitment to building a research ecosystem that is increasingly responsive to the needs of individuals and communities. It further reinforces the University's role as a knowledge and development partner in advancing public health, strengthening disease prevention, and improving quality of life, guided by an ambitious scientific vision:

"From Research to Prevention... and from Prevention to a Healthier Society."