Basic Cancer Research in the UAE

Abstract

Like many other fields in the UAE, cancer research showed a significant achievement. Measuring research outcomes is considered a crucial and critical step in evaluating the research impact. In this chapter, we analyzed various indicators that measure the number and impact of cancer research performed within the UAE in the last decades using the PubMed search engine and the Scopus database. Our results showed an exponential increment in cancer-related publications, from only 66 in 2011 to 865 in 2021. The increment in the number of publications was also associated with an improvement in the quality of cancer-related manuscripts, and this is presented as publication in more diverse and high-ranking journals, including PLOS One, Scientific Reports, Molecules, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, and Lancet. While United Arab Emirates University, the University of Sharjah, and Tawam Hospital were shown to be the top UAE-affiliated institutions, the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the Medical Research Council (MRC), and the US Department of Health and Human Services represent the top international funding bodies and collaborators. In conclusion, our analysis revealed an exponential increase in cancer research productivity, which is also coupled with improvements in the quality and impact of those research activities. This was achieved through investment in research infrastructure, recruitment of experienced researchers, and the establishment of various training programs.