About
The Translational Medical Research Center at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University was established to drive significant scientific research and healthcare advancements in Saudi Arabia. The term "translational" reflects a period of transformation where societies undergo political, economic, or social shifts, often marked by challenges and opportunities for growth. The center plays a key role in addressing the critical need for scientific and research development within the country.
Aligned with the university’s mission to contribute to comprehensive and economic growth, the center provides cutting-edge knowledge, research, and professional services in collaboration with the broader community. As a cornerstone of the Office of the Vice President for Scientific Research and Innovation's strategic plan, the center leverages the university's advanced infrastructure and expertise, which includes state-of-the-art laboratories and therapeutic facilities.
Focusing on fostering a supportive environment for scientific discovery, the center is instrumental in sustaining advanced healthcare and enhancing the quality of life, aligning with the core objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Vision
The vision aims to be a leader in medical and translational research, recognized locally, regionally, and globally for driving innovation and advancing healthcare.
Mission
To enhance translational medical research at the Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University and contribute to the innovation and development of therapeutic services and medical products that improve human health and quality of life.
Values
Excellence, collaboration, innovation, creativity, social responsibility.
Objectives
- Facilitate the translation of fundamental research from laboratories to clinical trials, providing innovative solutions that advance the understanding of disease mechanisms, diagnostics, and therapeutic systems.
- Accelerate the development of therapeutic strategies that deliver superior effectiveness compared to current treatments while minimizing undesirable side effects.
- Develop cutting-edge diagnostic techniques using genetic and proteomic analyses for early detection of diseases, monitoring treatment responses, and predicting future health risks.
- Support researchers by offering access to advanced methods, tools, research materials, expert consultation, and comprehensive data analysis services.
- Build a collaborative network that fosters partnerships between researchers, volunteers, industry partners, and research institutions within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
Organizational Structure of the Center for Translational Medical Sciences
Research Center Units
- Research Planning and Monitoring Performance Indicators Unit The Research Planning Unit collaborates with researchers to design research studies, including basic, pre-clinical, and clinical research. The unit also provides services related to drafting and editing documents related to research grant applications and creating project proposals in areas and specializations of interest, as well as when applying for ethical approvals and registering Clinical studies in relevant databases such as the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and clinical study registration sites. The unit is also responsible for project management and coordination between the various laboratories and units in the center, including the statistical and clinical units. The unit is also responsible for appointing assistant crews and research laboratory technicians according to the type of research and tests it involves.In addition to activating follow-up mechanisms and monitoring performance indicators in the center, this unit will monitor all adequate and relevant medical, vital, and biological research and direct it to translate it into clinical research and follow it up until it is implemented and used by health care systems.
- Logistics and Biorepository Units This unit manages and supervises the safe transportation of all samples and biological materials to and from the center, considering their high value and sensitivity to various factors such as temperature, time, etc. The unit also supervises the biorepository, which specializes in processing and storing all tissue samples used in translational research at the center or its cooperating hospitals and colleges. The unit's role includes managing activities that enable purchasing, inventory management, and all services necessary to support scientific research.
- Statistical Analysis and Scientific Data Management Unit
The Statistical Unit provides consultation and statistical services in fundamental, pre-clinical, and clinical trials. It also provides statistical analysis and processing services for data derived from medical databases and complex data such as data from genomic studies. These services and consultations extend during all stages of research projects, from the initial stage (such as calculating the sample size) to organizing and preparing data for analysis using statistical analysis tools.
- Clinical trials Unit
The Clinical Trials Unit is dedicated to advancing research across various medical fields. It works on all phases of clinical trials, from Phase I to Phase IV, as well as translational research. The unit is capable of enrolling patients from hospitals affiliated and non-affiliated with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University throughout the Eastern Region. Equipped with state-of-the-art resources, the unit ensures the proper preparation, preservation, and shipment of patient samples for molecular analysis and other specialized laboratory testing. This infrastructure supports the comprehensive needs of clinical trials and translational research efforts.
- Training and Development Unit
This Unit specializes in training and disseminating knowledge to the center's and the university's employees. Furthermore, the unit’s activities can be extended to interested researchers, technicians, and those wishing to train from the surrounding community.
- Maintenance and Information Technology Unit
The unit is concerned with developing technical systems, their periodic maintenance, and providing technical support services
- Research Laboratories Unit
Includes all pre-clinical laboratories:
- Microbiology laboratory
- Molecular biology laboratory
- Tissue biology laboratory
- Biomaterials laboratory
- Strategic Planning and Risk Management Unit
Strategic planning determines the Research Center's direction (such as its vision, goal, and priorities). Risk Management is responsible for keeping the project on track and addressing possible risks in a timely and effective manner by identifying, measuring, and reducing risks that impact the Center's business strategy, strategic objectives, and strategy execution.
