Associate Professor of Regenerative Medicine,University of Ha’il, Collage of Public Health and Health Informatics,Saudi Arabia
Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary is a renowned academic and researcher in Regenerative Medicine, specializing in Stem Cell Biology. She obtained the first PhD in Regenerative Medicine by a Saudi researcher from Odense University, Denmark. Dr. Al-Shammary is currently an Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia. She has held prominent roles in scientific review and medical consultation, focusing on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their clinical applications. Fluent in Arabic, English, Danish, and beginner-level French, Dr. Al-Shammary has been an active contributor to the development of public health strategies in Saudi Arabia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work bridges scientific research, health policy, and community impact.
Profile
Strengths for the Award
- Expertise in Regenerative Medicine: Dr. Al-Shammary holds a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from Denmark, which makes her one of the first Saudi researchers in this field. Her research has been focused on human stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and human embryonic stem cells, both crucial for advancing regenerative medicine.
- Strong Academic Background: Her academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree in Tissue and Cell Embryology from King Faisal University and a Bachelor’s in Biology, demonstrate a solid foundation in the biological sciences. Her work in stem cell biology, specifically regarding MSCs, is of great importance in the current landscape of medical research.
- Research Impact: Dr. Al-Shammary’s work has led to multiple research publications in high-impact journals and conferences, contributing significantly to the scientific community. For instance, her studies on COVID-19 dynamics in Saudi Arabia and the promotion of health behaviors during the pandemic show her responsiveness to current global health challenges.
- Active Involvement in Cutting-Edge Projects: She has led and contributed to several highly relevant projects such as stem cell research in Saudi Arabia, the development of nano-formulated antibiotics for ocular infections, and lung cancer detection using biosensors. These projects have the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches and improve quality of life.
- Leadership Roles: As an Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics, Dr. Al-Shammary has demonstrated leadership, not only in research but also in academic administration. She has overseen multiple projects and has held influential roles in scientific societies like INHWE and ECTS.
- Awards and Recognition: She has received notable awards, including an Award of Excellence from the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany. Furthermore, her leadership in various projects and her work in public health behavior promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic have earned her recognition.
- Commitment to Volunteer Work: Dr. Al-Shammary has engaged in significant volunteer work related to health and science education, from serving as a trainer in scientific research methods to participating in charity work. This shows her commitment to the broader community.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Public Visibility: While Dr. Al-Shammary has had notable success in research and academic leadership, enhancing her public visibility in the global scientific community through more frequent international collaborations and public speaking at major conferences could further elevate her profile.
- Further Collaboration in Interdisciplinary Fields: Although she is highly regarded in regenerative medicine, expanding her research and collaborations into interdisciplinary fields, such as bioengineering, could lead to more innovative outcomes, particularly in medical device development or genetic therapies.
- Expanding Research into Clinical Trials: While her work in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology is impressive, a further focus on translating her research into clinical trials and real-world applications would be beneficial. This would enhance the direct impact of her work on patient care and treatment.
Education
Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary holds a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from Odense University, Denmark (2015), where her research focused on bone marrow skeletal stem cells and their markers. Prior to that, she earned a Master’s degree in Tissue and Cell Embryology from King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, in 2009, with research on embryonic stem cells from albino mice. In 2002, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Science College, Saudi Arabia. Her academic journey has been enriched by a series of specialized courses, including Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biology at Karolinska Institute and Matrix Biology at the University of Copenhagen. These qualifications have laid the foundation for her expertise in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology.
Experience
Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary has extensive academic experience. Currently, she serves as Associate Professor in the College of Public Health & Health Informatics at University of Hail, where she was also Vice Dean from 2019 to 2023. Before this, she worked as an Assistant Professor in Biology at the same institution. Dr. Al-Shammary’s career began as a Lecturer at the University of Ha’il, followed by roles at King Faisal University. She has also held administrative positions, including Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics (since 2023) and Head of Consulting Firm specializing in Stem Cells and Epidemic Crisis Management. Her involvement in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SLLE exam) as a Head of Laboratory Operations further underscores her leadership in health sciences.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary has received several notable awards and honors throughout her career. She was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany (2015). Her contributions to stem cell research and COVID-19 health initiatives in Saudi Arabia have earned her recognition, including a research award for her MSC and chemotherapy project from the National Center for Radiation Research & Technology (2020-2023). Dr. Al-Shammary has been a key figure in projects such as nano-formulation of antibiotics and lung cancer detection with biosensors. Her innovative leadership in public health behavior during COVID-19 has also been highly praised. Her work continues to influence both scientific and medical communities.
Research Focus
Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary’s primary research focus is in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, particularly the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in regenerative therapies. She has also contributed to COVID-19 modeling and public health behavior research in Saudi Arabia. Her research aims to bridge laboratory science with real-world applications, improving therapeutic approaches for chronic diseases and cancer. Dr. Al-Shammary’s work includes pioneering research on embryonic stem cells, cell differentiation, and therapeutic applications of stem cells in disease treatment. Additionally, she has led projects focused on quality of life improvements, nano-formulated therapies, and biomedical devices like lung cancer detection using biosensors. Her broad range of research topics highlights her contribution to medical science, public health, and the development of modern healthcare solutions.
Publications
- Identification of Putative Plant-Based ALR-2 Inhibitors to Treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy 🌿🩺
- Computational Analysis of PTP-1B Site-Directed Mutations and Their Structural Binding to Potential Inhibitors 💻🔬
- Role of Community-Based Measures in Adherence to Self-Protective Behaviors During First Wave of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia 🦠🤝
- Generalized Richards Model for Predicting COVID-19 Dynamics in Saudi Arabia 📊🌍
Conclusion
Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated exceptional strength in regenerative medicine, particularly in stem cell biology, and has actively contributed to scientific and public health improvements. Her academic and administrative leadership, along with her significant research contributions and involvement in cutting-edge projects, makes her a standout figure in the field. By enhancing her visibility in international collaborations and further advancing her research to clinical stages, she would continue to have a profound impact on the scientific and medical communities.Her commitment to community health, evident in both her research and volunteer activities, further underscores her candidacy for the award.