Under the patronage of UAEU Vice Chancellor Professor Mohamed Albaili, the First Symposium on Genomics and Bioinformatics was held at the United Arab Emirates University for three days from 13 to 15 November, 2016.

The event was organized by the UAEU College of Science Department of Biology, in collaboration with the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, with the support of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

The symposium, which gathered experts from around the world in different areas of genomics and bioinformatics, aimed at familiarization with the latest findings in the field, the development of scientific research prospects, and the transfer and localization of scientific expertise, as genomics has become the key to resolving a number of problems faced by humans, such as diseases, agricultural challenges, the development of livestock production, and the environment.

Dr. Khaled Amiri, Head of the Department of Biology, and Director of the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, said, "There were over 120 scientific papers submitted to the center,” and added "the Genome and Bioinformatics Studies Unit in the Department of Biology has conducted a number of important scientific research projects in this area and has helped several authorities and institutions in the state."

College of Science Dean, Professor Ahmed Murad, expressed the importance of genome research as an area of strategic priority to the country, and the benefit of attracting scholars and distinguished researchers, and inviting them here to see the advanced research capability in the field of genomics and bioinformatics in this country.