As part of its efforts to promote applied scientific research and align it with market needs, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Al-Matari, Rector of the University, received the delegation of the Preparatory Committee for the Yemeni Medicinal Honey Scientific Conference, in the presence of the university leadership and a number of academics. The delegation was welcomed by:
- Prof. Dr. Sadeq Al-Mohni, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies
- Dr. Mohammed Al-Hetar, Vice President for Student Affairs
- Prof. Dr. Abdulhakim Al-Sabban, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy
- Dr. Mujeeb Ali Al-Saidi, Dean of the Center for Development and Quality Assurance
- Dr. Abdullah Al-Warafi, Member of the University Advisory Board
The visiting delegation included:
- Dr. Moeen Abdullah Al-Mutawakel, Head of the Conference Organizing Committee
- Prof. Dr. Hassan Mohammed Ibrahim, Head of the Scientific Committee
- Dr. Mohammed Al-Sharahi, Associate Professor of Apiculture at Dhamar University and member of the Preparatory Committee
- Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Alfi, Executive Director of the Yemeni Union of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
- Eng. Shaher Ghassan, Member of the Technical Committee
At the beginning of the meeting, the Rector of the University welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the importance of organizing specialized scientific conferences that support local production, particularly given the high quality and strong reputation of Yemeni honey. He stressed the need to direct scientific research toward utilizing natural resources in developing pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications, and to link higher education outputs with development needs and the labor market. He also highlighted that Yemen possesses distinguished academic and research competencies capable of elevating national products to global levels if properly invested in, supported, and guided.
For his part, Dr. Moeen Al-Mutawakel conveyed the greetings of the Chairman of the Conference Preparatory Committee, Dr. Ghassan Al-Madani, and reviewed the preparations for the conference, as well as the outcomes of the “National Workshop for Training and Qualifying National Capacities in the Pharmaceutical Industries.” The workshop aimed to build effective integration between academic and research staff in universities, research and development specialists in pharmaceutical factories, and relevant government entities, thereby strengthening developmental integration between the academic and productive sectors. He explained that work is currently proceeding along two main tracks. The first involves launching the “From Research to Market” program through cooperation protocols between universities and pharmaceutical manufacturers to transform scientific research into practical products. The second track focuses on preparations for the First Yemeni Medicinal Honey Scientific Conference as a scientific platform to support the optimal utilization of national resources. The conference aims to document the chemical and pollen fingerprint of Yemeni honey, contributing to establishing its quality on a global scale. It also seeks to activate strategic partnerships between researchers and pharmaceutical companies to transform scientific outputs into investment opportunities.
In addition, the conference aspires to enhance interdisciplinary research integration, starting from plant science specialists to identify active compounds, passing through agricultural expertise to create suitable production environments, and culminating with pharmaceutical scientists to develop dosage forms and determine clinical dosages based on precise scientific principles. During the discussion, Dr. Mohammed Al-Sharahi highlighted the rich plant diversity and unique ecological environment of Ibb Governorate, making it an ideal region for beekeeping and the production of high-quality honey, particularly Sidr honey. He emphasized the importance of investing in these advantages to develop industries related to medicinal honey.
In turn, Prof. Dr. Hassan Mohammed Ibrahim stressed the importance of research integration among faculties of science, agriculture, and pharmacy as a key entry point for producing applied knowledge that serves both the health and production sectors. He also underscored the need for coordinated academic efforts to ensure the success of the conference outcomes and the achievement of its scientific and developmental goals. Similarly, Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Alfi, Executive Director of the Yemeni Union of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, expressed his welcome of the partnership with Jiblah University for Medical and Health Sciences, praising its role as an academic sponsor of the conference and the scientific and research support it will provide to ensure the success of its activities and enhance its outcomes.
During the visit, the delegation toured the Faculty of Pharmacy building, where the dean of the faculty provided an overview of the construction progress and facilities, as well as the academic program and its key features. He emphasized the importance of directing pharmaceutical research toward the local environment and benefiting from the region’s rich plant diversity. This visit comes within the framework of strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and productive sectors, contributing to innovation and the development of pharmaceutical industries based on natural resources, and opening promising prospects for scientific and applied collaboration.