Amman: Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, HRH Prince Talal bin Muhammad, Special Adviser to His Majesty, honored the recipients of the 2025 King Hussein Cancer Research Award during a ceremony held in the presence of HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, along with several members of the Royal Family.
According to Jordan News Agency, Princess Ghida delivered keynote remarks at the ceremony, emphasizing the vision behind the King Hussein Cancer Research Award. She stated, "When we launched the King Hussein Cancer Research Award, we dreamed of an Arab world fully engaged in global cancer research. That dream is now a movement, led by brilliant minds shaping the future of science."
The King Hussein Cancer Research Award is presented annually and recognizes outstanding contributions to cancer research, while encouraging efforts to improve prevention and treatment and promoting collaboration at both regional and international levels. Over the past five years, the Award has reaffirmed its commitment to placing research at the forefront of the regional cancer agenda, bringing together nearly 900 researchers and scientists globally and funding eight innovative research projects.
The 2025 ceremony honored a distinguished group of Arab scientists and researchers from over 26 countries for their impact on advancing cancer research. This year's guest of honor, Professor Hagop M. Kantarjian from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, was recognized as Laureate for Special Distinction in Research for his exceptional contributions to cancer research and leukemia treatment.
Notable awardees included Professor Mohamed Kharfan-Dabaja from Mayo Clinic - Florida, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in the international track, and Professor Mohammad Abu Hilal from the University of Jordan, who received the same award in the regional track. The Young Investigator Award in the international track went to Dr. Mina Sedrak from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, while Dr. Mohamed Jemaa from the University of Tunis El Manar and Dr. Walhan Alshaer from The University of Jordan were recognized in the regional track.
Additionally, the Promising Researcher Grant was awarded to Dr. Temidayo Omolaoye from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences - Dubai Health, and Dr. Larry Bodgi from the American University of Beirut for their promising research contributions. The Professional Development Program for Cancer Care Excellence Award was presented to the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean-King Hussein Cancer Center Regional Pediatric Oncology Training and Capacity-Building Program at KHCC.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, members of the Award's Board of Directors, including leading oncologists, physicians, and researchers worldwide, as well as academics, media representatives, and partners and supporters of the Award.