King Abdulaziz University and University of York Sign Research Collaboration Agreement to Advance Innovation in Skin Nanomedicine

King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Innovation Center for Personalized Medicine,
signed a research collaboration agreement with the Skin Research Centre at Hull York
Medical School, University of York, United Kingdom. The agreement aims to advance
innovation in skin nanomedicine and open new global research and academic opportunities
that support healthcare and quality of life.

Representing King Abdulaziz University at the signing was Vice President for Scientific
Research and Innovation Prof. Amin bin Youssef Noaman, while the University of York was
represented by Dean of the Faculty of Sciences Prof. Andy Dougill. Through the agreement,
both parties seek to develop advanced research activities that increase research output,
scientific publications, and patents.

Designed to support the sustainability of advanced research, the collaboration will facilitate
joint funding applications and provide opportunities for students and researchers at both
centers to gain advanced knowledge and skills in skin nanomedicine. It will also enable
technology and knowledge transfer, as well as the manufacturing and commercialization of
research outcomes aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 priorities in health research.

A key objective of the collaboration is to work toward establishing joint master’s and PhD
programs in skin nanomedicine through the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, in
cooperation with the Innovation Center for Personalized Medicine. These programs would
be developed within the research framework of the Skin Research Centre at the University
of York and the Innovation Center for Personalized Medicine at King Abdulaziz University.
The agreement also includes discussions on developing independent short- and long-term
programs, courses, and workshops, including summer training programs, accredited by both
parties.

Areas of cooperation include developing a framework that connects industry with both
institutions to facilitate the commercialization of research outcomes, exploring the
establishment of a nanomedicine center in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and assessing
the possibility of creating a skin nanomedicine company in Saudi Arabia. Joint research

activities will also be developed to link skin nanomedicine research outcomes with
opportunities in the Saudi market.

Expected outcomes under the agreement were defined according to weighted criteria and
performance indicators, including publications, patents, prototypes, summer research
programs, workshops, master’s and PhD programs in nanomedicine, prototype
commercialization, private-sector engagement, and the establishment of a Saudi
nanomedicine company.