President of Umm Al-Qura University Dr. Bakry bin Maatouq Assas opened on Sunday, Shaaban 22, 1437H the fourth round of the health research forum which was organized by the College of Medicine's research club. The three-day forum is scheduled to be attended by Dean of College of Health Sciences at Al-Leith Dr. Faris bin Mohammed Noor Altaf, Dean of Medicine College Dr. Anmar Naser and Dean of College of Dentistry Dr. Mohamed Beyary. Vice-dean of Student Affairs Dr. Omar Ba-Sonbol along with a number of staff members of Saudi medicine colleges and student have also taken part in the meeting which was held at King Abdulaziz chamber in Al-Abdiyah Campus.

The university president opened the event by touring a gallery for research studies which included up to 50 scientific posters. A committee of experts was formed to evaluate the researches presented in this gallery. Dr. Altaf briefed the president on the details of the paintings.

The forum started activities by the recitation of few verses of the Holy Quran. Afterwards, Head of Scientific Research Club Talal Abdullah Al Mutairi addressed the attendees. He said: "The UQU's Research Forum is a destination for researchers and specialists who are interested in the field from various colleges. In the fourth year in row, the forum provided an opportunity for students to show off their researches." Al Mutairi shed light on the health program set to serve pilgrims in cooperation with the College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and Makkah's hospitals.

At least 400 students took part in this program along with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research to carry out four research projects and the research school program which attracted 700 students from various medicine schools in addition to the research reading and clinic projects. He extended thanks to the staff members over their support and constant communication with the students.

Addressing the forum, Dr. Altaf welcomed the participants and hailed efforts exerted by the club. He shed light on its activities that included the research school and clinic. He underscored its effective role at the university for boosting scientific research activity in the university. The dean asserted the fourth round of the forum reflected success of the students who managed to submit up to 300 research papers. According to Altaf, out of this number, 60 research papers were received from Saudi students who covered every branch of medicine study including researches on the Zika virus, blood donation, obesity and smoking.

The club's member students received training on administrative work to master the skills needed by the labor market in addition to their medical studies, Dr. Altaf said, adding he feels proud of the medical students who have proved significant participation inside and outside the university. He praised support given by the UQU's president to the club's program and promoting an enabling environment at the medicine college. Dr. Altaf expressed thanks to the deans of the colleges over their support given to the forum and the Deanship of Student Affairs.

In his speech, President of Umm Al-Qura University Dr. Bakry bin Maatouq Assas voiced thanks to King Salman and the government for their unstoppable support to the universities that proved attentive care for the higher education as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 which pays special attention for research. The scientific research in an important pillar of the educational process in Saudi Arabia due to its significant role in improving environment at various universities, he added.

The university has made great strides in patenting student and staff researches which consequently changed into products by the University's Vice Presidency for Business and Knowledge Creativity in cooperation with Wadi Makkah Company, the president said, concluding his speech extending thanks to Dean of College of Health Sciences at Al-Leith and participants who should be credited for the forum's success.