المملكة: Recording my lecture in “Guinness” reflects the development of scientific research in the Kingdom
Research focuses on developing innovative treatment strategies for neurological disorders and enhancing mental health in the Kingdom
I am proud to have been promoted to the rank of professor as the first Saudi woman in the field of neuroscience
Improving the scientific research environment requires continuous support for innovation and infrastructure development
The awards I received supported my career by expanding my academic network
Professor of Neuroscience at the College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University and Head of the Neuroscience and Aging Research Unit at the King Fahd Center for Medical Research, Prof. Dr. Badra Saeed Al-Ghamdi said that scientific research is the basis for achieving sustainable development.
She stressed that the supportive university environment at King Abdulaziz University contributed greatly to the development of her research career, which included important research in the field of neuroscience and psychology, including studying the impact of psychological distress during the Corona pandemic.
D. Badra Al-Ghamdi
The protective role of melatonin in neurological disorders.
She explained in an exclusive interview with Al-Youm that the recording of her scientific lecture in the Guinness Book of Records reflects the progress the Kingdom has made in the field of scientific research, noting that the university’s support for male and female researchers through research centers and training programs has contributed to enhancing their capabilities and productivity. Below are the details of the interview that reveals her career, achievements and future aspirations.
And to the dialogue..
How did you get started in the field of scientific research? What inspired you to enter this field?
I started out after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery, where I completed my Master’s and Doctorate degrees at the University of Leicester in Britain.
There I learned the basics of scientific research and specialized in neuroscience research. My passion for scientific research has been with me since childhood, but it was strengthened when I worked among an elite group of researchers in the field of molecular neuroscience.
After returning to the Kingdom, I found a supportive environment at King Abdulaziz University, which enabled me to continue my research career.
How did the university environment at King Abdulaziz University help develop your research career?
The environment of King Abdulaziz University is ideal for scientific research. It supports innovation through advanced infrastructure and diverse training programs. Technical and financial support for research proposals, in addition to encouraging attendance at international conferences and cooperation with local and international researchers, has had a significant impact on my career. The university does not only do that, but annually celebrates distinguished researchers, which enhances the spirit of competition and creativity.
Lack of resources and lack of guidance
What challenges did you face as a researcher? How did you deal with it?
One of the most prominent challenges facing researchers is the lack of resources or lack of guidance. I dealt with these challenges by working in a stimulating environment such as the King Fahd Center for Medical Research, where I found an elite group of researchers who provided support and guidance. Also, challenges motivated me to continuously learn and search for innovative solutions.
Guinness Book of Records registration
I felt great pride and pride when my scientific lecture on scientific research was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.
This achievement reflects the extent of the development of scientific research in the Kingdom and its contribution to achieving Vision 2030.
The organization of the event by the Second Health Caucus was an incentive to provide distinctive content that reflects the importance of scientific research at the global level.
Tell us about your most prominent scientific research and its impact on the scientific community?
My research has focused on important issues, including::
Psychological distress during the curfew due to the Corona virus in the Kingdom.
PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protective role of melatonin in neurological disorders.
Mitochondrial medicine as a treatment option for neurological disorders.
This research has not only provided new therapeutic solutions, but has also contributed to enhancing our understanding of neurological disorders and their impact on public health.
How have university programs helped support your research career?
D. Badra Al-Ghamdi
The university has been and continues to be a major supporter of my research career. By establishing specialized research centers, providing training programs and workshops, in addition to supporting research initiatives financially and technically, the university contributed to enhancing my capabilities and enabling me to keep pace with global developments.
This support was not only financial, but also included enhancing the spirit of belonging and innovation among researchers.
What are your future plans in scientific research?
I am currently working on developing the Neuroscience and Aging Research Unit at King Abdulaziz University. We aim to study healthy aging and the factors affecting it. This project aspires to improve the quality of life of the elderly through accurate and innovative scientific research.
How can the role of women in scientific research be enhanced?
D. Badra Al-Ghamdi
The Kingdom has provided great support to women in the field of scientific research, providing them with equal opportunities to participate and excel. King Abdulaziz University in particular highlights the role of women by encouraging them to assume leadership positions and supporting their research initiatives, which enhances their role at the local and international levels..
What advice do you give to male and female students interested in scientific research?
I advise them to continue learning, participating in scientific conferences, and taking advantage of the opportunities to develop their research skills. Determination to achieve goals and openness to constructive criticism will contribute to achieving success.
How can the scientific research environment be improved?
Improving the scientific research environment requires continuous support for innovation and infrastructure development. Universities must create an environment that motivates researchers to confront challenges and turn them into opportunities, thus accelerating progress and excellence in academic institutions..
What personal achievement are you proud of?
I am proud to have been promoted to the rank of professor as the first Saudi woman in the field of neuroscience from the physiology track. This achievement reflects my commitment and dedication to the research field.
How have awards contributed to your career?
The awards I received supported my career by expanding my academic network and opening new horizons for international cooperation. It also contributed to enhancing the Kingdom’s position globally in the field of scientific research.
Do these achievements reflect the development of scientific research in the Kingdom?
certainly. The achievements achieved by Saudi researchers reflect the extent of progress the Kingdom has reached in scientific research.
These achievements highlight the quality of research personnel and encourage more investments in this field, as scientific research is an essential tool for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the Kingdom’s position globally.
I call on young men and women to seize the opportunities available to them in this field, and the Kingdom provides unprecedented support to promote innovation and scientific excellence..
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