On behalf of the King, Prince Talal honors winners of the 2026 King Hussein Cancer Research Award
Honoring distinguished Arab researchers in cancer research, attended by Princess Ghaida Talal.
Translated by Alqyas from Al-Wasat — Original source
Representing His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Highness Prince Talal bin Muhammad honored the winners of the 2026 King Hussein Cancer Research Awards, in the presence of Her Highness Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, and a number of His Highnesses the Princes.
During the ceremony, Her Highness Princess Ghida delivered a speech stating, “I am delighted to celebrate with you tonight the winners of the King Hussein Cancer Research Awards, Arab scientists who prove that discovery can begin here, in our Arab world, and for our patients.”
The award is given annually to honor researchers with outstanding contributions to cancer research, encourage research efforts aimed at improving prevention and treatment methods, and enhance research collaboration at both the regional and international levels. The ceremony honored a select group of brilliant Arab scientists and researchers from hundreds of applicants representing more than 26 countries, in recognition of their impactful role in advancing cancer research and promoting scientific progress.
During the event, Dr. Nizar Tannir from the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas was awarded the “Special Excellence in Scientific Research” prize, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in kidney cancer research and treatment. Professor Dr. Amer Zidan from the Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center received the Lifetime Achievement Award – International Track, while Professor Dr. Imam Waked from Menoufia University received the Lifetime Achievement Award – Regional Track.
The Emerging Researcher Award – International Track was awarded to Dr. Mariam Shalaby from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, while Professor Dr. Amnia Attallah from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport won the Emerging Researcher Award – Regional Track.
Promising Researcher Grants were awarded to Dr. Zaid Abdul Rahman from the King Hussein Cancer Center and Dr. Philip Hussein Qubaisi from the American University of Beirut, in recognition of their promising research in the fight against cancer.
The Professional Development Program Award for Excellence in Cancer Patient Care was presented to the Bone Marrow Transplantation, Cellular Therapy, and CAR-T Therapy Program at the King Hussein Cancer Center, which performs more than 200 bone marrow transplants annually with success rates exceeding 75%.
The King Hussein Cancer Research Awards are among the most prestigious scientific research awards in the field of cancer in the Arab world. Launched in 2020 in memory of the late King Hussein bin Talal, may his soul rest in peace, the awards aim to encourage Arab researchers and scientists worldwide to elevate and develop their research, enabling them to confront and overcome cancer through advanced scientific methods.
Since its launch five years ago, the awards have contributed to building a robust Arab research community, receiving more than 950 applications from over 30 countries, which were evaluated by more than 15 international experts in research and oncology.
The ceremony was also attended by several ministers, members of the Awards Board of Directors comprising a select group of leading oncologists, physicians, and researchers from around the world, as well as academic figures, media personalities, and partners and supporters of the awards.
