(MENAFN- Weber Shandwick) Doha, Qatar, October 4, 2021: Global interest in the field of medical science and research has risen drastically amid the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplified by the widespread attention given to the rapid development of life-saving vaccines. And across the region, Qatar Foundation (QF) is devoting itself to advancing research, development, and innovation in healthcare – and supporting the researchers and inventors who make new solutions happen.
Stars of Science, the long-running edutainment TV initiative of QF, has a strong track record of presenting the world with medical inventions from talented Arab innovators. Its current Season 13 is no different, as it features a promising group of contestants from across the Arab world whose ideas can directly help the world’s fight against COVID-19 and other pressing health challenges.
This season of Stars of Science features Mugeb AlHarosh, a Yemeni biomedical engineer and Professor at Bauman Moscow State Technical University in Russia. AlHarosh is working on a Portable Renal Blood Flowmeter – a device that diagnoses preliminary kidney damage using non-invasive biosensors attached to the skin. The data is then uploaded through the Internet to physicians who can then conduct more accurate analysis of the patient’s case with the help of an algorithm.
Layth Hamad, a Jordanian engineer, is developing a Smart Medical Mask Kit to implement correct mask usage during the pandemic. The kit uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology and a phone app to track the placement and tension of a mask to the person’s face while also featuring special ultraviolet lights that disinfect the entire kit.
Season 13 of Stars of Science also features Lebanese engineer Ousama Kanawati, who is designing a Wearable Omni Stethoscope Vest which monitors patients’ lungs by weaving multiple digital stethoscopes and wireless technology into a specially designed vest.
The device processes and analyzes the audio data taken from the stethoscopes and provides an accurate assessment of the lungs. The vest then sends a signal to the patient’s physician, alerting them of any abnormalities, and is designed as a solution to many health-related problems, including COVID-19.
QF’s commitment to supporting and identifying healthcare innovation is reflected through the work of its World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) – a global healthcare community dedicated to capturing and disseminating the best evidence-based ideas and practices.
Sultana Afdhal, CEO of WISH, says the global healthcare initiative has brought much-needed awareness and stirred the discussion about the state of the health innovation field, with the 2020 edition of WISH’s biennial Summit highlighting technologies such as using social algorithms to predict and fight pandemics.
“One of the lessons that is likely to come out of the pandemic is the need for more locally sourced and produced medical treatments and devices, as this will be vital for fighting future pandemics and other health emergencies,” said Afdhal, adding that WISH seeks to promote Arab entrepreneurs and offer them the support they need to fully realize their inventions.
One example is Stars of Science Season 9 alumnus and finalist Dr. Ahmad Nabeel, a Kuwaiti doctor, innovator and researcher, who participated in the WISH Young Innovators program in 2018 with KLENS – a surgical optics enhancement technology that automates the cleaning process of the lens of the laparoscope, reducing the time spent on surgeries and enabling surgeons to focus solely on the operation.
Dr. Nabeel has joined the team of Professor The Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair at WISH, at Imperial College London, where he is further developing KLENS, in parallel with multiple other projects.
Stars of Science Season 13 airs from September 10, 2021, to October 22, 2021, online and on six channels in the region. Prof. Fouad Mrad will preside over a new crop of young innovators alongside new jury members Dr. Buthaina Al Ansari, Strategic Planning and Human Development Expert, and PD Dr. Walid Albanna, Stars of Science alumnus and Season 10 winner. For a full broadcast guide to Stars of Science Season 13, please visit
To apply to be on Stars of Science Season 14 and put yourself in with a chance of earning the title of the Arab world’s top innovator, visit
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