Deputising for King Abdullah II, Prince Talal bin Muhammad honoured the recipients of the 2026 King Hussein Cancer Research Award, in the presence of Princess Ghida Talal, chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Centre (KHCC), and a number of other members of the Royal Family.
Addressing the ceremony, Princess Ghida said: “Tonight, we come together to honour and celebrate the winners of the King Hussein Cancer Research Award — Arab scientists who demonstrate that discovery can begin right here, in the Arab world, and for the sake of our patients.”
The award is presented annually to recognise researchers who have made outstanding contributions to cancer research, to encourage research aimed at improving prevention and treatment, and to foster scientific collaboration at regional and international levels.
The ceremony honoured a distinguished group of leading Arab scientists and researchers, selected from hundreds of applicants representing more than 26 countries, in recognition of their significant contributions to advancing cancer research and driving scientific progress.
Prof Nizar Tannir of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center received the Award for Excellence in Cancer Research for his outstanding achievements in kidney cancer research and treatment.
Prof Amer Zeidan of Yale Cancer Center received the Lifetime Achievement Award – International Track, while the Lifetime Achievement Award – Regional Track went to Prof Imam Waked of Menoufia University.
The Young Investigator Award – International Track was presented to Dr Myriam Chalabi of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, while Prof Omneya Attallah of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport received the Young Investigator Award – Regional Track.
The Promising Researcher Grant, which will fund their forthcoming cancer research projects, was awarded jointly to Dr Zaid Abdel-Rahman of King Hussein Cancer Centre and Dr Philippe Kobeissy of the Lebanese American University.
The Professional Development Programme for Cancer Care Excellence was awarded to the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Programme at King Hussein Cancer Centre, which performs more than 200 bone marrow transplants a year, with success rates exceeding 75 per cent.
The King Hussein Cancer Research Award is one of the most prestigious scientific awards in the field of cancer across the Arab world. Established in 2020 in memory of the late King Hussein bin Talal, it aims to encourage Arab researchers and scientists from around the world to elevate cancer research and to advance the fight against the disease, overcoming it through cutting-edge scientific approaches.
Since its launch five years ago, the award has helped to build a strong, established Arab research community, receiving more than 950 applications from over 30 countries, all evaluated by more than 15 international experts in cancer research and oncology.
The 2026 ceremony was also attended by several ministers and members of the award’s board of directors, which comprises some of the world’s leading oncologists, physicians and researchers, as well as prominent academic and media figures and the award’s partners and supporters.
