Prof. Khaled Amiri

Khaled Amiri is Professor of Molecular Genetics and Genomics in the Department of Biology at the United Arab Emirates University. He is also Director of the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the chairman of the Department of Biology.

Professor Amiri was involved in research very early on in his life and co-authored important research papers during his undergraduate studies. During his graduate studies at the University of Colorado’s Health Sciences Center, he worked on catalytic RNA in plant viroids.

Professor Amiri played a pivotal role in advancing and modernizing education and research in the Department of Biology and introduced the genomic field. He was the driving force behind establishing the Unit for Genomic Studies and Bioinformatics in the Department of Biology. Later, he was delegated to direct and develop the research at the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

Professor Amiri introduced different research platforms at the center to achieve its goal, and as a result, the center produced in a few years state-of-the-art basic and genomic research on date palm, red palm weevil, microbial-host interaction, and the development of genetically modified plants that are tolerant of abiotic stress as part of food security efforts.

Moreover, he spearheaded genomic research on birds, including the identification of genetic variants involved in the egg-laying size in the houbara bustard and falcon feather colors.

He published many important research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Professor Amiri is the recipient of several awards, including the Chancellor’s Award for Innovation and as an undergraduate student he obtained the Young Investigator Award in the USA. He also received several research grants for work involving genomics and functional studies. Professor Amiri has an extensive experience of international collaboration and participated in many conferences, symposiums, and workshops.