Dr. Alya A. Arabi is Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences at UAEU (2020-). In 2012, Dr. Arabi received her PhD in Chemistry from Dalhousie University, Canada. In 2008, she was awarded a Bachelor of Sciences Honors degree with highest aggregate from Mount Saint Vincent University joint with Dalhousie University, Canada. Dr. Arabi received numerous prestigious awards including the Killam Predoctoral Scholarship, and NSERC Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral. Dr. Arabi accepted Adjunct Faculty positions at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada, and Abu Dhabi University, UAE (2012-2013). She then joined the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University, UAE, as an Assistant Professor (2014-2018), and as an Associate Professor (2018-2020). Her research interests lie in the investigation of biochemical systems using computational tools. She studies 1) the effect of external factors such as electric fields and intercalators on mutations in DNA, and 2) drug design.

Session Title: Towards Inclusive Science: Empowering Women Scientists

Presentation title: Women Scientists in the Arab World: Success and Strategies

ABSTRACT

This talk begins by highlighting the global framework of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), with particular focus on its significance within STEM disciplines. It then covers the contributions of women scientists in the Arab world, emphasizing their growing impact on advancing scientific fields over the years. The challenges faced by women in science, which may hinder their full potential and contributions to STEM, will also be discussed. The talk further explores how EDI principles and practical strategies can be applied to overcome these barriers for women scientists in the Arab world. Throughout the talk, examples of inspiring success stories of women in sciences will also be shared.