Sainsbury Laboratory and Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology announce new strategic partnership

The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), United Kingdom, and the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KCGEB), United Arab Emirates (UAE), announce their new strategic partnership aimed at advancing research in climate-resilient plant immunity and biotechnology.

From left to right: Prof. Nick Talbot, Prof. Khaled Amiri and Prof. Sophien Kamoun

Source: Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

This collaboration combines TSL's world-leading expertise in plant-pathogen interactions with the Khalifa Center's extensive research into desert plants, creating a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions for enhancing crop resilience in the face of climate change.

The program will see an investment of £5 million from the Khalifa Center to foster research and collaboration on the topic. The partnership also includes scholarships for UAE University students to join TSL’s MSc in Global Plant Health. This will empower the next generation of international scientists with critical skills and knowledge in plant health, an area of growing importance in global food security.

Prof. Sophien Kamoun will take on the role of Khalifa Center's Group Leader at TSL and set up a dedicated research program, named 'XI', to spearhead joint research initiatives focused on plant-pathogen interactions and crop improvement.

The XI—Xerophyte Immunity—research program will explore novel aspects of plant immunity, with a particular emphasis on xerophytes—plants adapted to desert environments—and the microbes and pathogens associated with them.

Prof. Kamoun, Khalifa Center Group Leader at The Sainsbury Laboratory, says, "XI will address critical gaps in our understanding of the innate immunity of desert and dryland plants, exploring the unique adaptive features these plants have evolved to combat pathogens and pests. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is particularly affected by climate change, and as someone who originates from the region, I’m deeply motivated to apply cutting-edge technologies to advance our knowledge of xerophyte immunity and explore how this knowledge can be leveraged to enhance crop resilience in extreme environments."

The Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KCGEB) was established in 2014 by the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, with the vision of developing into a global leader in genetic engineering and biotechnology research. Research at the KCGEB is focused on exploring flora of the arid region to generate scientific knowledge to address the global challenges in the food security and sustainable agriculture practice through genomics, genetic engineering and biotechnological innovations.

Prof. Nick Talbot, Executive Director of The Sainsbury Laboratory, says "We are thrilled to collaborate with the Khalifa Center to address the pressing challenges of climate change and plant health. We have devised a radically novel vision for international scientific collaboration to address a major global challenge. This partnership marks the start of an international effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change through groundbreaking research and innovation in plant biotechnology."

Prof. Khaled Amiri, Director of the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, says, ″KCGEB’s vision is to pioneer advanced research in desert plant genomics to generate vital scientific knowledge for climate-resilient agriculture. We are committed to innovation and greatly value our collaboration, which enables us to develop genome-based solutions that enhance plant immunity in extreme environments. Together, we are addressing urgent agricultural challenges while laying the foundation for a sustainable, resilient future in the face of climate change.″

The Khalifa Center-TSL partnership will also facilitate a wide range of collaborative activities, including the exchange of knowledge and expertise, joint research projects, and a series of workshops and training programs, paving the way for future projects that will enhance global food security and climate resilience.