SHSDIS’s research agenda is driven by a shared commitment to improving health, sustainability, and quality of life through interdisciplinary inquiry and practical impact. Across its research groups, the school examines the complex links between environmental change and human health, strengthens prevention of occupational injury and illness, advances population-level understanding of disease and policy, and explores innovative health systems and technologies that improve access, efficiency, and care quality. Together, these groups reflect a strong focus on solving real-world problems through evidence-based research, collaboration, and innovation. Their work supports healthier communities, safer workplaces, more responsive health systems, and more sustainable futures, while contributing meaningful knowledge to the UAE and beyond.
Research Groups
EcoHealth Innovation Group
Studies the interactions between environmental change, biodiversity and human health, integrating ecology, epidemiology and social sciences to reduce environmental health risks. Leader: Dr. Aseel Takshe.
Occupational Health Innovation Group
Researches the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses through stronger safety protocols, risk assessment and workplace health promotion. Leader: Dr. Aseel Takshe.
Population Health Analytics Research Group
Applies advanced methods to study disease patterns, causes and effects in populations, informing public health policy and interventions. Leader: Dr. Malcolm Price.
Innovative Health Systems and Technologies Group
Advances healthcare delivery through new health technologies, technology assessment, and data and financing models that widen access and quality. Leader: Dr. Mohammed AlKhaldi.
Research Grants
- Dr. Mohammed AlKhaldi, Principal Investigator (2025-2027): Health Technology Assessment System in UAE: From System Analysis and Understanding toward System Building and Strengthening
- Dr. Aseel Takshe, Researcher (2020-2023): Incentivising Acceptability of Climate Change Mitigation Measures in the GCC
Granted Intellectual Property and Innovation
Faculty in the School of Health Sciences, Digital Innovation and Sustainability hold registered intellectual property arising from their research.
Dr. Mohammad Nami, Associate Professor and Chair of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology, is a co-designer on three UK registered designs for devices supporting the earlier detection and monitoring of Parkinson's disease. His work bridges cognitive neuroscience and applied health technology, reflecting the School's focus on digital innovation in health.
The three registered designs
1. Real-Time Parkinson's Tremor Detection Device
UK Registered Design No. 6541691 | Registered 23 July 2026
A wrist-worn device designed to detect and monitor Parkinsonian tremor as it occurs, supporting continuous assessment outside a clinical setting.
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2. Quantum Wearable Bioelectromagnetic Diagnostic Device for Early Parkinson's Disease Recognition
UK Registered Design No. 6541692 | Registered 23 July 2026
A compact wearable sensor designed to detect bioelectromagnetic signals associated with the earliest stages of Parkinson's disease, when intervention has the greatest potential benefit.
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3. Parkinson's Disease Detection Device
UK Registered Design No. 6541693 | Registered 23 July 2026
A head-worn sensor array designed to capture neurological signals associated with Parkinson's disease, supporting diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
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Co-designers: Jayanth Kosagi-Sharaf Rao, Bharathi S. Gadad, Shrikanth Gadad, Mohammad Nami, Jagannatha Rao Kosagisharaf. Granted by the UK Intellectual Property Office.