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Fowzan Alkuraya
Professor of Human Genetics, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University
Fowzan Sami Alkuraya is a prominent Saudi scientist and academic specializing in human genetics. He currently serves as a Professor of Human Genetics at Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is also the Chairman of the Department of Translational Genomics at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC). His academic journey began at King Saud University, where he graduated first in his class before pursuing further education in the United States, including a pediatric residency at Georgetown University Hospital and fellowships in clinical and molecular genetics at Harvard Medical School.125
Academic and Research Contributions
Prof. Alkuraya has made significant contributions to the field of genetics, particularly in understanding Mendelian disorders. He has published over 590 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on the identification of novel disease genes and their roles in various genetic disorders. His research has been pivotal in developing tools for early diagnosis and prevention of genetic conditions, especially those prevalent in the Arabian population.135
He has been involved in innovative projects such as the development of the "NanoRanger" genome sequencing system and an AI-driven RNA testing tool aimed at enhancing genetic disorder diagnoses. These contributions have not only advanced scientific knowledge but have also had practical implications for patient care.35
Awards and Recognition
Prof. Alkuraya's work has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
- The Curt Stern Award from the American Society of Human Genetics, recognizing his exceptional contributions to human genetics (the first non-US recipient).
- The King Salman Award for Disability Research.
- The William King Bowes Award for Medical Genetics from Harvard Center for Personalized Medicine.245
Current Roles
In addition to his academic responsibilities, Prof. Alkuraya recently took on the role of Chief Medical and Genomics Officer at Lifera Omics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing genomic medicine in Saudi Arabia.5 His extensive expertise continues to influence both local and international genetics research communities.
Prof. Alkuraya's commitment to understanding genetic diseases and improving health outcomes through research underscores his status as a leading figure in human genetics, both regionally and globally.




