Two faculty members from American University of Sharjah (AUS) were selected to have their projects funded by the GCC Research Program, to focus on generating more research capabilities and expertise within the GCC.

Dr. Ghaleb Husseini, Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Dr. Farid Abed, Professor of Civil Engineering, were among a number of other participants from GCC universities and institutions whose projects will be funded up to USD 80,000 per year for a maximum of three years.

Dr. Husseini's selected project is entitled "A Novel GelMA Hydrogel based Microfluidic Blood-Brain Barrier Prototype for in vitro Studies of Cancer Metastasis," while Dr. Abed's project is, "Performance of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer "BFRP" Reinforcing Bars under the GCC Harsh Environment."

AUS joined the GCC Research Program along with universities across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, to coordinate, refine and enhance collaboration between the GCC universities in all aspects of academic life. The program aims to establish/enhance research collaboration among GCC universities/institutions, foster collaboration between researchers and develop research networks, provide the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding researchers and research institutions within GCC countries, and much more.