Maatouk Khoukhi | Bio Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maatouk Khoukhi | Bio Materials | Best Researcher Award

United Arab Emirates University | United Arab Emirates

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maatouk Khoukhi holds a PhD in Machine Intelligence & Systems Engineering (Tohoku University, Japan 2004), an MSc in Renewable Energy (Algeria 1993) and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Algeria 1991). He has held academic appointments at Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Saudi Arabia), University of Sharjah (UAE) and since 2017 at United Arab Emirates University (UAE) in Architectural Engineering. His research focuses on solar energy systems, building energy conservation, HVAC systems and sustainable built-environment technology. According to his UAEU profile he has produced 36 journal articles and 9 conference contributions (4 conference articles + 2 other papers) to date. Bibliometric data from AD Scientific Index lists his h-index as 16, total citations approximately 772, and about 53 papers with i10-index in that source. He has received multiple awards—including “International Research Scientist Award” (2024), and repeated recognition at UAEU for publishing in the top 5% of journals (2019-2023). In summary, Dr Khoukhi is an accomplished international academic with a strong publication record, recognised research impact, and significant contributions in building energy and solar technology.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Khoukhi, M., Gomez, A., Dar Saleh, A., Alkaabi, M., & Muhsenah, H. (2024). “Enhancing green building technologies and solutions in UAE university campus: a comprehensive assessment and validation approach.” Buildings.

Khoukhi, M. (2023). “Potential of form-pocketed design in mitigating heat in a university educational glazed-curtained building in the desert climate of UAE.” Energy and Buildings.

Kutty, N., Barakat, D., & Khoukhi, M. (2023). “A French residential retrofit toward achieving net-zero energy target in a Mediterranean climate.” Buildings.

Abdullah, A. K., Darsaleh, A., Abdelbaqi, S., & Khoukhi, M. (2022). “Thermal performance evaluation of window shutters for residential buildings: a case study of Abu Dhabi, UAE.” Energies.

Mohammad, A. F., Dar Saleh, A. F., Khoukhi, M., & Al-Marzouqi, A. H. (2022). “A new method for capturing CO₂ from effluent gases using a rice-based product.” Energies.

Rami Al-Rifai | Social Impact | Excellence in Research

Assoc Prof Dr. Rami Al-Rifai | Social Impact | Excellence in Research

 United Arab Emirates University | United Arab Emirates

Publication Profile

Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar

INTRODUCTION 🏥

DR. RAMI AL-RIFAI is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), where he has contributed significantly to public health research and education. A leader in the field of epidemiology, he has been recognized globally as one of the Top 2% most highly cited scientists from Stanford University for four consecutive years (2021-2024). Dr. Rami’s remarkable achievements span multiple facets of epidemiology, including infectious disease research, public health, and healthcare policy.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Rami’s academic journey began with his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from Jordan University of Science & Technology, completed in 2004 and 2007, respectively. His early training in medicine laid the foundation for his career in public health. He pursued a PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology from Tokyo Medical and Dental University, where he specialized in global health promotion. Upon completing his doctoral studies in 2014, Dr. Rami embarked on an illustrious career dedicated to advancing epidemiological research and teaching.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🧑‍⚕️

Since joining UAE University in 2017, Dr. Rami has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s research environment. His roles include Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Director of the PhD Program in Public Health, and Deputy Director of the MPH program. Dr. Rami has not only been a dedicated educator but has also held leadership roles in national health initiatives, including contributing to critical COVID-19 epidemiology efforts in the UAE.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS  ON Social Impact🧬

Dr. Rami’s research spans both infectious and non-infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on zoonotic diseases and their public health implications. His extensive portfolio includes 102 Scopus-indexed publications, with 89 of these published since joining UAEU. He also founded the Infectious Diseases Research Epidemiology Advancement Unit (IDERA) to further enhance research in infectious disease epidemiology across the UAE and beyond.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Dr. Rami’s research and leadership have not only had a substantial impact in the UAE but have also gained global recognition. With over 3,500 citations on Google Scholar and an i10-index of 45, his work continues to shape the discourse on epidemiology worldwide. Dr. Rami has played pivotal roles in national health initiatives, guiding policy decisions and providing evidence-based recommendations to healthcare authorities in the UAE. His involvement in the Mutaba’ah Study, the UAE’s largest longitudinal birth cohort study, is a testament to his commitment to public health.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS 📚

Dr. Rami has consistently been one of the top Scopus-indexed publishers at UAEU’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, ranking in the top five throughout various years. His research productivity has been exceptional, with his articles published in high-impact journals like Lancet and BMJ Open. His overall publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on producing high-quality, impactful research that contributes to global health advancements.

HONORS & AWARDS 🏅

  • Top 2% Highly Cited Scientist by Stanford University (2021–2024)
  • Excellence-Award-Winning Scholar from UAEU College of Medicine and Health Sciences (2020)
  • Google Scholar h-index: 25, i10-index: 49, with over 3,500 citations.
  • Ranked among the top Scopus-indexed publishers at UAEU from 2017-2024.

These accolades reflect the significant global impact of Dr. Rami’s contributions to epidemiology and public health.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🏆

Dr. Rami’s legacy will be defined by his continued research excellence, innovative contributions to epidemiological studies, and his role in shaping future leaders in public health. With ongoing projects focused on infectious diseases and public health policy, Dr. Rami is poised to leave a lasting mark on the field and inspire future generations to advance global health.

FINAL NOTE 🔍

Dr. Rami Al-Rifai’s career has been marked by an unwavering dedication to advancing the field of public health and epidemiology. His global recognition and commitment to training future public health leaders further solidify his status as a key figure in healthcare research. As a consultant, educator, and researcher, Dr. Rami continues to influence public health policies and initiatives not only in the UAE but across the world.

TOP NOTES PUBLICATIONS 📚

Gestational diabetes mellitus in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies

Authors: MS Paulo, NM Abdo, R Bettencourt-Silva, RH Al-Rifai
Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology 🧑‍⚕️🔬
Volume: 12
Issue: 691033
Pages: 146
Year: 2021 📅

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010–19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Authors: KB Tran, JJ Lang, K Compton, R Xu, AR Acheson, HJ Henrikson, …
Journal: The Lancet 🌍📚
Volume: 400
Issue: 10352
Pages: 563-591
Year: 2022 📅

Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease …

Authors: M Brauer, GA Roth, AY Aravkin, P Zheng, KH Abate, YH Abate, C Abbafati, …
Journal: The Lancet 🌍📚
Volume: 403
Issue: 10440
Pages: 2162-2203
Year: 2024 📅

Association between diabetes mellitus and active tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: RH Al-Rifai, F Pearson, JA Critchley, LJ Abu-Raddad
Journal: PLoS One 🧑‍⚕️💡
Volume: 12
Issue: 11
Pages: e0187967
Year: 2017 📅

Prevalence, years lived with disability, and trends in anaemia burden by severity and cause, 1990–2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Authors: WM Gardner, C Razo, TA McHugh, H Hagins, VM Vilchis-Tella, …
Journal: The Lancet Haematology 🩸💉
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: e713-e734
Year: 2023 📅

Age–sex differences in the global burden of lower respiratory infections and risk factors, 1990–2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Authors: HH Kyu, A Vongpradith, SB Sirota, A Novotney, CE Troeger, MC Doxey, …
Journal: The Lancet Infectious Diseases 🦠📚
Volume: 22
Issue: 11
Pages: 1626-1647
Year: 2022 📅