.PNG)
Office of the President
Published
27 aug 2025
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Key Takeaways to remember:
The discussion underscored the idea that impactful work in medicine and science must transcend mere technical quality; it should have the power to influence institutions, shape policies, and elevate communities. Originality was emphasized as the lifeblood of research, requiring students to cultivate curiosity and courage as they venture into uncharted intellectual territory. Passion was portrayed not as an accessory to great work, but as its very engine, sustaining perseverance in the face of obstacles and criticism.
Another major insight was the recognition that research excellence demands both boldness and resilience. True innovation often involves risk: stepping into uncertain ground with the understanding that constructive criticism and adaptation are inseparable from progress. At the same time, the Dean highlighted the need for balance: the intensity of academic pursuit must be tempered with sustainability, ensuring that the pursuit of discovery remains a source of growth rather than exhaustion.
Together, these lessons serve as a guiding compass for CARDIG-Jerusalem: to pursue research with courage, originality, and balance, always mindful that the ultimate goal is not only academic recognition but also the long-term well-being of society.
A Meeting of Institutional Gravity: the Dean receives CARDIG-Jerusalem
Jerusalem, 26 August 2025 — In a meeting held with notable gravitas at the Deanship office of Al-Quds University on Sunday, the Cardiology Interest Group of Jerusalem, CARDIG-Jerusalem, secured the formal endorsement of Professor Elham Kateeb, who attended in her capacity as Dean of Scientific Research. Professor Kateeb, BDS, MPH, PhD, is Professor of Dental Public Health at Al-Quds University, a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health, a Councilor at the World Dental Federation FDI and President of the IADR Palestine Section. Her presence lent a measure of institutional authority to the discussion and signalled the Deanship’s considered attention to student-led scholarly endeavor.
Presentation of Vision and Institutional Readiness
The student delegation, led by Internal President ZainEdeen Zyadah and accompanied by Vice President Seham Madaka, Cardiology Research Officer Elie Malki and Cardiology Journal Club Officer Yaman Ayasa, set forth a deliberate and fully formed programme to advance cardiovascular education, research and student scholarship at the University. They presented CARDIG-Jerusalem as an organized student initiative aligned with the mission and resources of the American College of Cardiology, emphasising how formal affiliation would open sustained channels of mentorship, access to the JACC family of journals and broad international collaboration that would enhance both student training and institutional research output. The delegation’s presentation combined practical infrastructure already in place, including a website, bylaws and a student research portal, with a clear pledge to operate in harmony with existing university research bodies.
Empowering Local Research Capacity Building, Not Replacing It.
Internal President ZainEdeen Zyadah was careful to underline that CARDIG-Jerusalem does not seek to replace or compete with existing associations such as the Medical Research Club or the Scientific Research Unit. On the contrary, he emphasized that the group’s purpose is to strengthen the research ecosystem, to complement current structures and to amplify the collective efforts of all scholarly initiatives within the University. In his words
“We will be the first Cardiology Interest Group recognized by the American College of Cardiology in Palestine, but our vision does not stop at being first. Our vision is to achieve excellence, to stand shoulder to shoulder with international student initiatives and to offer our University an institution that reflects professionalism, structure and global reach. We have built a solid foundation that includes a dedicated website, bylaws, a brand manual, official emails and an advanced student portal that hosts a medical library and academic resources, all devoted to the benefit of our fellow students.”
Elie Malki, in his capacity as Cardiology Research Officer, addressed a crucial weakness in local research practice, namely the limited mastery of statistics and advanced methodology. He explained how integration with international platforms could provide both mentorship and practical resources to strengthen research capacity. He described CARDIG-Jerusalem as not only a group for student engagement but as an academic infrastructure designed to cultivate genuine scientific output. “Through the resources of the American College of Cardiology and through local collaborations with our University’s structures, we can build a stronger, more productive research culture that responds to the needs of our students and our society,” Malki affirmed.
Institutional Formal Endorsement
Professor Kateeb listened attentively to the delegation’s proposals and commended the group for its professionalism and clarity of purpose. She affirmed that well-built, student-led initiatives of this kind strengthen the University’s scholarly profile and provide essential pathways for the development of future clinician scientists. As a direct consequence of the meeting, the Deanship of Scientific Research issued a formal letter of endorsement in support of CARDIG-Jerusalem’s establishment and recognition. The Deanship’s endorsement affirms the initiative’s alignment with Al-Quds University’s regulations and ethical standards, and it underscores that the group will operate in harmony with existing institutional associations while advancing specialized academic growth and student innovation.
To whom it may concern,
The Deanship of Scientific Research at Al-Quds University is pleased to extend its formal endorsement for the establishment and recognition of the Cardiology Interest Group of Jerusalem (CARDIG-Jerusalem).
CARDIG-Jerusalem is a student-led initiative dedicated to advancing cardiovascular education, research and public engagement. Its mission and activities are fully consistent with the regulations, rules and ethical standards upheld by Al-Quds University and the Deanship of Scientific Research.
We emphasize that CARDIG-Jerusalem does not override or duplicate the work of existing associations or institutional bodies. Rather, it complements the broader mission of the University by fostering specialized academic growth, promoting research capacity and encouraging student innovation in alignment with the values of professionalism, collaboration and integrity.
Through its planned academic and research-oriented activities, including access to international resources and networks such as those provided by the American College of Cardiology, CARDIG-Jerusalem will contribute meaningfully to enriching the research environment at Al-Quds University. It will provide students with opportunities to expand their academic horizons while maintaining strict adherence to the University’s standards of scientific rigor and ethical conduct.
The Deanship of Scientific Research strongly supports the recognition of CARDIG-Jerusalem as an official student initiative, and we look forward to its constructive contributions to the University’s academic and research community.
Sincerely,
Elham Kateeb, BDS MPH PhD
A Platform for Global Engagement and Local Impact
The endorsement furnishes CARDIG-Jerusalem with an authoritative platform from which to pursue formal recognition by international partners and to seek collaborative opportunities that will benefit Al-Quds students. The group’s intention to affiliate with the American College of Cardiology is presented as a means to open channels of mentorship, access to international scholarship and participation in collaborative research initiatives. At the same time, CARDIG-Jerusalem’s leaders reiterated their determination to channel such external resources toward strengthening local research practice, improving methodological skills among students and expanding opportunities for meaningful scholarly contribution.
Next Steps and AQU Recognition
With the Deanship’s formal support now secured, CARDIG-Jerusalem will advance its recognition dossier and continue detailed coordination with the Medical Research Club, the Scientific Research Unit and the Deanship of Scientific Research to ensure complementarity, responsible data governance and shared training programmes. The group will prioritise capacity building in statistics and research methods, will expand its journal club activities, and will develop practical pathways for students to engage in ethically supervised research. These steps are intended to translate endorsement into tangible scholarly outcomes and to build a legacy of excellence for future cohorts.
A Remarkable Moment and a Student Promise
This endorsement represents a pivotal moment in CARDIG-Jerusalem’s trajectory. It affirms the University’s willingness to nurture student-led scholarship and places the group within the formal structures that sustain academic endeavour. For CARDIG-Jerusalem, the Deanship’s backing is both an honour and a charge to proceed with diligence, integrity and measurable impact. The leadership accepts that charge and stands resolved to convert institutional trust into sustained educational opportunity, rigorous research and civic contribution.
For further information or press enquiries, CARDIG-Jerusalem may be contacted through its Secretariat Office at secretary@cardig.me. This article is published by CARDIG-Jerusalem for the information of students, faculty and partners.
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