Lihadh Al-Gazali

Lihadh Al-Gazali
Born	November 1950 Amarah, Iraq
Occupation(s)	Geneticist, paediatrician, professor
Years active	1970s–2020
Known for	Clinical genetics research on inherited disorders in Arab communities; founding UAE Genetic Service and Research facility
Notable work	Over 280 scientific articles; discovery of novel hereditary diseases

Lihadh Al-Gazali () (born November 1950 in Amarah) is an Iraqi expert in genetics and paediatrics, with a focus on clinical genetics. She is a distinguished professor recognized for her work in uncovering inherited disorders within Arab communities through both clinical observation and molecular research. Growing up in Baghdad, she is the daughter of an educator and a military general.

Biography

Al-Gazali holds a professorship in Clinical Genetics and Paediatrics and has authored more than 280 articles published in international scientific journals. In 2006, The Lancet acknowledged her significant impact on clinical genetics across the Middle East. She was awarded the UNESCO-L’OREAL Prize for Africa and Arab States in 2008 for discovering novel hereditary diseases. Additionally, she earned the Takreem Award in 2014 for Scientific and Technological Achievement, which honors outstanding Arab professionals globally. In the United States, she was granted honorary membership in the Alpha-Omega-Alpha Medical Society, an honor reserved for eminent medical figures.

Following her MBCHB degree from Baghdad University in the early 1970s and initial training in paediatrics, she pursued genetic specialization in the United Kingdom at institutions in Edinburgh and Leeds. She is a fellow of both the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Al-Gazali dedicated three decades to teaching at UAE University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences until her retirement in 2020. During her tenure, she founded the UAE’s inaugural Genetic Service and Research facility, elevating it to meet global standards.

Her investigations have significantly deepened knowledge of autosomal recessive conditions common among Arab populations. For her efforts enhancing genetic services in the UAE, she received the Abu Dhabi Award in 2015, followed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence in 2019, alongside various other accolades such as the Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Sciences.

As a trailblazing female scientist, Al-Gazali has become an inspirational figure encouraging young Arab women to pursue careers in medicine and science. She has mentored prominent female geneticists across the region, is included in secondary education science materials, and has contributed to Nature Journal campaigns advocating gender balance within scientific fields. Her achievements are also showcased by the Canadian Museum for Science and Technology to promote women's involvement in STEM disciplines.

Internationally, Al-Gazali has played key roles as a founding member and former executive committee participant of the Center for Arab Genomic Studies. She has served on global scientific panels including the EU-GCC STI Program, UNESCO’s International Basic Sciences Program board, as well as editorial boards for leading scientific publications.

Personal life

Professor Al-Gazali is married to Dr. Wessam Shather and they have two daughters and one son.

Selected publications

• Baasanjav, S., Al-Gazali, L. "Defective Initiation of Proteoglycan Synthesis Leads to Cardiac and Joint Abnormalities." The American Journal of Human Genetics, July 2011, 89(1):15–27.
• Akawi, N.A., Al-Gazali, L., Ali, B.R. "Clinical and Molecular Characterization of UAE Fibrochondrogenesis Patients Broadens Phenotype and Identifies Two COL11A1 Homozygous Null Variants." Clinical Genetics, August 2012, 82(2):147–156.
• Al-Gazali, L., Walsh, C.A. "Homozygous Mutation in Tight-Junction Protein JAM3 Causes Brain Hemorrhage Destruction, Subependymal Calcification, and Congenital Cataracts." The American Journal of Human Genetics, December 2010, 87(6):882–889.
• Al-Gazali, L., Woods, C.G. "Novel NGF Mutation Elucidates Molecular Basis and Expands Phenotype Spectrum of HSAN5 Neuropathy." Journal of Medical Genetics, October 2010, 48(2):131–135.