University of Bahrain | Deanship of Graduate Studies & Scientific Research
Physical Space for Interdisciplinary Science Research
The University of Bahrain provides dedicated and shared physical space for interdisciplinary science research across its Sakhir Campus. These facilities are actively used by teams spanning two or more scientific disciplines and are open to researchers from all colleges engaged in science research.
The University of Bahrain confirms that it provides dedicated physical space for interdisciplinary science research. Flagship facilities include the BENEFIT Advanced AI and Computing Lab, the Cloud Innovation Center, the Center of Advanced Clinical Simulation, the Simulation Room, and the Electrical Machines Lab, and the Biology Department Research Labs (ten specialised laboratories organised around a shared Central Research Lab with HPLC, AAS, Microwave Digester and Muse Cell Analyser), together with shared infrastructure across the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Health and Sport Sciences, Information Technology, and Business Administration.
Overview of Shared Research Spaces
The University's interdisciplinary science research infrastructure combines dedicated partnership laboratories, shared college-based facilities, and centrally-managed resources. Access for interdisciplinary teams is coordinated through the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, with each facility having a designated coordinator who sits on or reports to the Interdisciplinary Science Research Committee.
| Facility | Location / Host | Role in Interdisciplinary Science Research |
|---|---|---|
| BENEFIT Advanced AI & Computing Lab | College of IT | HPC GPU cluster (10 nodes, 12 Nvidia GPUs, 6TB RAM, 100TB storage); teaching/meeting room for 20. Serves Computing, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and Medicine. |
| Cloud Innovation Center | College of IT | Dedicated facility with meeting rooms, offices, and locker storage. Powered by AWS and sponsored by Tamkeen. Serves Computing, Sustainability, Economics, and Medicine. |
| Center of Advanced Clinical Simulation | College of Health & Sport Sciences | Realistic hospital environment (emergency, ICU, PICU, NICU, labor/birth) with 15 high-fidelity manikins, debriefing and control rooms. Serves Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical and Clinical Engineering, AI and Computer Science. |
| Simulation Room | College of Business Administration | 200 m² space with 29 desktops and a 75-inch 4K interactive display integrated with the Refinitive database. Serves Economics, AI, Sustainability, and Agriculture. |
| Electrical Machines Lab | College of Engineering | Motors, generators, instrumentation, control systems, and visualization screens. Serves Electrical Machines, Control, and Electromagnetics disciplines. |
| Biology Department Research Labs | College of Science | Ten specialised laboratories (Marine Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Nutrition, Animal & Plant Tissue Culture, Terrestrial Ecology & Phycology, Development Biology, Aquarium) plus the Biology Central Research Lab (HPLC, AAS, Microwave Digester, Muse Cell Analyser). Serves Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Virology, and Pharmacology. |
| Central Research Laboratory (Biology) | College of Science | Shared analytical instrumentation (HPLC, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Microwave Digester, Muse Cell Analyser) accessible to researchers from all departments and colleges via a unified booking system. |
| Postgraduate & Researcher Collaboration Spaces | Deanship of Graduate Studies & Scientific Research | Shared offices, meeting rooms, and co-working areas allocated by the DGSSR to interdisciplinary teams for the duration of their funded projects. |
Interdisciplinary Facilities in Detail
The following facilities are used routinely by interdisciplinary science research teams. For each, the physical layout, equipment, disciplines integrated, physical integration with adjoining spaces, and research output are documented below.
1
BENEFIT Advanced AI and Computing Lab
Outputs
52 peer-reviewed research papers (full list: ailab.uob.edu.bh/publications).
Selected examples:
- Albalooshi, F. A., & Qader, M. R. (2025). Deep learning algorithm for automatic classification of power quality disturbances. Applied Sciences, 15(3), 1442.
- Gul, S., Iqbal, J., Bhatti, I. A., & Asghar, M. (2025). Exploring the NLO properties of theoretically designed Cu/Ag/Au-doped C3N4 systems through DFT analysis. Journal of the Chemical Society of Pakistan, 47(6), 558.
- Shaheen, A., Mrabah, N., Ksantini, R., & Alqaddoumi, A. (2025). Rethinking deep clustering paradigms: Self-supervision is all you need. Neural Networks, 181, 106773.
- Shanaah, H. H., Allangawi, A., Ahmed, U., Idrisov, E., Ali, N., Attique, S., Hanif, M. B., Mahmood, T., Iqbal, J., & Younis, A. (2024). Cobalt-doped graphitic carbon nitride: A multifunctional material for humidity sensing, electrochemical water splitting and environmental remediation applications. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 1008, 176498.
2
Cloud Innovation Center
Outputs
9 peer-reviewed research papers.
Selected examples:
- Determinants of cloud computing integration and sustainable performance. Heliyon (2023).
- Joseph, J. F., Chinnusamy, K., Jeganathan, J., Obaid, A. J., & Rajest, S. S. (2025). Pioneering AI and data technologies for next-gen security, IoT, and smart ecosystems (pp. 1–346). [Book/Monograph].
- Dash, C., Al Ansari, M. S., Kaur, C., Algani, Y. M. A., & Bala, B. K. (2025). Cloud computing visualization for resources allocation in distribution systems. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3137(1), 020038.
- Khan, S. I., Kaur, C., Al Ansari, M. S., Borda, R. F. C., & Bala, B. K. (2025). Implementation of cloud-based IoT technology in manufacturing industry for smart control of manufacturing process. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing, 19(2), 773–785.
3
Center of Advanced Clinical Simulation
4
Simulation Room
Outputs
26 peer-reviewed research papers.
Selected examples:
- Olutumise, A. I. Economic impact of AI on agricultural productivity. Springer (2026).
- Botero-Valencia, J. Machine Learning in Sustainable Agriculture. MDPI (2025).
- Ding, C. Advancing chemical engineering technology with AI. Oxford Academic (2025).
- Frontiers. Generative AI in chemical engineering and nanotech (2025).
Additional details on interdisciplinary outputs associated with this facility are maintained by Prof. Mehdi Mili (College of Business Administration).
5
Electrical Machines Lab
Outputs
18 peer-reviewed research papers.
Selected examples:
- Fnaiech, M. A., Trabelsi, M., Al-Khazraji, A., Taleb, M., & Vahedi, H. (2025). Design and implementation of PID adaptation mechanism for MRAS-based speed estimation of induction machine. IEEE Open Journal of the Industrial Electronics Society, 6, 1090–1100.
- Baseerah, S. (2025). Decelerative capabilities of eddy currents in electromagnetic braking systems: A reliable revolutionary technology in automotive industry.
- AlQassab, H., Aqeel, S. A., Jamil, T., Ali, Z., & Yousuf, H. (2024). Green synthesis of nanoparticles for sustainable degradation of pesticide contaminants in water.
6
Biology Department Research Labs (Sakhir Campus, College of Science)
The ten Biology Department research labs and representative interdisciplinary projects are summarised below.
| Lab Code | Lab Name | Disciplines Integrated | Representative Interdisciplinary Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| S41-0056 | Terrestrial Ecology & Phycology Research Lab | Biology, Botany, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Agricultural Science | Natural colourant extraction from Solanum melongena (brinjal) plant residues for sustainable textile dyeing; melatonin priming of sunflower for water-stress tolerance and nutraceutical value; traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of local plants. |
| S41-0073 | Marine Biology Research Lab | Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Ecology, Conservation | Heavy-metal pollution assessment in the Arabian Gulf; marine ecosystem diversity and conservation threats; effects of coastal reclamation on macrobenthic assemblages (microcosm studies). |
| S41-1051 | Biochemistry & Nutrition Research Lab | Biochemistry, Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science | Irrigation-regime effects on Khalas date palm yield with smart subsurface systems; fatty-acid composition of quinoa seeds grown in Bahrain. |
| S41-1067 | Central Research Lab | Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Environmental Science | Shared instrumentation hub (HPLC, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Microwave Digester, Muse Cell Analyser). Representative project: effect of drying process on phenolic, tannin and vitamin-C content of Barhi date palm fruits. |
| S41-1071 | Animal Tissue Culture Research Lab | Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science | Neutralising antibody evolution targeting vulnerable sites on the HCV E2 envelope glycoprotein; repeated heterologous HCV exposure and enhanced neutralising-antibody breadth. |
| S41-1091 | Development Biology Research Lab | Biology, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology | Comparative decolorisation of dyes in textile wastewater using biological and chemical treatment; co-digestion, pretreatment and digester design for enhanced methanogenesis. |
| S41-2059 | Microbiology Research Lab | Microbiology, Nanotechnology, Microfluidics, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Science | Bacillus-mediated biosynthesis of nickel nanoparticles using a microfluidic-network precise gradient (in progress); bacterial biological factories for desulfurisation of petroleum products (Fermentation, 9, 211). |
| S41-2080 | Molecular Biology Research Lab | Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Data Science | Continent-wide analysis of COVID-19 (cases, deaths, socio-economic and morbidity factors, 2020–2021 forecasting); molecular epidemiology and viral load of HCV in Punjab; short-term side effects of four COVID-19 vaccines in Bahrain (cross-sectional study). |
| S41-2107 | Plant Tissue Culture Research Lab | Plant Biology, Agricultural Science, Microbiology, Soil Science | Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria in Bahrain and their effects on abiotically-stressed plants. |
| S41-2083 | Aquarium | Biology, Nanotechnology, Dermatology, Pharmacology | Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Plumeria obtusa and their role in melanogenesis inhibition; anti-melanogenic potency of Geranium pelargonium (in silico, in vitro and in vivo). |
Illustrative Interdisciplinary Outputs
Research conducted in these labs consistently bridges two or more scientific disciplines and aligns directly with the University's strategic interdisciplinary clusters (Water–Energy–Food Nexus, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Health & Biomedical Innovation, and Sustainability, Climate & Environmental Economics):
- Microbiology × Nanotechnology × Microfluidics — Bacillus-mediated biosynthesis of nickel nanoparticles using a microfluidic precise-gradient generator.
- Biology × Chemistry × Environmental Engineering — Comparative biological and chemical decolorisation of textile wastewater; Bacillus-based biological desulfurisation of petroleum products.
- Molecular Biology × Epidemiology × Data Science — Continent-wide forecasting analysis of COVID-19 mortality (2020–2021) combining molecular data with socio-economic and morbidity factors.
- Virology × Immunology × Biomedical Science — HCV envelope-glycoprotein neutralising-antibody evolution and spontaneous clearance mechanisms.
- Plant Biology × Materials Science × Textile Engineering — Natural colourant extraction from Solanum melongena residues for sustainable fabric dyeing.
- Plant Biology × Nanotechnology × Pharmacology — Eco-friendly green-synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Plumeria obtusa and their melanogenesis-inhibition activity.
The Central Research Lab functions as a cross-college analytical hub. For example, the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and Microwave Digester are routinely used by teams from the College of Science (Chemistry, Biology), the College of Engineering (Environmental Engineering), and the Water–Energy–Food Nexus cluster projects described elsewhere in this evidence package.
Access for Interdisciplinary Teams
Interdisciplinary science research teams access physical research space through the following pathways:
- Teams funded through the University's interdisciplinary research call are automatically allocated appropriate laboratory or workspace at the relevant host facility for the duration of their project.
- Teams working in AI, data science, or computing disciplines are routed to the BENEFIT Advanced AI and Computing Lab for workspace, HPC access, and collaboration support.
- Teams working in cloud, IoT, or sustainability-linked computing disciplines are hosted at the Cloud Innovation Center.
- Teams in clinical, health-systems, or simulation-based research are allocated access to the Center of Advanced Clinical Simulation at the College of Health and Sport Sciences.
- Teams combining economics, sustainability, AI, and agriculture disciplines use the Simulation Room and its Refinitive-integrated visual workstation.
- Teams requiring analytical instrumentation (HPLC, AAS, Microwave Digester, Muse Cell Analyser) are routed to the Biology Department's Central Research Lab and associated specialised laboratories at the College of Science.
- Teams requiring electrical-machines infrastructure are routed to the Electrical Machines Lab at the College of Engineering.
- Teams working at the Biology–Chemistry–Environmental Engineering–Nanotechnology interface are hosted across the Biology Department's ten research labs, with shared benchspace and cross-department supervision coordinated by the Department and the DGSSR.
- Cross-college teams may be assigned shared offices and meeting space by the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research for the duration of their project.
Governance & Oversight
Physical space for interdisciplinary science research is coordinated centrally. Each flagship facility has a coordinator listed on the Interdisciplinary Science Research Committee, which reviews access, utilisation, and infrastructure needs as part of its standing responsibilities:
- Coordinator of the BENEFIT Advanced AI and Computing Lab.
- Coordinator of the Cloud Innovation Center.
- Coordinator of the Center of Advanced Clinical Simulation.
- Head of the Biology Department (responsible for access and utilisation of the ten Biology Department research labs and the Central Research Lab).
- Representatives from the College of Science and the College of Engineering.
The Committee identifies infrastructure and shared-facility needs related to interdisciplinary science research and proposes measures to enhance access to shared laboratories and research spaces, as part of its Facilities & Infrastructure function.
Contact
Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research
University of Bahrain, Sakhir Campus, P.O. Box 32038, Kingdom of Bahrain
Interdisciplinary Science Research Committee Secretariat: XXXXX@uob.edu.bh
BENEFIT AI & Computing Lab: ailab.uob.edu.bh
