Following their participation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Dr. Dena Al-Thani and Dr. Marwa Qaraqe from the A-Sense Center of Excellence at Hamad Bin Khalifa University visited several world-leading institutions in the United States to exchange expertise and explore new avenues for research collaboration.
Their visit to Manhattan’s Child Center offered insights into early intervention and educational programs that empower children and families. At the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program, they engaged with researchers advancing clinical and technological approaches to inclusion. The Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services presented innovative models for adult transition, vocational training, and independent living. Similarly, the International Academy of Hope highlighted technology-driven approaches to specialized education for students with brain injuries and complex needs.
The visit concluded at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, a joint initiative of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, where they explored integrated models of clinical care, research, and family engagement.
These institutional visits provided valuable opportunities to learn from pioneering practices in inclusive education, digital health, and clinical innovation, areas closely aligned with HBKU’s mission to advance impactful, human-centered research and global collaboration.
