Laila Zowawi, a second-year medical student at Alfaisal University’s College of Medicine, represented Alfaisal University and Riyadh at the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale in Berlin, Germany, following her first-place win at Falling Walls Lab Riyadh.
Laila was selected among 100 winners of Falling Walls Labs held worldwide to present her research idea at the Global Finale. She was among the participants representing Saudi Arabia, alongside researchers from King Abdulaziz University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
At the Riyadh competition, Laila presented DengueTrace, a PCR-based system designed for the early detection of dengue virus in mosquitoes. The project explores a diagnostic approach to identifying dengue transmission and addressing a public health challenge through research and innovation.
The Global Finale brings together 100 selected participants from around the world, each given three minutes to present an idea addressing a scientific or societal challenge. One participant is selected for the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year award in the Emerging Talents category.
Laila’s participation builds on her experience in biomedical research and healthcare innovation. In 2024, she represented Saudi Arabia at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where she won third place internationally in Translational Medical Sciences for her research on antibody engineering and the development of receptor-targeting nanobodies as a potential approach to addressing MERS-CoV.
Her earlier achievements include winning first place in the 2023 Mawhiba Summer Research Program and placing third among the winners of the 2024 National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (IBDAA), where she also received special recognition from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
Reflecting on her experience in Berlin, Laila said:
“Representing Alfaisal University on this international stage was an experience I will always cherish. The opportunity also allowed me to attend lectures and sessions led by leading scientists and learn from their research and discoveries. I am grateful to the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University for its support and encouragement, and look forward to further developing my research idea and participating in more international competitions.”
Laila’s research research interests include infectious diseases and AI-based diagnostics, with a focus on translating scientific ideas into practical approaches to healthcare challenges.
