Winner. Scientist of the Year 2026

Tabinda Hasan

Academic title, degree: MD, MSc, PhD in Anatomy
Fields of science: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Research interest: Neuroscience
Career Development: Senior
Organization: Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
Position: Assistant Professor
City: Riyadh
Country: Saudi Arabia

Dr. Tabinda Hasan is a medically trained anatomist and neuroscientist whose academic career is defined by sustained excellence in research, education, and scientific leadership. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Anatomy at the College of Medicine at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Her academic formation reflects a strong international foundation. Dr. Hasan earned her MBBS and MD from medical institutions accredited by the University of Toronto, followed by advanced postgraduate and doctoral training in Anatomy and Neuroscience at King’s College London. Her academic profile is further strengthened by specialized training in medical education at Harvard University and in learning systems design at the University of Michigan, demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based, innovation-driven pedagogy.

With over 15 years of academic and teaching experience, Dr. Tabinda Hasan has contributed extensively to anatomy and medical education across multiple institutions. She is recognized for her expertise in cadaveric dissection, clinical anatomy instruction, and competency-based medical training. Her teaching philosophy integrates foundational anatomical sciences with clinical application, aligning educational outcomes with international standards in medical training.

Dr. Hasan’s research portfolio is both extensive and impactful. She has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific publications spanning anatomy, neuroscience, medical education, and clinical research, with a strong global citation footprint exceeding 600 citations. Her scholarly work addresses a broad spectrum of topics, including Neuroanatomy, Vascular Morphology, Medical Pedagogy, and Translational Biomedical Science. Her contributions also extend to interdisciplinary domains such as Nanomedicine, Public Health, and Medical Ethics, reflecting a comprehensive and integrative research approach.

In addition to her academic and research roles, Dr. Hasan actively contributes to the global scientific community through conference participation, editorial involvement, and collaborative research initiatives. She has also served in advisory and leadership roles, contributing to curriculum development, academic governance, and international scientific collaboration. Her work consistently emphasizes the advancement of anatomical sciences through innovation, ethical research practices, and educational transformation.

Dr. Hasan’s work has been acknowledged through fellowships and professional memberships, including affiliation with the American Association of Anatomists and international scientific organizations, reflecting her standing within the global anatomical and biomedical research community.

Dr. Hasan’s achievements reflect a rare combination of scientific impact, educational innovation, and international recognition.

Her research excellence is evidenced by a substantial body of over 130 publications and a sustained citation record, leading to her recognition as a Most Cited Author by Thomson Reuters, underscoring the global reach and influence of her work. She has received multiple prestigious distinctions, including awards from Harvard Medical School for research excellence and academic innovation and recognition from Boston University School of Medicine for advancing ethical research practices.

Her international accolades include the Marie Curie Research Award, recognition at the International Human Anatomy Research Competition, and honors from global scientific forums and conferences, highlighting her leadership in anatomical research and education. She has also been acknowledged through best paper awards, keynote presentation recognitions, and international scientist distinctions across multiple high-level scientific platforms.

A defining aspect of Dr. Hasan’s contributions is her leadership in advancing anatomy education. She established a Surgical Anatomy Learning Office, a pioneering initiative at Princess Nourah University, introducing cadaver-based, competency-driven training programs for medical graduates and residents. This initiative represents a significant advancement in integrating clinical skills with anatomical science, enhancing surgical training outcomes and educational quality. The measurable impact of such programs includes significant improvements in technical skills, procedural confidence, and learner satisfaction in structured training environments.

Her contributions extend beyond research into academic leadership and institutional development. She has been recognized with awards for Excellence in Teaching, Scientific Leadership, and Educational Innovation, as well as being ranked among the Most Highly Ranked Scientists within her institution.

Collectively, her achievements demonstrate a sustained and influential contribution to Medical Sciences, advancing anatomical research, transforming medical education, and strengthening the integration of scientific knowledge with clinical practice at both institutional and international levels.