Bahath
Clinical & Observational Research
Bahath (بحث, “research”) equips medical and healthcare students across the UAE to conduct and publish real scientific research, turning unmet clinical questions into published evidence.
Overview
Bahath is MedHack's clinical and observational research initiative, created to equip medical, healthcare, and MBBS students across the UAE with the practical skills needed to conduct and publish high-quality scientific research.
Designed for beginners, Bahath combines structured teaching with mentor-led, hands-on learning. Rather than studying research in theory, students work in small groups under experienced mentors to develop a publication-ready manuscript, earning authorship based on their contributions.
Ecosystem & the UAE
Bahath is the clinical and observational research arm of MedHack's ecosystem: the layer that generates evidence and develops the clinician-researchers behind it.
In the ecosystem
Where MedEngineers and Forge build engineering solutions, Bahath builds the evidence base. It turns real clinical questions into published research and grows a pipeline of clinician-researchers, mentors, and future leaders who validate needs and strengthen the innovations the rest of the ecosystem creates.
For the UAE
Bahath advances the UAE's vision for a knowledge economy and evidence-based healthcare by building homegrown research capacity: growing UAE-authored publications, cultivating a new generation of clinician-researchers, and sustaining a national community of scientific innovation.
Research Pathways
Students join one of two structured, mentor-led pathways, each ending in a publication-ready manuscript.
Literature Review
Learn to critically analyse and synthesise existing scientific literature to produce a publication-ready literature review.
Systematic Review
Learn internationally recognised systematic review methodology: literature searching, study screening, data extraction, evidence synthesis, and manuscript preparation.
How It Works
Every cohort moves from fundamentals to a finished, submittable manuscript.
Who It's For
Bahath is open to medical, healthcare, and MBBS students across the UAE. No prior research experience is required: the programme is built for beginners ready to make their first real contribution to the scientific literature.
What You Walk Away With
- Practical, transferable research skills built on hands-on experience.
- Named authorship on a completed, publication-ready manuscript.
- Guidance on submitting to relevant journals, such as PMC-indexed journals and the IJMS.
- Entry into MedHack's community of researchers, mentors, and future leaders.
Testimonials
I was the group leader for our research project, mainly coordinating the team and dividing the tasks. What I enjoyed most was sharing ideas and seeing our project develop into a completed research project.
Throughout the program, I saw everyone become more confident in research. It was a really valuable experience for me, especially in developing my teamwork and leadership skills. I would definitely encourage others to join Bahath as it is a great opportunity to learn more about research, gain practical experience, and work with others who share similar interests.
My role in Bahath was as a leader, and I pretty much enjoyed it because it gave me the chance to help my teammates and guide them.
I saw their growing need to communicate and work together so they could help each other complete the manuscript, despite being busy with their own classes and exams.
I would tell others to join because it helps guide you to know how to do a systematic review in a proper way without feeling lost.
I was part of the Bahath cohort and really enjoyed being involved in the research process and learning alongside my group. My favorite part was being able to explore new ideas, learn from others, and gain a better understanding of how research works in practice.
It’s a great way to get involved in research, meet people with similar interests, and learn a lot throughout the course. You might not know much about research at first, but our mentor was very supportive and always willing to help, teach, and answer questions.