Abdullah F. Alghannam
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST | HEALTH INDUSTRY THOUGHT LEADER | RESEARCH INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Biography
Consultant, Lifestyle & Health | Public Health Authority, 2023 – Present
Assistant Clinical Professor in Exercise Physiology | College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, 2021 – Present
Research Scientist I | Lifestyle & Health Research Centre, 2021 – Present
Director of Lifestyle & Health Research Center | Health Sciences Research Centre, 2021 – Present
Consultant, Sports Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, 2021 – Present
ABDULLAH ALGHANNAM is an accomplished research scientist with over a decade of experience driving advancements in healthcare through innovative research strategies. His expertise encompasses research strategy and planning, team building and leadership, research project management, grant and funding acquisition, research ethics and compliance, collaboration and partnerships, data analysis and interpretation, research innovation and technology, and research publications. He has a proven track record of leading and inspiring multidisciplinary teams to achieve research excellence and deliver impactful outcomes. Abdullah is skilled in securing funding, cultivating collaborations, and forging partnerships with key stakeholders to support research initiatives. He has a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations and ensures adherence to the highest standards. Abdullah is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data-driven insights to inform evidence-based practices and shape the future of healthcare. His passion lies in
improving health outcomes, fostering innovation, and mentoring individuals to unlock their full potential.
Throughout his career, Abdullah has achieved many notable accomplishments. As a Scientific Lead Investigator, he led a collaborative project between the World Bank Group and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre focused on minimizing noncommunicable diseases in Saudi Arabia. He conducted an extensive umbrella review of global best practices in population-based approaches to maximize physical activity uptake. Abdullah also provided expert supervision and served on the esteemed scientific committee for MSc and Ph.D. students at renowned institutions, guiding their research and academic pursuits. He played a vital role in shaping and authoring the pioneering first-ever national 24-hour movement guidelines, setting a new standard for promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle throughout the country. Abdullah’s expertise in physiotherapy was leveraged as a Consultant at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, where he spearheaded groundbreaking research initiatives, secured funding, and published high-quality papers. Currently, Abdullah is a Consultant in Lifestyle & Health at the Public Health Authority. Here, Abdullah provides
expert consultation on cutting-edge strategies, policies, and lifestyle and health promotion guidelines. He
conducts comprehensive needs assessments and research to uncover emerging trends, risk factors, and
obstacles hindering the adoption of healthy behaviors. Abdullah fosters collaborative partnerships with
stakeholders and delivers impactful training sessions and workshops to enhance stakeholders’ lifestyles and
health promotion proficiency. Abdullah develops evidence-based programs tailored to diverse populations,
encompassing preventive healthcare, nutrition, physical activity, mental wellness, and disease prevention.
Known for being an empathetic and results-driven leader, Abdullah believes in empowering his team members
to express their thoughts and interests while supporting their personal development and the organization’s
strategic objectives. Abdullah is passionate, a motivator, and an inspiring leader who strives to unlock the full
potential of his team members, fostering an autonomous and growth-oriented environment.
Abdullah’s extensive credentials include a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism from the
University of Bath, United Kingdom, a PG Cert in Research Methods for Health from the University of Aberdeen,
UK, as well as several certifications in leadership and communication, project management, publications, quality
management, sports nutrition, football medicine, and more. He is an active member of several scientific and
educational committees and regularly provides thought leadership at workshops and conferences.