Dermatology Research in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Hopes

Medical and clinical research in the Kingdom is still in its infancy. Dermatology research in particular is hampered by several factors, including insufficient funding and lack of collaboration across research centers. Consanguineous marriages are common and genetic disorders are substantially common. Research in these subjects should be highly encouraged. Young dermatologist should be encouraged to involve in scientific research. Only 140 dermatology research papers were published between 1966 and 2004 from research institutions in theGCCstates, with Saudi Arabia being the main contributor. The number of academic dermatologists recruited to universities should be increased. More international collaboration should be established. Medical institution should reexamine research policies and planning in order to improve the quality of research to meet the Kingdom’s needs.