Global Cancer Research and Control Seminar Series 2025 (Upcoming Webinars)
Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 10:00am - 11:00am ET
Translating Health Care Technologies from Concept to Impact: Challenges and Opportunities in Global Cervical Cancer Prevention (Virtual)
Nirmala Ramanujam, Ph.D., Director, Center for Global Women's Health Technologies
Duke University
Nirmala “Nimmi” Ramanujam, Ph.D., is the Robert W. Carr Jr. Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering and a Professor of Cancer Pharmacology and Global Health at Duke University. In addition to serving as the Director of the Duke Center for Global Women’s Health Technologies, Dr. Ramanujam founded the Center in 2013 to catalyze impactful research and educational and community outreach activities that promote women’s health. She is recognized for creating globally accessible technologies for women’s health related to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
In 2023, Dr. Ramanujam was awarded the IEEE Biomedical Engineering Technical Field Award, given annually for outstanding contributions to the field of biomedical engineering. In 2019, she received the Social Impact Abie Award from AnitaB.org for making a positive impact on women, technology, and society. She was also elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2017. Dr. Ramanujam created the Calla Health Foundation to commercialize her technologies, in addition to a number of other initiatives and consortia–including WISH, (In)visible Organ, and IGNITE–that have far-reaching impact on cervical cancer, reproductive health, and engineering design education.
Abstract
This seminar will examine the intersection between the global burden of cancer, health inequities, and technology innovation. In the 21st Century, cancer has been a significant health and developmental challenge, contributing to suffering around the world. Like other noncommunicable diseases, cancer has created enormous health disparities. Today, it disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries, which account for the vast majority of cancer deaths. Using cervical cancer as a case study, Dr. Ramanujam will discuss how new biomedical engineering solutions can extend the reach of health care to a broader, more diverse population and explain how these innovations can be disseminated for broad impact.Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 10:00 - 11:00am ET
A Comprehensive National Approach to Breast Cancer Control: The Jordan Breast Cancer Program Experience (Virtual)
Nisreen Qatamish, Director General
King Hussein Cancer Foundation
Ms. Nisreen Qatamish is a recognized leader in social development, philanthropy, and the advancement of women’s and youth issues, as well as development policies. She currently serves as the Director General of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) in Jordan, the largest community-based nonprofit organization in the country. Under Ms. Qatamish’s leadership, the Foundation has solidified its position as a regional and international leader in cancer care. In this role, Ms. Qatamish directs fundraising and advocacy efforts; develops comprehensive communications and media strategies; fosters strong partnerships with public and private sector institutions; and plays a key role in garnering governmental support for the Foundation. An advocate for long-term sustainability, Ms. Qatamish has been instrumental in creating innovative financial strategies to secure the Foundation’s future. Notably, she spearheaded the establishment of the KHCF Endowment and the development of a cancer insurance program, advocating for its expansion nationwide as a comprehensive, socially inclusive model for cancer treatment funding. Ms. Qatamish holds a bachelor’s degree in resource management and the environment from the University of Jordan. She has also received specialized training in leadership, management, and policymaking from renowned institutions, including the American University of Beirut and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Previously, Ms. Qatamish served as the Executive Director of the Jordan Breast Cancer Program, a national initiative providing accessible, comprehensive early detection services for all women in Jordan. Through her leadership, the program successfully raised national awareness of breast cancer as a critical developmental issue, significantly improving early detection rates in the country. The program’s success has led to the adoption of its model across the Arab world, with over 18 Arab countries participating in its campaigns, and positioned Jordan as a regional leader in the fight against breast cancer. Ms. Qatamish is a seasoned consultant and trainer with expertise in leadership development, life skills, gender equality, advocacy, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability. She is a founding member of several high-level national boards and committees in both the United States and the United Kingdom.