FigureAsia 35 Under 35 · Healthcare
Mira Mousa
Age 28 · Population genomics and women's health · Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Young principal investigator contributing to a 43,608-person UAE genome analysis while establishing a women's gynecologic-health programme.
- Approximate age at 31 December 2025
- 28
- Field
- Healthcare
- Country or region
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- FigureAsia U35 Assessment
- 84.0 / 100
Profile
Career and documented record
Mira Mousa works at the scale where genomics becomes public-health infrastructure. In 2025, she was first author of a UAE Genome Program preprint analysing 43,608 participants and releasing code for scrutiny. The study sought to characterize population structure and variation in a cohort that is poorly represented in the global genomic literature.
At Khalifa University, Mousa has also established MAR'A, a programme centred on women's gynecologic health. The combination matters: representative population data are only useful when connected to disease questions, recruitment practices and clinical priorities that reflect the people a health system serves. Her prior genome-wide association work and current laboratory role show a coherent path from methods to an independent research agenda.
The large UAE analysis remained a preprint at the assessment date and should not be described as peer-reviewed. Cohort size does not remove concerns about consent, re-identification, representation or clinical interpretation. Mousa's inclusion rests on the scale of the resource, visible first authorship and the creation of a women-centred genomic programme in West Asia.
FigureAsia selection
Why Mira Mousa is on the list
FigureAsia selected Mousa because she is helping determine whose biology becomes legible in precision medicine. A 43,608-person analysis can materially improve population representation, and her independent focus on gynecologic health gives that infrastructure a clear clinical direction. The score is moderated for preprint status and the absence of patient outcomes; the work is recognized as evidence creation, not as a completed clinical intervention.
Verified work
The 2025–26 record
Principal milestone
43,608 participants in the UAE genome analysis
Evidence record
First-author preprint with code availability
Scale or implementation
Independent women's gynecologic-health programme
Field context
The work in its field
Within population genomics and women's health, the relevant test is whether a result can survive scrutiny of maturity, attribution, validity and practical fit. That distinction matters: completed evidence is not projected benefit, and individual responsibility is not interchangeable with the wider team’s achievement.
FigureAsia U35 Assessment
Assessment breakdown
84.0out of 100
Substantive 2025–2026 contribution
18 / 20
The score reflects completed 2025–26 work in population genomics and women's health, assessed at the documented maturity of large-cohort genomic research; preprint.
Verified impact
12 / 15
Impact credit is limited to the measured study, regulatory, implementation or operating record stated in the profile; unsupported patient benefit is excluded.
Originality and distinction
8 / 10
The work creates or materially advances a distinctive capability within population genomics and women's health rather than relying on title or institutional association.
Field and industry influence
7 / 10
The assessment recognises demonstrated effects on research, product development, care delivery or professional practice, with publicity alone carrying no weight.
Individual agency
9 / 10
Named authorship and the documented role of Assistant Professor of Computational and Systems Biology establish individual responsibility while preserving credit for collaborators.
Durability and trajectory
4 / 5
The cited work forms part of a continuing programme, platform or research trajectory rather than a single uncompleted announcement.
Asian significance and global relevance
5 / 5
The Asian connection is material to the person's identity, operating base or populations served: Iraqi genomic scientist working in the United Arab Emirates.
Clinical and scientific validity
5.6 / 7
Clinical and scientific validity is calibrated to large-cohort genomic research; preprint, with the profile retaining the evidence boundary attached to the result.
Safety, quality and responsible governance
5.6 / 7
Safety and governance credit reflects accurate regulatory language, study limitations, data stewardship and the refusal to turn early evidence into clinical certainty.
Translation and care-pathway fit
4.8 / 6
The work is scored for its demonstrated fit with a laboratory, regulatory, clinical, operational or public-health pathway, not for projected future adoption.
Access, equity and resource stewardship
5 / 5
Access credit reflects documented reach, capacity, affordability or inclusion while distinguishing service volume from proven clinical outcome.